Belmont Park to Host 2027 Breeders’ Cup as Part of New York’s Billion-Dollar Racing Renaissance
In a major win for New York’s Thoroughbred racing scene, Governor Kathy Hochul and Breeders’ Cup Limited have jointly announced that Belmont Park will host the prestigious 2027 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, marking the first time the elite global racing event will return to the historic track in over two decades.
Scheduled for October 29–30, 2027, the Breeders’ Cup will return to Belmont for the fifth time, last held there in 2005. This decision arrives as Belmont undergoes a dramatic $455 million transformation—part of a New York State–backed project to revitalize the iconic racing venue and redefine Long Island as a premier entertainment and sports destination.
“The redevelopment of Belmont Park is bringing thousands of jobs and generating $1 billion of economic activity on Long Island,” said Governor Hochul. “Thanks to the investments we are making at Belmont Park, the long-held dream of bringing the prestigious Breeders’ Cup back to New York will soon be a reality.”
The announcement was made in tandem with a Breeders’ Cup press release naming Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky, as the 2026 host, and Belmont Park as the 2027 host—highlighting a multi-year plan to celebrate horse racing’s pinnacle events at two of North America’s most storied tracks. Both facilities are currently undergoing substantial capital improvement projects aimed at modernizing their operations and elevating the race-day experience for fans, athletes, and horses alike.
At Belmont, construction is centered around a new 300,000-square-foot, five-story grandstand that will feature world-class amenities, improved sightlines, and unprecedented fan access to the sprawling infield—opening up more green space than ever before. The racing surface is also receiving a full overhaul, with renovations to the main dirt track, two turf courses, and the addition of an all-weather synthetic track.
The economic expectations are massive. New York’s project is forecast to generate $1 billion in construction-related impact and create 3,700 jobs during redevelopment. Once reopened in 2026, the venue is expected to bring in $155 million annually through racing and non-racing events, producing $10 million in state and local tax revenue each year.
“This is a transformational moment for Belmont and for New York racing,” said David O’Rourke, President and CEO of the New York Racing Association (NYRA). “Governor Hochul’s leadership and commitment to revitalizing Belmont Park have made the return of the Breeders’ Cup possible. Our fans, horsemen, and the entire New York racing community have waited a long time for this.”
Drew Fleming, President & CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited, echoed that sentiment. “The Breeders’ Cup and NYRA share a deep commitment to quality and distinction, making the new Belmont Park a prime venue to host the 2027 Breeders’ Cup. We thank Governor Hochul for her support in making this long-anticipated return to New York a reality.”
Local officials and community leaders were quick to celebrate the announcement, seeing it as a high-profile validation of Belmont’s emerging role as a driver of regional growth.
“Hosting the 2027 Breeders’ Cup is a milestone moment for Elmont and all of Long Island,” said Assemblymember Michaelle Solages. “The transformation of Belmont Park into a premier destination reflects our shared commitment to investing in this community.”
“This is a major win even before the first race begins,” added Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages, calling the Breeders’ Cup announcement “the latest sign that the world is embracing Elmont as a crown jewel of entertainment in the tristate region.”
The Elmont Chamber of Commerce also voiced its enthusiasm. “This will bring jobs as well as tourism not just to New York State, but Nassau County as well,” said Chamber President Julie Marchesella.
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships represent the pinnacle of the sport, drawing elite horses, jockeys, and fans from around the globe. The event features 14 Grade 1 races and over $34 million in purses, making it one of the most lucrative and prestigious showcases in all of Thoroughbred racing.
With Belmont’s redevelopment progressing toward its September 2026 reopening, and Keeneland preparing its own $100 million facelift ahead of the 2026 Breeders’ Cup, the future of American racing is firmly rooted in both tradition and innovation.
For New York, 2027 promises not only a celebration of elite racing but a triumphant return to center stage.