The 2025 racing schedule in New York released this week adds another new twist as the renovation of Belmont Park continues: Not only will the $2 million Belmont Stakes be run at Saratoga Race Course again (June 7), the Fourth of July Racing Festival is being moved upstate as well.
Who can argue against more racing at the Spa?
NYRA alters racing calendar for 2025
A year ago, the Belmont – the final leg of the Triple Crown — was moved to Saratoga for the first time and contested over 1 ¼ miles rather than the traditional 1 ½ miles. The July 4 Racing Festival (July 3-6), typically held at Belmont, was at Aqueduct in 2024.
The 40-day Saratoga summer season opens July 10 and runs through Sept. 1.
“There is nothing in sports that compares with the energy at Saratoga Race Course, and we join the fans in looking forward to another spectacular season of racing in 2025,” NYRA president & CEO David O’Rourke said. “While Saratoga is rightly defined by history and tradition, NYRA is thrilled to bring the Belmont Stakes and a special July 4th Racing Festival to Saratoga while a new Belmont Park takes shape on Long Island.”
Here’s the 2025 schedule – 200 racing dates strong — announced by the New York Racing Association (NYRA).
Following the close of the 2024 Aqueduct fall meet on Dec. 29, the 49-day winter meet runs Jan. 1-March 30. The 15-day Big A spring meet runs April 3-April 27.
Then comes the Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet – May 1-July 6 — with the final four days at the Spa for the July 4 Racing Festival. After a short break, the Spa’s 40-day summer meet opens July 10. Following the Sept. 1 final day at Saratoga, it’s back downstate for the Belmont at the Big A fall meet from Sept. 11-Nov. 2. A 27-day fall meet at Aqueduct will close out live racing at NYRA in 2025.
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