The Belmont Stakes, the final jewel of the Triple Crown, is set to take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026. This year, the historic race will be held at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, as Belmont Park continues its extensive renovations. This marks the third consecutive year that Saratoga has hosted the event, with plans for the Belmont Stakes to return to its original venue in 2027.

Race Details and Participants

The main event is scheduled to begin at 7:04 p.m. ET, although this time may be adjusted depending on the horses’ readiness at the starting gate. The race will be broadcast live on FOX, with coverage beginning at 3 p.m. ET. For those who prefer streaming, the event will also be available on FOX One.

This year’s field was confirmed with a drawing on Monday, featuring nine horses competing for the $2 million prize purse. The winner will take home $1.2 million, matching the prize for the Preakness Stakes but falling short of the Kentucky Derby’s larger purse.

Notable Contenders

Among the competitors is Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo, who is returning to the track after skipping the Preakness Stakes. The absence of a Triple Crown contender this year adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the race, as several horses vie for a prestigious victory at the Belmont Stakes.

The Belmont Stakes has a rich history, first held at Belmont Park in 1905. While the race’s temporary relocation to Saratoga has been a change for fans and participants alike, the spirit and tradition of the event remain strong. As the final race in the Triple Crown series, the Belmont Stakes continues to captivate the horse racing community and sports enthusiasts nationwide.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.