Live horse racing returns to Belmont Park for 2023 season

Following a nearly eight-month stay at Aqueduct Racetrack, live racing on the New York Racing Association, Inc. circuit returned to Belmont Park on May 4 for the 2023 spring/summer meet. 

The nine-race opening day card began with a maiden special weight dirt sprint, won by Princesa Celina under muddy conditions with jockey Jose Ortiz aboard.

“Belmont is my favorite track and it’s great to be back,” said Ortiz, who won two additional races on opening day. “It’s a beautiful track to ride at and it’s home for me.”

The 40-day spring/summer meet will be highlighted by the 155th running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 10, with eight additional Grade 1 races scheduled over the three-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival beginning Thursday, June 8. 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown triumph, which NYRA will commemorate throughout the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. For additional information on the 2023 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and details on hospitality offerings, ticket packages and pricing, visit BelmontStakes.com. 

 Live racing will generally be conducted Thursday-Sunday throughout the spring/summer meet with a post time of 1 p.m. Eastern. Twilight racing cards will be offered each Thursday from May 11 through June 22 with a post time of 3:05 p.m. 

A season pass for the spring/summer meet provides admission for all 40 days, including guaranteed general admission for Belmont Stakes Day, for just $65. Daily admission remains at $5. 

In addition to the various concession areas located throughout the grandstand and backyard, the Belmont Room will be open Friday-Sunday for its customary buffet service.

Gates will open to fans at 11:30 a.m. for all days featuring a 1 p.m. post time. Gates will open to fans at 1 p.m. for all twilight Thursday programs.

The completion of the new Elmont Long Island Railroad (LIRR) Station means that Belmont Park is easier to get to than ever before. To accommodate fans utilizing LIRR service, NYRA will operate regular shuttle bus service from the Elmont station to the West End entrance throughout the day. Please note, the Belmont Park LIRR station will operate only on Belmont Stakes Day. 

Fans planning on driving to Belmont Park can access free parking in the Green and Blue lots. Premium parking is available in the Silver ($5) and Gold ($10) lots. With the exception of Belmont Stakes Day, parking lots open to the public at 10 a.m. daily. 

NYRA reminds fans that small coolers containing food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted in the backyard and in the trackside Top of the Stretch picnic area. Coolers larger than 12” x 6” x 12” are permitted only in the Top of the Stretch. Outside alcoholic beverages are permitted only in the Top of the Stretch. 

For information on the Top of the Stretch picnic area, as well as additional group hospitality options available at Belmont Park, visit NYRA.com/Hospitality.