The Return of a Legendary Venue

The Breeders' Cup World Championships are making a grand return to New York in 2027, this time at the newly rebuilt Belmont Park. This iconic venue, which has undergone a massive $455 million renovation, is set to once again become a cornerstone of horse racing in the United States.

A Vision Realized

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, alongside officials from the Breeders' Cup and the New York Racing Association (NYRA), announced that the event will take place in the fall of 2027. This decision follows a strategic plan to rejuvenate Belmont Park and restore its status as one of the premier horse racing tracks in the country.

"We wrote the governor of New York a letter in 2023 that simply said, 'If you build it, we will come,'" said Drew Fleming, president and CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited. "And so we're very honored to keep our word and have a wonderful Breeders' Cup world championship here in 2027 to showcase the new development and investment in Belmont Park to our fans from across the globe."

Economic and Cultural Impact

The redevelopment of Belmont Park is expected to bring thousands of jobs and generate $1 billion in long-term economic activity for Long Island. This major investment not only aims to attract top-tier events like the Breeders' Cup but also to boost the local economy and provide a world-class venue for horse racing enthusiasts.

"Thanks to the investments we are making at Belmont Park, the long-held dream of bringing the prestigious Breeders' Cup back to New York will soon be a reality," Governor Hochul stated.

A New Era for Belmont Park

Belmont Park last hosted the Breeders' Cup in 2005, and its return in 2027 marks a significant milestone. The renovation project was designed with the Breeders' Cup in mind, ensuring that the venue meets the highest standards for hosting such a prestigious event.

"It was always part of the plan: We weren't going to redevelop Belmont Park without Breeders' Cup in mind, so it was always part of the initial goals," said David O'Rourke, president and CEO of NYRA. "Getting the championships back to New York is big from an economic point of view and probably one of the most important [things], if not the most important. It gives our trainers and horsemen a chance to compete on their home tracks. I think it's great. It's been over 20 years."

Looking Ahead

With the Breeders' Cup shifting back to the Eastern time zone for the next two years, the event is expected to draw significant attention and participation. The 2026 host, Keeneland in Lexington, will set the stage for Belmont Park's grand return in 2027.

"California is and has always been a wonderful spot to have the Breeders' Cup with Santa Anita Park and Del Mar, but one of the missions of the Breeders' Cup is to grow the sport, and one of the ways we do this is hosting world championships at various venues across the United States," Fleming added. "New York City has some of the finest accommodations and restaurants and entertainment in the world, so it'd be a natural fit that we would be at Belmont Park frequently."

Conclusion

The 2027 Breeders' Cup at Belmont Park is not just a return to a historic venue but a celebration of the sport's rich heritage and bright future. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to excellence, Belmont Park is poised to once again become a beacon for horse racing fans worldwide.