New York To Welcome Prestigious International Festival of Racing, Oct. 29-30, 2027
Revitalized Belmont Park Expected To Generate $1 Billion in Economic Impact
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., has been selected to host the 2027 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s most prestigious international festival. New York State and the New York Racing Association, Inc. are currently redeveloping Belmont Park, with a $455 million capital construction project set to result in a world-class racing and entertainment destination on Long Island. The historic venue has long been a pillar of New York’s horse racing tradition and is now poised to reach new heights.
“The redevelopment of Belmont Park is bringing thousands of jobs and generating $1 billion of economic activity on Long Island,” Governor Hochul said. “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.”
Expected to be completed in September of 2026, the multi-year project to build a new Belmont Park will generate $1 billion in construction-related economic impact and create 3,700 construction-related jobs. Following the return of thoroughbred racing to Belmont in 2026, additional racing and non-racing activities at the new facility will generate $155 million in annual economic output and produce $10 million in new state and local tax revenue per year. In 2023, Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget included a proposal for the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) to modernize Belmont Park, and the FY24 Enacted Budget granted that approval, providing NYRA with a $455 million loan to build a new Belmont Park.
New York Racing Association President & CEO David O’Rourke said, “A new Belmont Park is taking shape on Long Island because of the leadership and vision of Gov. Kathy Hochul, whose support for horse racing and understanding of its positive economic impact have paved the way for the return of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships to New York in 2027. New York’s racing fans and participants have longed to host this event since it was last held at Belmont in 2005, and we thank the Breeders’ Cup for making that a reality.”
Central to the Belmont Park redevelopment is a 300,000-square foot, five-story building featuring the modern amenities and hospitality offerings sports fans have come to expect. In addition, the new facility will unlock the massive Belmont Park infield to provide fans and the community with more green space than ever before.
Breeders’ Cup Limited President & CEO Drew Fleming said, “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 World Championships. The return of the Breeders’ Cup to New York has been years in the making, and we thank Governor Hochul for supporting a new Belmont Park and a New York Breeders’ Cup. The reimagined Belmont Park will provide an exceptional stage for the world’s greatest racehorses and participants as we welcome contenders and fans from around the globe.”
Assemblymember Michaelle Solages said, “Hosting the 2027 Breeders’ Cup is a milestone moment for Elmont and all of Long Island. I’ve been proud to work alongside Governor Hochul to help bring meaningful investment to our community, and the transformation of Belmont Park into a premier destination reflects that shared commitment. Seeing Elmont take center stage on the international racing calendar is a win for Long Island and New York State.”
Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages said, “New York State is making a transformational investment in Belmont Park, and the return of the Breeders Cup is the latest sign that the world is embracing Elmont as a crown jewel of entertainment in the tristate region. This is a major win even before the first race begins — and I am looking forward to working with Governor Hochul and community leaders to maximize the economic benefits for the residents and businesses of Elmont and its neighboring communities.”
Elmont Chamber of Commerce President Julie Marchesella said, “The Elmont Chamber Of Commerce is delighted to hear the news about the Breeders Cup coming to Belmont Park for the 2027 season. This will bring jobs as well as tourism not just to New York State, but Nassau County as well. We are looking forward to the revitalization project at Belmont Park to be complete.”
In a return more than 20 years in the making, Belmont Park will welcome the Breeders’ Cup in 2027 for a fifth time after hosting in 1990, 1995, 2001 and 2005. The Breeders’ Cup at Belmont Park will be held Oct. 29-30, 2027. All race dates are pending approval by the New York State Gaming Commission.
About the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA)
NYRA is a not-for-profit corporation franchised by New York State to conduct thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State’s horse racing economy, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual statewide economic impact.
About the Breeders’ Cup
Breeders’ Cup Limited administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races through partnerships with host countries around the globe, and the U.S.-based Dirt Dozen Bonus Series. The 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, featuring 14 Grade 1 Championship races run during a two-day festival worth more than $34 million in purses and awards, will be held Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at Del Mar in Del Mar, California. The Championships will be televised live by NBC Sports. Press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media.