The roar of the crowd, the thundering hooves, and the electric atmosphere at Saratoga Race Course as the 2025 Belmont Stakes awaits. Known as the “Test of the Champion,” the Belmont is the oldest and longest leg of the Triple Crown, first run in 1867. It’s a race that’s both a proving ground and a brutal challenge for elite three-year-old horses. Legends like Secretariat, who smashed the track record in 1973, have cemented their place in history. Unlike the shorter, faster-paced Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, the Belmont’s grueling 1.5-mile distance demands stamina, tactical speed, and a killer closing kick. It’s no wonder handicapping this race is a puzzle—past winners have shown it takes a rare mix of endurance and adaptability to claim victory.

As we gear up for 2025, the buzz is already building around a few standout colts: Sovereignty, Baeza, and Rodriguez. These horses have been turning heads on the Derby trail, showing the kind of class, versatility, and stamina needed to conquer Belmont’s unforgiving stretch. With pedigrees built for distance and performances that scream potential, they’re the ones to watch when the gates fly open on June 7.

How to buy 2025 Belmont Stakes tickets?

Want to be there in person to witness the drama? Tickets for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course are on sale now on nyra.com, and there’s a range of options to fit your plans. The most budget-friendly way to soak up the full experience is the 5-Day Festival Pass, priced at $120. This pass gets you into all five days of the festival—Wednesday through Sunday, including the big day, Belmont Stakes Saturday. It’s a steal, saving you $15 compared to buying general admission tickets for each day separately.

Speaking of general admission, these tickets give you standing-room access to the trackside apron on a first-come, first-served basis. While GA tickets don’t come with reserved seats or access to exclusive areas, you’ll find plenty of communal seating and TVs throughout the venue to catch every moment. Just keep in mind that a direct view of the racetrack isn’t guaranteed, so arriving early is a smart move.

Here’s the breakdown on GA ticket prices: For Belmont Stakes Day on Saturday, June 7, it’s $75 for adults, with a discounted rate of $20 for kids ages 4 through 12. Friday, June 6, is $30, and children 12 and under get in free. If you’re looking to catch the action on Wednesday, Thursday, or Sunday (June 4, 5, or 8), tickets are just $10, with free admission for kids 12 and under. The 5-Day Pass at $120 is the way to go if you want to immerse yourself in the entire festival. But, don’t worry. If you cannot make it to the venue and want to enjoy the event from the comfort of your couch, we’ve got you covered.

Belmont Stakes Broadcast details and more

Get ready for an exhilarating week of horse racing as the 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival gallops into Saratoga Race Course from June 4 to June 8! This five-day extravaganza, headlined by the 157th Grade 1, $2 million Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 7, promises high-stakes action with 27 races and a whopping $11,275,000 in purses—the richest and most stakes-packed festival since the inception of the multi-day festival in 2014.

The Belmont Stakes, presented by NYRA Bets, will run at 1 1/4 miles due to Saratoga’s track layout, a shift from its traditional 1 1/2 miles. Expect edge-of-your-seat moments as top thoroughbreds vie for glory, with FOX Sports delivering live, wall-to-wall coverage, complete with in-depth analysis from Saratoga. Whether you’re trackside or watching from home, you’re in for a treat!

The festival kicks off on June 4 with the Grade 1, $150,000 Beverly R. Steinman steeplechase, followed by New York Showcase Day, spotlighting six $200,000 races for New York-breds, like the Mike Lee and Bouwerie for sophomores. Thursday, June 5, brings four stakes, including the Grade 2, $200,000 Intercontinental and the Grade 3, $300,000 Poker, plus juvenile showdowns in the Tremont and Astoria.

Friday, June 6, is all about the ladies, with four Grade 1 races, including the $750,000 New York and $500,000 Ogden Phipps, alongside the Grade 2 Belmont Gold Cup for turf marathoners. The main event on Saturday features eight stakes, including five Grade 1s like the $1 million Metropolitan Handicap and $500,000 Jaipur, plus the Grade 2 Wonder Again. The festival wraps on Sunday with the Grade 3 Soaring Softly for sophomore fillies.

With its blend of historic races, rising stars, and massive purses, the 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga is a must-watch for racing fans. Tune into FOX or head to Saratoga for an unforgettable ride!