Belmont Stakes

BELMONT STAKES Belmont Parky Elmont, New York MAIN TRACK: 11/2-mile dirt track TURF COURSE: 1 5/16-mile Widener Turf Course and inner turf course of slightly more than 13/16 miles TRAINING TRACK: 1 mile track lies east of the main track In 1902 a syndicate led by August Belmont Il sought to build the most elaborate racetrack in America, one modeled after the great race courses in Europe. The group built Belmont Park on 650 acres that bordered Queens and Nassau counties on Long Island. Since opening day May 4, 1905, Belmont has showcased some of America's finest racing on the great sweeping turns of its 11/2-mile main track. Today the track property covers a still-substantial 445 acres. The grandstand is 1,266 feet long and has a floor area of 1.3 million square feet. Total seating capacity is 32,941.