Breeders’ Cup announced Wednesday that Keeneland Race Course and the newly renovated Belmont Park will host the 2026 and 2027 Breeders’ Cup World Championships. The announcement came via a joint statement with the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and Keeneland.
The Keeneland edition will take place Oct. 30-31, 2026, while Belmont Park will host the prestigious event Oct. 29-30, 2027. Both dates remain pending approval by the respective state racing authorities.
“The Breeders’ Cup, Keeneland, and Belmont Park share many core values, including a steadfast commitment to excellence and Thoroughbred racing, and there is no better way to showcase that partnership than through hosting the World Championships at these iconic venues in 2026 and 2027,” said Drew Fleming, President & CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited.
Fleming noted that recent capital improvements at both venues will enhance the two-day festival experience.
Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin expressed enthusiasm about hosting the global racing celebration for a fourth time.
“Keeneland is honored to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2026, and we’re thrilled to share this global racing celebration with fans from all over the world and with the Lexington community,” Arvin said. “We are especially excited to host guests in our new Paddock Building with further enhanced hospitality experiences.”
Arvin also highlighted plans for the third annual Championship Sale, scheduled for the Wednesday before Breeders’ Cup — a strategic addition to the week’s festivities.
The 2027 edition will mark the Breeders’ Cup’s return to New York for the first time since 2005. The event will showcase NYRA’s $455 million redevelopment of Belmont Park, transforming the historic venue into a world-class racing and entertainment destination.
The renovation features a 300,000-square-foot, five-story building with modern amenities and hospitality offerings. The project will also open Belmont Park’s massive infield to provide fans and the community with unprecedented access to green space.
NYRA is completely renovating the existing main dirt track and two turf courses while adding an all-weather synthetic surface. The new Belmont Park is scheduled to open in September 2026.
“A new Belmont Park is taking shape on Long Island because of the leadership and vision of Gov. Kathy Hochul, whose support for horse racing and understanding of its positive economic impact have paved the way for the return of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships to New York in 2027,” said David O’Rourke, NYRA President & CEO.
O’Rourke acknowledged the long wait for New York racing enthusiasts, adding, “New York’s racing fans and participants have longed to host this event since it was last held at Belmont in 2005, and we thank the Breeders’ Cup for making that a reality.”
