The 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival in Saratoga Springs, NY, spans five days from June 3-7, culminating in the Belmont Stakes on June 6 at 7:04 PM ET. The event features multiple Grade 1 races, a strong field of contenders, and special wagers including doubles and multi-day picks. Key trainers like Chad Brown participate, with betting options available in advance and specific rules for scratches and payouts.
The Belmont Stakes is part of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, a five-day celebration of world-class Thoroughbred racing hosted at Belmont at Saratoga (Saratoga Race Course) in Saratoga Springs, New York. The festival features multiple Grade 1 and Grade 3 races and culminates with the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown. This FAQ explains the available special wagers, betting structure, and key festival details for 2026.
When is the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival?
The festival takes place over 5 days:
- Wednesday: New York Showcase Day
- Thursday: Distance & Turf Day
- Friday: Grade 1 Stakes Day
- Saturday: Belmont Stakes Day (the main event)
- Sunday: Festival Final
The Belmont Stakes is scheduled to run at approximately 7:04 PM ET on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Please note: Post times and race numbers are subject to change.
Belmont Stakes Contenders (Official Entries)
Full, updated entries are available here:
Official 2026 Field
- Vitruvian Man (30/1) – Jockey: Antonio Fresu | Trainer: Doug O’Neill
- Powershift (12/1) – Jockey: Luis Saez | Trainer: Todd Pletcher
- Chief Wallabee (3/1) – Jockey: Junior Alvarado | Trainer: Bill Mott
- Renegade (2/1) – Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. | Trainer: Todd Pletcher
- Ottinho (20/1) – Jockey: Dylan Davis | Trainer: Chad Brown
- Growth Equity (12/1) – Jockey: Manuel Franco | Trainer: Chad Brown
- Commandment (6/1) – Jockey: John Velazquez | Trainer: Brad Cox
- Emerging Market (6/1) – Jockey: Flavien Prat | Trainer: Chad Brown
- Golden Tempo (9/2) – Jockey: Jose Ortiz | Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
What special wagers are available?
Belmont Stakes Doubles
| Wager Type | Min Bet | Races |
|---|---|---|
| Belmont Doubles | $5.00 |
|
| Two-Day Pick 5 All Turf | $0.50 |
|
| Two-Day Pick 6 All Dirt | $0.20 |
|
Advance Wagering
| Date | Wagers Available |
|---|---|
| Thursday June 4, 2026 |
|
| Friday June 5, 2026 |
|
| Saturday June 6, 2026 |
|
FAQ
What is a “double” wager?
A double is a wager where you select the winners of two races. Both selections must win for the ticket to be successful.
What are multi-day wagers?
Multi-day wagers span races across multiple days. Selections carry over until all legs of the wager are completed.
What happens if a horse is scratched?
Standard track rules apply. Depending on wagering type, substitutions may include post-time favorites or designated replacements.
Can I cash out early?
No. Multi-leg wagers must be fully completed before payouts are finalized.
Key Storylines
- Strong competitive field featuring multiple Grade 1-winning trainers
- Several contenders entering off Kentucky Derby and prep stakes performances
- Chad Brown sending a deep lineup with multiple top-tier entries
- Final leg of the Triple Crown series concludes with the Belmont Stakes
Helpful Betting Tips
- Review both days of the race card before placing multi-day wagers
- Pay attention to surface type (turf vs dirt)
- Check for scratches and updates before wagering closes