Breeders’ Cup To Keeneland In 2026, New Belmont Park In 2027

[Wandering Eyes]

The Breeders' Cup will be held at Keeneland Race Course and the new Belmont Park for the 2026 and 2027 Breeders' Cup World Championships, the company announced in a joint statement with NYRA and Keeneland Wednesday.

The Breeders' Cup at Keeneland will take place Oct. 30-31, 2026, while the Belmont Park edition will be held Oct. 29-30, 2027, pending approval by the host tracks' respective states.

“The Breeders' Cup, Keeneland, and Belmont Park share many core values, including a steadfast commitment to excellence and Thoroughbred racing, and there is no better way to showcase that partnership than through hosting the World Championships at these iconic venues in 2026 and 2027,” said Drew Fleming, President & CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited. “Enhanced by their latest capital improvements, both venues, each with their own unique legacy, will set the stage for our thrilling two-day festival that celebrates the pinnacle of Thoroughbred racing and everything the equestrian lifestyle has to offer.”

“Keeneland is honored to host the Breeders' Cup World Championships in 2026, and we're thrilled to share this global racing celebration with fans from all over the world and with the Lexington community,” added Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We are especially excited to host guests in our new Paddock Building with further enhanced hospitality experiences. In addition, we look forward to holding our third annual Championship Sale the Wednesday before Breeders' Cup, a dynamic way to help kick off the week's festivities. Keeneland and Breeders' Cup share a strong commitment to showcasing the very best of Thoroughbred racing, and we look forward to helping deliver another spectacular event.”

New York State and the New York Racing Association's $455 million redevelopment of Belmont Park will result in a world-class racing and entertainment destination on Long Island. Centered around a 300,000-square foot, five-story building featuring the modern amenities and hospitality offerings sports fans have come to expect, the new facility will unlock the massive Belmont Park infield to provide fans and the community with more green space than ever before. In addition, NYRA is completely renovating the existing main dirt track and two turf courses while adding an all-weather synthetic surface. NYRA will open the new Belmont Park in September 2026.

“A new Belmont Park is taking shape on Long Island because of the leadership and vision of Gov. Kathy Hochul, whose support for horse racing and understanding of its positive economic impact have paved the way for the return of the Breeders' Cup World Championships to New York in 2027,” said David O'Rourke, NYRA President & CEO. “New York's racing fans and participants have longed to host this event since it was last held at Belmont in 2005, and we thank the Breeders' Cup for making that a reality.”

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