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Populous / Belmont Modernization Project

Construction of a new Belmont Park is on schedule, and New York Racing Association officials are shooting for a “modified” Belmont Stakes at the track in 2026.

BloodHorse reported that officials also are confident that the track could host the Breeders’ Cup later that year.

The comments were made during a Wednesday meeting of the New York State Franchise Oversight Board. Glen Kozak, NYRA’s executive vice president of operations and capital projects, said the association would consider holding the Belmont Stakes at the track in 2026 if it can be done “in a manner that’s appropriate.”

The Belmont Stakes was held at Saratoga this year and will be again next year as the $455 million construction project continues at Belmont Park.

John Krush, NYRA’s project executive for the makeover, said construction is on target to start fall racing at Belmont Park on Sept. 11, 2026.