In June 2025, horse racing fans will turn their attention to Saratoga Springs, New York, as the Belmont Stakes returns to Saratoga Race Course. This historic Triple Crown race will headline the five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, running from June 4, 2025 to June 8, 2025. The main event takes place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, offering high-stakes action in a temporary but iconic new setting for one of racing’s most prestigious events.
A Legacy of Speed
The Belmont Stakes holds a profound place in the history of American thoroughbred racing. Named in honor of August Belmont, the race is distinguished as the oldest event among the coveted Triple Crown series. Its origins trace back to 1867, making it one of the nation’s most enduring sporting traditions.
It ranks as the third-oldest horse race ever contested in North America. Over its long history, the Belmont Stakes has been the stage for countless legendary moments, from Secretariat’s awe-inspiring, record-breaking victory to Justify clinching the thirteenth Triple Crown title.
Each running adds another layer to its rich tapestry, and the 157th edition in 2025 is poised to continue this legacy.
Five Days of Racing
The 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival offers more than just the main event—it is a five-day celebration of elite thoroughbred racing. Fans closely follow Belmont betting odds across multiple races, watching them shift with each result or lineup change. With a full schedule of stakes races spanning various distances, surfaces, and horse divisions, the festival delivers nonstop action and showcases the sport’s depth and diversity.
Midweek Racing
The festival kicks off mid-week, setting the tone with two days of competitive racing on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, and Thursday, June 5, 2025. Wednesday’s card shines a spotlight on New York-bred (NYB) talent, featuring a lineup of stakes races each offering a $200,000 purse. These events span various distances and divisions, showcasing both three-year-olds and older horses, with races held on both dirt and turf surfaces.
Thursday builds on that momentum with a blend of listed and graded stakes that broaden the field. The day introduces emerging talent, including two-year-old runners making their early career starts, while also attracting more seasoned competitors. Highlights include the Grade II Intercontinental Stakes, a sprint for fillies and mares on turf, and the Grade III Poker Stakes, a prestigious one-mile turf race known for drawing top-level milers. Together, these mid-week races provide early excitement and set a high standard for the days to follow.
Weekend Stakes
As the week progresses, the stakes intensify, building towards Saturday’s main event. Friday, June 6, includes several high-profile graded races, featuring multiple Grade I events such as the $750,000 New York Stakes and the $500,000 Ogden Phipps.
Saturday, June 7, 2025, hosts the Belmont Stakes itself, surrounded by a card featuring numerous other graded stakes, including four additional Grade I races with purses ranging from $500,000 to $1,000,000. The festival concludes on Sunday, June 8, 2025, with more stakes action, including graded events like the Grade III Soaring Softly.
The $2 Million Showpiece
The center point of the festival is the 157th running of the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets, scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025. This pivotal Grade I race will be run at Saratoga Race Course. The 2025 edition is set to feature a substantial purse of $2,000,000, making it a major draw for owners and trainers.
Contested over a distance of 1 1/4 miles, the race is exclusively for three-year-old thoroughbreds, testing their stamina and class on one of racing’s biggest stages. It represents the final jewel in the Triple Crown series, often determining a champion or providing a dramatic conclusion to the spring classics. The atmosphere on Belmont Day is electric, with thousands of fans gathering to witness history in the making. For many horses, a Belmont victory not only cements their legacy but can also significantly boost their value as future breeding prospects.
Planning Your Trip
Planning to attend the 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival requires early preparation, especially for tickets and track policies. Tickets went on public sale at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, February 13, 2025, and are available at face value via Ticketmaster.com or the NYRA Box Office.
General admission prices vary by day:
- Saturday, June 7, 2025: $75 for adults, $20 for children (ages 4–12);
- Friday, June 6, 2025: $30 for adults, free for children under 13;
- Wednesday, June 4, 2025: $10 for adults, free for children under 13;
- Thursday, June 5, 2025: $10 for adults, free for children under 13;
- Sunday, June 8, 2025: $10 for adults, free for children under 13.
A five-day general admission pass is available for $120, offering over 10% in savings. Admission includes access to the backyard, picnic tables, and apron areas.
Looking Ahead
The return of the Belmont Stakes to Saratoga Race Course for 2025 offers a unique opportunity to experience this historic Triple Crown event at one of the sport’s most beloved venues. The five-day festival promises a rich program of high-stakes racing, culminating in the $2,000,000 Belmont Stakes on Saturday.
For those planning to attend, securing tickets early and reviewing the racetrack policies are key steps. It is worth noting that the information presented here is based on an unofficial guide, and for the most current and accurate details, attendees should consult official sources like www.nyra.com. This event is set to write a new chapter in the long history of the Belmont Stakes at the iconic Saratoga Race Course.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
