New York is a Changing

I've always loved playing New York racing. I only made one trip to the Big Apple to see an NFL game, but rest assured, as with any couple days off, I can always find time to hit the local track. It was cold and windy and my one day at "The Big A" was better than advertised.

One Last Day at the Big A

The clubhouse was well lit and decorated, clean, with plenty of places to grab a table. I was there with some fellow managers from Turfway Park. My boss made a call, and they rolled out the professional carpet for our group to enjoy the races. Lunch was on the house, and there was plenty of handshaking going on with our new friends from New York.

My boss was losing his ass with bets that could stop a train. He was arguing with the other two as they followed his advice and bet who the big man liked. I bet my own, from long ago. I'd rather lose with my own selections than bitch later about betting someone else's losing nag. This day I was up a few hundred bucks and moving right along. It was a fun day. After plenty of trips to the ATM, my boss asked me who I liked. It was late in the day, and my horse won and paid $15. He was happy as a lark, finally even. The others went their own way and couldn't even leave a tip. That's OK. I left a very nice thank you for a memorable day.

Aqueduct Closes June 28 After 132 Years

On June 28, 2026, Aqueduct Racetrack shuts its doors after 132 years of action-packed racing. The legends that graced the oval speak for themselves: Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Gallant Fox, Riva Ridge, and Easy Goer, just to name a handful. There used to be solid fields, and in the winter the treated inner-track seldom missed a day. The old track just oozed history.

The New Belmont Park Opens September 18, 2026

Belmont Park opens its doors on September 18, 2026. A $455 million dollar facelift will make it a crown jewel of horse racing. "Big Sandy" remains, continuing as a 1 1/2-mile dirt oval. Add a one-mile Tapeta track, lush turf courses, and plenty of beautiful green space, and the new Belmont will offer four racing surfaces, state-of-the art luxury boxes, themed bars, and room for large-scale events. The planning was incredible, and the new entertainment destination will host year-round events to celebrate the horse.

The track opens with seating capped at 6,000 fans and will grow as racing progresses. Belmont mixes the history of the past with an eye on a bright future: safe, horse-friendly, and a pearl to call home for countless horsemen. I'm already keeping an eye on a future trip. The drawings and advertisement are busy promoting racing in a one-of-a-kind venue. Running the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga did well in a pinch, even though the race went 1 1/4 miles instead of the classic 1 1/2. The new Belmont will be a gem for the industry to showcase.

Fewer Tracks, Bigger Stages

The new oval reminds me of an article I read in the Daily Racing Form about 30 years ago. It predicted horse racing would someday consolidate down to about 10 super tracks. There may be a handful of small ovals left, but the game will focus on less is more. I have to say my mindset has changed. I agree. We will see more big races and marquee events at the new Belmont. Book my trip. I'll find a way to enjoy the New York racing.