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Belmont Stakes Moves to Saratoga, Shortens to 1¼ Miles

6/5/2026

Summary

U.S. Relocates Belmont

The United States moved the 2026 Belmont Stakes from Belmont Park to Saratoga Race Course and shortened it to 1¼ miles.
The event keeps its $2 million purse and starts around 7 p.m. ET Saturday.
SportsLine analyst Jody Demling, who correctly predicted four of the last eight Belmont winners, downplays Golden Tempo and backs an unnamed double-digit longshot praised by a legendary trainer.

Summary

Saratoga Springs Secures

Saratoga Springs expanded city-wide security for the Belmont Stakes Festival, protecting restaurants, shops and hotels.
FBI, New York State Police and local police are coordinating the effort in its third year.
Assistant Special Agent Geoffrey Hunter said no credible threats exist but agencies will monitor new information.
Public Safety Commissioner Tim Cole said the population jump from about 30,000 to over 100,000 drives the need for added police.

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U.S. Relocates Belmont

The United States moved the 2026 Belmont Stakes from Belmont Park to Saratoga Race Course and shortened it to 1¼ miles.
The event keeps its $2 million purse and starts around 7 p.m. ET Saturday.
SportsLine analyst Jody Demling, who correctly predicted four of the last eight Belmont winners, downplays Golden Tempo and backs an unnamed double-digit longshot praised by a legendary trainer.

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