Thursday, October 1, 2026
The new Belmont Park opened its doors Friday to welcome the return of racing to Long Island, and a capacity crowd of 6,000 was treated to a thrilling inaugural race at the transformed venue.
Lisa Joy, with jockey Antonio Fresu aboard, rallied from behind and split horses late to capture the 1 ¼-mile maiden special weight event on the inner turf. It was not only Fresu’s first career win at Belmont, but his first-ever mount there.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be part of this historical track and historic reopening of Belmont Park,” Fresu said. “The track is fantastic; the grandstand looks fantastic and all the facilities. I’m really happy to be part of it. This is top class.”
Lisa Joy was seventh as the 10-horse field turned for home before passing rivals one by one down the stretch, finishing a head in front of runner-up Sister Jean and Belmont Park’s all-time leading rider John Velasquez.
“She was saving ground the whole race and I was really happy where I was,” Fresu said. ‘Everything opened at the right time and she kicked in strong at the end.”
Trained by 75-year-old Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey, Lisa Joy paid $26.72 to win. McGaughey was back in the winner’s circle after the second race with Davidson.
“I think it’s a beautiful place,” McGaughey said. “It’s different than what I expected. We just need to get the kinks out and get the people in it and it’ll be really special. I think it’s going to be great when everything gets settled in. I’m really excited about it and I think the track is great. I like the turf, but I’ve been training on the main track [too] and it’s been great.”
The opening-day, nine-race card generated total wagering of $13,997,422.99.
"Today marked the beginning of an exciting new era for Belmont Park” NYRA President & CEO David O’Rourke said. “We thank all the fans who returned to Belmont today to witness history, and we can't wait for all that is to come at the new Belmont Park."
The last race at the former Belmont Park was held July 9, 2023.
Opening day’s featured race, the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup, won by international superstar Forever Young under regular jockey Ryusei Sakai. Trained by Yoshito Yahagi, the international superstar earned his fifth Grade/Group 1 race and increased his bankroll to more than $32.3 million.
“I’d like to say thanks to Belmont Park to support us and we are really glad to have won the Opening Day Jockey Club Gold Cup,” Yahagi said. “That’s a special memory, our day. This achievement is great for us.”
