Belmont at the Big A: Transformation and Excitement
Aqueduct Becomes the Stage for the Belmont Fall Meet
The anticipation is high as Belmont at the Big A takes center stage this year. The New York Racing Associations (NYRA) recently announced that the Belmont Fall Meet will be held at Aqueduct Racetrack instead of its traditional location, Belmont Park. This move is necessitated by the ongoing construction of tunnels that will provide access to the Belmont Park infield. While the change may seem unexpected, it presents an exciting opportunity for racing fans and the community alike to experience something new.
An Emphasis on Growth: Capital Improvement and Rebuilding Plans
The primary reason behind this location shift is the construction of tunnels that will allow vehicles, pedestrians, and racing fans to access the 45-acre infield at Belmont Park. These tunnels will also serve as routes for construction and commercial vehicles, facilitating the planned redevelopment of the main dirt track and two turf courses. Notably, they provide NYRA with the option of introducing a synthetic track if deemed advantageous. The investment in these tunnels signifies a commitment to the future of Belmont Park and sets the stage for a broader reimagining of the facility.
Belmont at the Big A: A Racing Extravaganza
Starting from Thursday, September 15, and running through Sunday, October 30, the 28-day Belmont at the Big A fall meet promises to be an extraordinary racing extravaganza. Aqueduct Racetrack will host four Grade 1 races and four “Win and You’re In” Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series races, solidifying its status as a premier racing destination. With a total purse of $9.9 million, this meet features 23 graded stakes events and 41 stakes races overall. The excitement intensifies with the knowledge that Aqueduct Racetrack will be open to spectators on Thursdays through Sundays to accommodate the racing schedule.
Unparalleled Opportunities and Purse Increases
The relocation of the Belmont Fall Meet to Aqueduct Racetrack brings with it a host of opportunities and advantages for both participants and spectators. Purse increases ensure that open allowance races reach six-figure sums, providing added incentive for owners and trainers. Additionally, claiming races, maiden races, and New York-bred races will all witness larger purse sizes, adding to the overall competitiveness and allure of each event.
To further enhance participation and support the transition, NYRA has introduced a unique bonus structure. Owners and trainers of horses finishing outside the top three in their first fall start will each receive a $500 bonus. This bonus is exclusively available to horses that previously competed during the Saratoga summer meet, incentivizing trainers and owners to keep their horses active throughout the racing season.
Showcasing Racing Talents: Grade 1 Races
The highlight of the Belmont at the Big A meet is undoubtedly the four Grade 1 races scheduled to captivate racing enthusiasts. Each race promises an impressive display of talent and positions its winners as potential frontrunners in prestigious upcoming events.
The Woodward, a 1 1/8 mile race for 3-year-olds and up, kicks off the Grade 1 festivities on the weekend of October 1-2. Simultaneously, the Champagne, a captivating race for 2-year-olds providing a glimpse into potential Kentucky Derby hopefuls, takes center stage. Both races grant the winners coveted spots in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
The excitement continues on October 2 with the Grade 1 Frizette, a race exclusively for 2-year-old fillies, complementing the Champagne and offering the winner an opportunity to compete in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.
The grand finale is the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic on Saturday, October 8. This prestigious race covers a distance of 1 ½ miles on the Aqueduct turf, showcasing the talents of 3-year-olds and up.
Key Stakes Races at Belmont at the Big A
Below is a list of key stakes races that will captivate fans during the exciting Belmont at the Big A meet:
- Jockey Club Derby (Grade III) – A 1 1/2 mile turf race exclusively for 3-year-olds.
- Woodward (Grade I) – A 1 1/8 mile race open to 3-year-olds and up, providing a thrilling showcase of talent.
- Champagne (Grade I) – A one-mile race for 2-year-olds, offering insights into potential Kentucky Derby hopefuls.
- Frizette (Grade I) – A one-mile race exclusively for talented young fillies.
- Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (Grade I) – A 1 1/2 mile turf race for 3-year-olds and up, testing their skills on the lush Aqueduct turf.
- Vosburgh (Grade II) – A seven-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up, offering a coveted spot in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.
- Futurity (Grade III) – A six-furlong turf race for 2-year-olds, showcasing their speed and potential.
- Kelso (Grade II) – A one-mile race for 3-year-olds and up, providing the top four finishers with a nomination and paid entry fees into the Cigar Mile.
Conclusion
The decision to hold the Belmont Fall Meet at Aqueduct Racetrack, rebranded as Belmont at the Big A, brings an air of excitement and anticipation to the racing community. The ongoing construction at Belmont Park opens up new possibilities for the facility, driving future growth and innovation. With a stacked schedule of Grade 1 races, enhanced purse sizes, and unique bonus incentives, the Belmont at the Big A meet promises a memorable and action-packed experience for both participants and spectators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What led to the temporary relocation of the Belmont Fall Meet?
The ongoing construction of tunnels to the Belmont Park infield necessitated the move to Aqueduct Racetrack, allowing for improved access, future redevelopment, and potential enhancements for racing enthusiasts and the community.
2. How does the Belmont at the Big A meet compare to previous meets?
The Belmont at the Big A meet introduces an unprecedented number of Grade 1 races to Aqueduct Racetrack, along with increased purse sizes, creating a more competitive and enticing atmosphere for participants. It is a unique opportunity to witness top-notch racing at a different venue.
3. Will the construction project impact future racing events at Belmont Park?
The construction project at Belmont Park signifies a commitment to the future of the facility. It opens doors for potential improvements, including the introduction of a synthetic track, and sets the stage for a broader reimagining of the entire complex.
4. How does NYRA plan to encourage participation during the Belmont at the Big A meet?
NYRA has introduced a $500 bonus for owners and trainers of horses finishing outside the top three in their first fall start. This bonus, exclusive to horses that previously competed during the Saratoga summer meet, serves as an incentive to keep horses actively participating throughout the racing season.
5. What can racing fans expect from the Belmont at the Big A meet?
The Belmont at the Big A meet guarantees an exhilarating experience with its stacked schedule of Grade 1 races, a variety of stakes events, and an overall increase in purse sizes. Spectators can look forward to witnessing impressive displays of talent, potential Kentucky Derby hopefuls, and thrilling races that set the stage for the Breeders’ Cup.
