LONDON, UK — The 2026 Belmont Stakes, the final jewel of the Triple Crown, will test the endurance and heart of America’s best three-year-old thoroughbreds on Saturday, June 6, marking the 158th running of the historic race. While no horse has won all three legs of the Triple Crown since American Pharoah in 2015, the Belmont remains the ultimate test of stamina and strategy in horse racing.
This year’s race will take place at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, as Belmont Park undergoes extensive renovations. The temporary relocation marks the third consecutive year Saratoga has hosted the event, though the track is expected to return to its traditional home in Elmont, New York, for the 2027 Belmont Stakes. The post time is scheduled for 7:04 p.m. ET, though delays are possible depending on pre-race preparations.
The race will air live on FOX, with coverage beginning at 3 p.m. ET, and will also be streamed on FOX One. For international viewers, the race will be available through FOX Sports’ global streaming services, including FOX Sports Europe and FOX Sports Asia, depending on regional availability.
What Is the Belmont Stakes?
The Belmont Stakes is the longest and most grueling race in the Triple Crown series, spanning 1.5 miles (2.4 km)—a full mile longer than the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. First run in 1867, it is the final test for horses aiming to complete the Triple Crown, a feat that has only been achieved 13 times in history. The race is known for its dramatic finishes, with the last 100 yards often deciding the winner.
Unlike the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, the Belmont Stakes is not held at its namesake track, Belmont Park, due to ongoing renovations. Saratoga Race Course, which opened in 1863, has a rich history and is one of the most prestigious tracks in American racing. The temporary relocation has drawn mixed reactions, with some critics arguing it lacks the iconic atmosphere of Belmont Park’s Belmont Stakes Grandstand.
The 2026 Belmont Stakes Field: Horses, Jockeys & Odds
The field for the 2026 Belmont Stakes was finalized with the program drawing on Monday, June 2, featuring nine horses vying for victory. Among them, Golden Tempo, the 2026 Kentucky Derby winner, returns after skipping the Preakness Stakes. The horse, trained by Cherie DeVaux and ridden by José Ortiz, enters the Belmont as the second favorite at 9-2 odds.
Here’s the full field, including post positions, jockeys, trainers, and current odds (as of June 4, 2026):
| Post Position | Horse Name | Jockey | Trainer | Odds to Win |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vitruvian Man | Antonio Fresu | Doug O’Neill | 30-1 |
| 2 | Powershift | Luis Saez | Todd Pletcher | 12-1 |
| 3 | Chief Wallabee | Junior Alvarado | Bill Mott | 3-1 |
| 4 | Renegade | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd Pletcher | 2-1 |
| 5 | Ottinho | Dylan Davis | Chad Brown | 20-1 |
| 6 | Growth Equity | Manuel Franco | Chad Brown | 12-1 |
| 7 | Commandment | John Velazquez | Brad Cox | 6-1 |
| 8 | Emerging Market | Flavien Prat | Chad Brown | 6-1 |
| 9 | Golden Tempo | José Ortiz | Cherie DeVaux | 9-2 |
The favorites heading into the race are:
- Chief Wallabee (3-1): Trained by Bill Mott, this horse has shown strong form in recent races and is considered the top contender.
- Renegade (2-1): A Todd Pletcher-trained horse with a consistent record, Renegade is seen as a dark horse with strong stamina.
- Golden Tempo (9-2): The Kentucky Derby winner enters as the public favorite, though his decision to skip the Preakness has raised questions about his stamina.
Why the Belmont Stakes Matters
The Belmont Stakes is more than just a race—it is a cultural and historical landmark in American sports. Unlike the Kentucky Derby, which is often celebrated for its pageantry, the Belmont is a test of pure athleticism. The race’s longer distance and tougher conditions have led to legendary upsets, including Justify’s 2018 victory and American Pharoah’s 2015 Triple Crown.
For horse owners and trainers, the Belmont represents the final opportunity to add their name to racing history. The $2 million prize purse—with $1.2 million going to the winner—is the largest of the Triple Crown races, though still less than the $3.5 million awarded at the Kentucky Derby. The race also carries significant breeding implications, as winners often see increased value in stud fees.
How to Watch the 2026 Belmont Stakes
Fans in the United States can watch the race live on FOX, with coverage beginning at 3 p.m. ET. International viewers can access the broadcast through:
- FOX Sports Europe (available in select regions)
- FOX Sports Asia (for viewers in Asia-Pacific)
- FOX One (streaming service)
- Racing TV (for UK and European audiences)
For those attending in person, tickets for the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course are available through the official Saratoga website. The track offers general admission and premium seating options, with the Grandstand providing the best view of the finish line.
Key Storylines Heading Into the Belmont
Several narrative threads will shape the 2026 Belmont Stakes:
- Golden Tempo’s Stamina Test: After skipping the Preakness, the Kentucky Derby winner will need to prove he can handle the Belmont’s grueling distance. His trainer, Cherie DeVaux, has emphasized conditioning, but doubts remain.
- Todd Pletcher’s Legacy: The legendary trainer has two horses in the race (Powershift and Renegade) and is aiming to add another Belmont victory to his record. Pletcher has won the race three times.
- Chad Brown’s Comeback: The trainer, known for developing Justify and American Pharoah, has three horses in the field (Ottinho, Growth Equity, Emerging Market) and is seen as a dark horse contender.
- The Belmont’s Temporary Home: Saratoga’s first-time hosting of the race has sparked debates about track conditions and fan experience. Some argue the shorter backstretch could favor certain horses.
What Happens Next?
The 2026 Belmont Stakes will be broadcast live on FOX, with post-time set for 7:04 p.m. ET. Official results and highlights will be available shortly after the race on Bloomberg Racing and Equibase.
The next major horse racing event will be the Travers Stakes on August 24, 2026, followed by the Breeders’ Cup in October. For now, all eyes are on Saratoga as the world’s best three-year-olds take on the ultimate test of endurance.
Will Golden Tempo prove his stamina? Can Chief Wallabee live up to the hype? Or will an underdog like Renegade pull off the upset? Share your predictions in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow World Today Journal for live updates and analysis.
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