Belmont Park reopens after $555M rebuild

Belmont Park reopened after a roughly $550 million, three-year reconstruction, bringing horse racing back to Long Island for the first time since July 2023. The modernized complex features a smaller glass-fronted grandstand, rebuilt racing surfaces, an expanded paddock and new public green space, though some longtime fans say it lacks the character and warmth of the former brick-and-ivy venue. A crowd of about 6,000 watched Lisa Joy and jockey Antonio Fresu win the inaugural race, while officials and trainers praised the new facilities and track. The Belmont Stakes is expected to return in 2027 after three years at Saratoga, with other major events, including the Breeders’ Cup, also scheduled to return to the venue.