
A Day in the Life of a Kentucky Derby Horse
The third leg of racing’s Triple Crown takes place this Saturday, June 10, as Belmont Park plays host to the “Test of the Champion,” the Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets. Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning on heading to the 155th Belmont this weekend.
No Shortage of Star Racehorses This Year
This year’s Belmont Stakes is slated to feature Preakness Stakes winner National Treasure, last year’s champion juvenile colt Forte, and Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve third-place finisher Angel of Empire, among others. The winner of Belmont 155 will establish a firm place in the top two or three 3-year-old colts competing this year in advance of big summer races such as the TVG.com Haskell Stakes in July and the Runhappy Travers Stakes in August.
A Fan Favorite Highlights the Undercard
The Belmont day undercard is loaded with exciting stakes races. Perhaps the most notable one is the Hill ‘n’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap, also known as the “Met Mile.” This year’s edition is headlined by Cody’s Wish, who won a race in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup last fall and came back to win his 5-year-old bow last month. Cody’s Wish will carry a five-race winning streak into the Met Mile. The horse is named after Cody Dorman, a young man living in Kentucky who has a rare genetic disorder. Dorman and his family met Cody’s Wish when he was a foal and have formed a special bond since then that has received national coverage.
How to Get to the Track
Belmont Park is located off exit 26B on the Cross Island Parkway. Belmont offers parking for those traveling to the race by car. The Long Island Rail Road will have trains going to and from Belmont all day long, making it easy for fans to take public transportation to and from the track. Check out the full schedule here.
Check Out the Live Entertainment
The entertainment lineup at this year’s Belmont is headlined by Diplo, who will DJ in the West End Grandstand from 4:15-5:45 p.m. ET. No additional charge is required for the show.
Get Your Tickets
Tickets remain available for the Belmont. The track offers ample grandstand seating, and numerous other ticket packages are available, with some including access to premium buffet offerings, open bars, and more! Check out all your options here.
Try the Belmont Jewel
Like the Kentucky Derby’s Mint Julep and the Preakness’s Black-Eyed Susan cocktails, the Belmont its their own signature drink, the Belmont Jewel. It’s made from Woodenville Straight Bourbon Whiskey, lemonade, pomegranate juice, and orange zest. It’s a great way to enjoy the day, and it comes in a souvenir glass you can bring home.
Know What You Can and Can’t Bring
Before you head to Belmont, it’s important to know what you can and can’t bring to the track. Tote bags, non-alcoholic beverages in plastic containers, and purses no larger than 12” in diameter are permitted. Banners, umbrellas, and tents are among prohibited items.
See the full list of allowed and prohibited items here.