Story perspectives

Belmont Park Reopens After $555 Million Renovation

By Drooid · Sep 19, 2026, 3:06 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Belmont Park reopened Friday after a $555 million renovation, hosting a race day.
Six thousand fans watched ten horses start at 1:30 p.m.
Filly Lisa Joy, ridden by jockey Antonio Fresu, won the first race.
The $1 million Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup grants a Breeders’ Cup Classic berth.
NYRA expects $155 million annual economic output and $10 million tax revenue.

History

Historical Context

In 1968 NYRA opened a $30.7 million grandstand at Belmont Park, reviving attendance after the 1963-68 Aqueduct relocation. Decades later, NYRA announced a $555 million reconstruction that will replace the second grandstand—demolished in 2024—and consolidate racing with Aqueduct, aiming for year-round use and a projected $155 million annual economic impact.

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Story summary

Belmont Park reopened Friday after a $555 million renovation, hosting a race day.
Six thousand fans watched ten horses start at 1:30 p.m.
Filly Lisa Joy, ridden by jockey Antonio Fresu, won the first race.
The $1 million Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup grants a Breeders’ Cup Classic berth.
NYRA expects $155 million annual economic output and $10 million tax revenue.

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