Breeders’ Cup venues picked for 2026-2027



Linkedin
Twitter

Belmont Park to host 2027 Breeders’ Cup WC Image: NYRA

Keeneland Race Course and Belmont Park have been chosen to host horse racing’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2026 and 2027.

America Best Racing said both venues are currently undergoing extensive redevelopment projects, demonstrating their dedication to remaining at the forefront of the sport.

The multiyear announcement underscores an ongoing commitment from the Breeders’ Cup to promote horse racing and invest in its future.

Since its founding in 1984, the Breeder’s Cup has given back more than $1 billion to the industry in purses, awards, and charitable donations while conducting the World Championships at 12 elite racetracks across North America.

Drew Fleming, President & CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited, said, “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.

“Enhanced by their latest capital improvements, both venues, each with their own unique legacy, will set the stage for our thrilling two-day festival that celebrates the pinnacle of Thoroughbred racing and everything the equestrian lifestyle has to offer.”

Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky is undergoing a $100+ million capital construction project, the largest in its 89-year history, that exemplifies the track’s investment in the future.

Anchoring the development plan is the three-level Paddock Building, which extends the entire length of the Saddling Paddock and Walking Ring and is scheduled to open this fall.

The Paddock Building will provide new ticketed experiences for more than 1,000 fans during race meets, including traditional sit-down dining, new bar concepts, and access to a Paddock Lawn on the north side of the Saddling Paddock.

New Jockeys’ Quarters within the building will give patrons a unique experience when riders walk directly through one of the dining venues before and after each race.

A reconfigured Saddling Paddock, with saddling stalls housed on the lower floor of the Paddock Building, will provide the safest environment possible for horses and human participants and give fans an unmatched view of the pre-race pageantry.

Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said, “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.

“We are especially excited to host guests in our new Paddock Building with further enhanced hospitality experiences. In addition, we look forward to holding our third annual Championship Sale the Wednesday before Breeders’ Cup, a dynamic way to help kick off the week’s festivities.

“Keeneland and Breeders’ Cup share a strong commitment to showcasing the very best of Thoroughbred racing, and we look forward to helping deliver another spectacular event.”

New York State and the New York Racing Association’s (NYRA) $455 million redevelopment of Belmont Park will result in a world-class racing and entertainment destination on Long Island.

Centered around a 300,000-square foot, five-story building featuring the modern amenities and hospitality offerings sports fans have come to expect, the new facility will unlock the massive Belmont Park infield to provide fans and the community with more green space than ever before.

In addition, NYRA is completely renovating the existing main dirt track and two turf courses while adding an all-weather synthetic surface. NYRA will open the new Belmont Park in September 2026.

David O’Rourke, NYRA President & CEO, said, “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.

“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.”

The 2026 running will mark the fourth time that Keeneland will host the World Championships after 2015, 2020, and 2022.

In a return more than 20 years in the making, Belmont Park will welcome the Breeders’ Cup in 2027 for a fifth time after hosting in 1990, 1995, 2001, and 2005.

The Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland will take place Oct. 30-31, 2026, while the Belmont Park edition will be held Oct. 29-30, 2027. All race dates are pending approval by the host tracks’ respective states.

The 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, featuring 14 Grade 1 Championship races run during a two-day festival worth more than $34 million in purses and awards, will be held Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at Del Mar in Del Mar, California.

Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.

Watch 420 member-exclusive videos with valuable tips for your venue



« Previous News:
» Next News:




Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

More News

Coliseum Summit US 2025 in Nashville Learn, network, enjoy

Venue sector cream to dazzle Coliseum US meet

Published: June 12th, 2025

‘Coliseum’ – the only global sports venues business summit – is all set to host the 10th... » Read more

Fifth Third Arena expansion in Chicago

Blackhawks reveal arena expansion plans

Published: June 12th, 2025

The NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks have revealed more details of the forthcoming expansion of their... » Read more

Venue plan set out for Paralympic Games 2028

LA28 Paralympic buffet of sporting cathedrals

Published: June 12th, 2025

The stage is set for the LA28 Paralympic Games (US) with many iconic stadiums and locales set to... » Read more

Shah Alam Sports Complex in Malaysia

Malaysia venue to honor history-heritage

Published: June 12th, 2025

Designs have been released giving a first look at the master plan and new stadium for the Shah Alam... » Read more


Receive global sports venue NEWS twice a week in your inbox