As you drive into Saratoga Springs on Broadway, you can’t help but notice something is in the air. Flowers and flags adorn many of the Victorian lights lining Broadway. The flowers are a welcome sight every year, but the flags are new this Summer. That’s because Saratoga Springs is hosting the four day, 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival (June 6-9).
With twenty three stakes races being conducted over the four days, racing fans will get a chance to see many of thoroughbred racing’s stars. While attendance has been capped at 50,000 attendees per day, Fox and Fox Sports 1 and 2 will ensure everyone will be able to view the races.
Fox cameraman
Fox has been onsite for the last week taping various segments that will be used during the broadcast. I’ve enjoyed spending time with their team and listening to how they intend to entertain both casual and devoted racing fans during the daily broadcasts.
Fox broadcasters Ritchie Migliore and Acacia Courtney Clement, trainer Jeremiah Englehart
In addition to Fox, the equine athletes are preparing as well. On Saturday I watched trainers Chad Brown, Todd Pletcher, Ken McPeek and Danny Gargan put their Belmont Stakes entrants through final workouts. Brown worked the likely race favorite (Sierra Leone) and stablemate Tuscan Sky. Pletcher worked the trio of Mindframe, Protective and Antiquarian. McPeek worked Kentucky Derby Winner Mystik Dan and Gargan worked Dornoch. Currently, a field of 12 horses is expected for the Belmont.
Trainer Chad Brown in viewing stand
Trainer Todd Pletcher in trainer viewing stand
Seize the Grey (Winner of the Preakness) with Trainer D. Wayne Lukas
The Belmont Racing Festival has enabled Summer to Come Early to Saratoga this year. Before you know it we will be enjoying the traditional 40 day Saratoga Racing Meet which begins July 11!