Belmont Park opens new Tapeta track for training
As part of the rebuilding of Belmont Park, a newly constructed Tapeta track opened for light galloping and jogging on June 29, 2026. Tapeta is a synthetic racing and training surface comprised of a mixture of silica sand, wax, and fibers. Belmont Park will re-open for racing on Friday, Sept. 18 with a race card that features the Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup, televised by Fox.
The one-mile Tapeta oval is one of four newly built tracks at Belmont Park, along with the main dirt track and two turf courses.
The rebuilt Belmont Park is centered around a five-story grandstand featuring new fan amenities and hospitality offerings. It also includes an expanded paddock area, modernized racing and training infrastructure, and an infield accessible to fans.
Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp
Horses work out on the new Tapeta track at Belmont Park on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 in Elmont. Racing will return to Belmont on Sept. 18.
Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp
Horses work out on the new Tapeta track at Belmont Park.
Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp
Horses can now gallop and jog on the new Tapeta track at Belmont Park.
Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp
Horses work out on the new Tapeta track at Belmont Park.
Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp
Horses work out on the new Tapeta track at Belmont Park.
Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp
The new Tapeta oval is one mile long.
Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp
Tapeta is a synthetic racing and training surface and has been used at other race tracks around the world.
Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp
The new Tapeta track at Belmont Park is designed to remain consistent in cold and rainy conditions.
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