What is the Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes?
The Belmont Oaks is a Grade I Thoroughbred race held annually at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, as part of the July 4th Racing Festival. Contested at 1⅛ miles on the turf exclusively for 3-year-old fillies, it is a Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" event for the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf and one of the premier summer turf races for sophomore fillies in North America. Inaugurated in 1979 as the Rare Perfume Stakes, the race has been known by several names including the Garden City Stakes before becoming the Belmont Oaks in 1999, when it received Grade I status. Trainer Chad Brown holds the record for most wins with five, while owners Tabor, Magnier and Derrick Smith have combined for three victories. The race has produced a strong international flavor in recent years, with multiple winners trained in Ireland and Great Britain.
When is the Belmont Oaks in 2026?
The 2026 Belmont Oaks is scheduled for Saturday, July 4 at Saratoga Race Course as part of the July 4th Racing Festival. Contested at 1⅛ miles on the turf with a purse of $500,000, the race draws an elite international field of 3-year-old fillies targeting the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf in November.
Belmont Oaks History & Notable Winners
The Belmont Oaks has produced some of the most accomplished turf fillies in recent racing history. Fionn gave trainer Brad Cox and jockey Flavien Prat a 2025 victory in 1:44.84 for George Messina and Michael Lee. Godolphin's Cinderella's Dream (GB) set the Aqueduct course record of 1:53.42 in 2024 under William Buick for trainer Charlie Appleby, the race temporarily relocated due to Belmont Park construction. Aspen Grove (IRE) gave trainer James Stack a 2023 win under Oisin Murphy in 2:04.09 for Glen Hill Farm and Mrs. John Magnier. McKulick (GB) gave trainer Chad Brown and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. a 2022 score in 1:59.62 for Klaravich Stables. Santa Barbara (IRE) gave Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore a 2021 victory in 2:03.76 for the powerful Coolmore ownership group.
The Belmont Oaks is one of the premier Grade I events for 3-year-old turf fillies and a key Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf qualifier each July.
