Belmont Park Unveils Extensive Winter Racing Program with 28 Stakes
Belmont Park is gearing up for an action-packed 2026-27 winter racing season, commencing on December 10. The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has announced a robust schedule comprising 28 stakes races, collectively offering nearly $5.7 million in prize money. This upcoming meet marks a significant shift with the exclusive use of the newly installed one-mile Tapeta surface for all winter competitions, ensuring a reliable and all-weather racing environment. The schedule is highlighted by notable adjustments to existing races, such as the Red Smith Stakes moving to Tapeta and being shortened, and the introduction of the Empire Trillium Series, a lucrative program designed for horses bred in New York or Canada.
The winter meet's calendar is meticulously planned, featuring a series of high-profile events that cater to various age groups and distances. From the early December kickoff with the Say Florida Sandy and Broadway stakes, to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks prep races like the Withers and Busanda in January, and culminating with the prestigious Grade 2 Suburban and Gotham Stakes in February, the program offers continuous excitement. These races not only provide substantial purses but also crucial points for aspiring contenders on the road to the Triple Crown and other major championships, underscoring Belmont Park's commitment to top-tier thoroughbred racing throughout the year.
Belmont Park's Winter Racing Extravaganza
Belmont Park is poised to launch its 2026-27 winter racing season on December 10, presenting an impressive lineup of 28 stakes races that collectively boast nearly $5.7 million in prize money. This extensive schedule is designed to provide continuous high-quality racing action throughout the winter months, with a particular focus on utilizing the newly installed one-mile Tapeta track. This all-weather surface will be the exclusive racing ground, ensuring consistent conditions for both competition and training, thereby enhancing the integrity and reliability of the winter meet. The calendar features a mix of established races with significant modifications and new, exciting series to engage horsemen and fans alike.
The winter meet at Belmont Park is set to open its gates on Thursday, December 10, and will extend through March, with the exact conclusion date to be determined in conjunction with NYRA’s 2027 race dates and in anticipation of the Wood Memorial. The implementation of the one-mile Tapeta oval as the sole racing surface for the winter program is a strategic move, offering a consistent and dependable racing environment regardless of weather conditions. This also provides an invaluable year-round training option for horses stabled at Belmont Park. The stakes action commences on Saturday, December 19, with a pair of $150,000 six-furlong events: the Say Florida Sandy, for New York-breds, and the Broadway, for state-bred fillies and mares, both of which have been adjusted from their previous seven-furlong distances. The following Saturday, December 26, will feature the Grade 2, $250,000 Red Smith at 1 3/16 miles, notably shortened from 11 furlongs and transitioned from turf to the Tapeta surface. This day will also mark the start of the Empire Trillium Series, a significant 14-race program totaling $3.2 million, exclusively for New York- or Canada-foaled horses, with four $200,000 events including the Tiz the Law and Bar of Gold (both six furlongs for juveniles), and the Gander and Saratoga Dew (both 1 1/16 miles for juveniles).
Key Stakes and Championship Prep Races
The 2026-27 Belmont Park winter meet will be rich with pivotal stakes races, many of which carry significant implications for future championships. January kicks off with the $150,000 Ladies for older fillies and mares, followed by a major card on January 16 featuring four stakes, including the $175,000 Toboggan and Interborough for older horses at 5 1/2 furlongs. The highlight of this day will be the $175,000 Withers and $150,000 Busanda, both at 1 1/16 miles, offering crucial Kentucky Derby and Oaks qualifying points respectively (20-10-6-4-2). These races, particularly the Withers, have been adjusted in distance to better prepare sophomores for classic races. Further into January, the Empire Trillium Series continues with two $300,000 nine-furlong legs for three-year-olds: the Long Island Derby and Long Island Oaks, complemented by state-bred stakes like the Alex Robb and Bay Ridge, both extended to 1 1/16 miles.
February brings the crescendo of the winter meet's stakes schedule, headlined by the Grade 2, $500,000 Suburban on February 20, now contested at nine furlongs for older horses, a significant shift from its traditional summer slot. This marquee day also features the Grade 3 Gotham, a critical Kentucky Derby prep race with its purse increased to $400,000 and distance extended to nine furlongs, awarding 50-25-15-10-5 points. Supporting races on this card include the Grade 3 Tom Fool at six furlongs, the listed $175,000 Top Flight and $150,000 Correction for older females, and the listed $175,000 Busher, another key Kentucky Oaks prep race, extended to 1 1/16 miles and offering 50-25-15-10-5 points. The following Saturday, February 27, will see two more $200,000 Empire Trillium events at six furlongs: the Elmont for sophomores and the Queens Village for sophomore fillies. The stakes program will conclude in March with a pair of $150,000 six-furlong races for three-year-olds: the Ruthless for sophomore fillies on March 13, and the Jimmy Winkfield on March 14, rounding out a comprehensive and competitive winter racing calendar at Belmont Park.