Belmont Stakes Media Notes
For those covering the Belmont Stakes, we hope the following information is beneficial. We appreciate NYRA addressing some challenges our membership experienced covering the event last year. They welcomed our feedback.
Press credentials may be picked up from the NYRA Press Office at Saratoga Race Course beginning Saturday, May 31 at noon or any day June 1, 3-6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. NYRA publicity asks that you contact them with the date you or your outlet intends to retrieve credentials.
Media credentials are valid for entry to Saratoga Race Course from May 31- June 8, and provide the bearer with access to:
•General property
•Press box
•Photo room
•Oklahoma Training Track and barn area
•Main track during morning training hours
Regarding the post-race press conference,
NYRA asks for our understanding that the Belmont-winning jockey may not have the availability of other winning connections if the jockey rides in the race following the Belmont.
Draw event
NYRA will host the post-position draw for the $2 million Belmont Stakes on Monday, June 2 at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Doors open to credentialed media at 4 p.m. with the draw to begin at 5 p.m. There will be no live music this year. (Noise was an issue for interviews in 2024.) Universal Preservation Hall is located at 25 Washington St., Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Paddock
Please note, media credentials provide paddock access June 4-6 and June 8. Belmont Stakes Day paddock passes will be allotted by outlet and distributed on-site beginning on Friday, June 7.
Parking
Parking information will be communicated on-site.
Press Box Meetings
NYRA personnel will hold meetings for credentialed reporters on Friday, June 6 at 1 p.m. and Saturday, June 7 at 9 a.m.
Photo Meeting
NYRA personnel will hold a meeting for credentialed photographers in the Winner’s Circle on Friday, June 6 at 10 a.m.
Television coverage on Belmont Stakes Day, June 7
Please note, live television coverage is not permitted within the grounds of Saratoga Race Course on Belmont Stakes Day between 11 a.m.- 7:15 p.m. Live stand ups are permitted on Belmont Stakes Day at the Marylou Whitney entrance (Gate 8) and at the East Avenue entrance (Gate 4). In addition, television crews are not permitted within the winners circle or paddock on Belmont Stakes Day.
Television crews will have access to the grounds to secure B-roll and interviews on Belmont Stakes Day with the exception of the aforementioned areas.
