Aqueduct Racetrack is a horse racing venue located in Ozone Park, Queens, New York. It offers year-round thoroughbred racing, with live racing typically held from late October to early June. The track features a one-mile dirt oval and a seven-eighths-mile turf course, as well as a variety of race distances and surfaces to accommodate different horse breeds and racing styles.
Belmont Park Racing Season
Aqueduct Racetrack is one of the three major horse racing tracks in the New York metropolitan area, along with Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. Aqueduct is located in Ozone Park, Queens, and is owned and operated by the New York Racing Association (NYRA).
The Aqueduct Racetrack season typically runs from late October to early April. During this time, there are races held every day except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The main track at Aqueduct is a one-mile dirt oval, and there is also a seven-eighths-mile turf course.
Some of the most important races of the Aqueduct season include the Gotham Stakes, the Wood Memorial Stakes, and the Carter Handicap. These races are all part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby, and they attract some of the best horses in the country.
In addition to horse racing, Aqueduct also offers a variety of other activities, including simulcasting, dining, and live music. There is also a casino located at the track, and it is open year-round.
| Month | Major Races |
|---|---|
| October | Vosburgh Stakes |
| November | Fall Highweight Handicap |
| December | Remsen Stakes |
| January | Jerome Stakes |
| February | Gotham Stakes |
| March | Wood Memorial Stakes |
| April | Carter Handicap |
- The Aqueduct Racetrack season typically runs from late October to early April.
- Races are held every day except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- The main track at Aqueduct is a one-mile dirt oval.
- There is also a seven-eighths-mile turf course.
- Some of the most important races of the Aqueduct season include the Gotham Stakes, the Wood Memorial Stakes, and the Carter Handicap.
Aqueduct Racetrack’s Winter Meet
Experience the thrills of live horse racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, New York’s premier winter destination for the sport of kings.
Meet Dates and Times
- January 2 – March 26, 2023
- Live racing: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays
- Post time: 12:50 PM (Fridays and Saturdays) and 1:05 PM (Thursdays)
Admission and Tickets
- General admission: $3
- Reserved seating available for purchase
- Tickets can be purchased online or at the track
Race Schedule
Each racing day features a full card of races, including:
- Thoroughbred races
- Claiming races
- Alw/Opt races
Race Distances and Surfaces
| Distance | Surface |
|---|---|
| 5 1/2 furlongs | Turf |
| 6 furlongs | Dirt |
| 7 furlongs | Turf and Dirt |
| 1 mile | Turf and Dirt |
| 1 1/8 miles | Turf |
Racing Conditions
- Horses will race under winter conditions, which may include rain, snow, or ice
- The track surface is closely monitored and maintained to ensure safe racing
Amenities and Entertainment
- Concessions and dining options available
- Betting windows and self-service betting kiosks
- Live music and other entertainment on select days
Historical Significance of Horse Racing at Aqueduct
Aqueduct Racetrack has a rich history in the world of horse racing, stretching back to its opening day in 1894. Over the years, the track has played host to some of the most prestigious races in North America, and has produced numerous legendary horses and jockeys.
- Inaugural Race: Aqueduct’s first race took place on September 29, 1894, and was won by a horse named Banquet.
- Home to the Belmont Stakes: From 1963 to 2011, Aqueduct served as the host track for the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown. During this time, the race was known as the “Big Apple Belmont.”
- Legendary Races: Aqueduct has been the site of numerous iconic races, including the Woodward Stakes, the Jockey Club Gold Cup, and the Cigar Mile.
- Notable Horses: Some of the most famous horses to race at Aqueduct include Man o’ War, Citation, Secretariat, and Sea Biscuit.
- Jockey Hall of Famer: Johnny Longden, a legendary jockey, rode at Aqueduct for many years and holds the record for most wins at the track.
| Year | Notable Race | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 1894 | Opening Day Race | Banquet |
| 1963 | Belmont Stakes | Chateaugay |
| 1973 | Woodward Stakes | Secretariat |
| 1996 | Cigar Mile | Cigar |
| 2004 | Jockey Club Gold Cup | Tapit |
Off-Track Betting Options at Aqueduct
For those interested in horse racing but unable to attend Aqueduct Racetrack in person, there are several convenient off-track betting (OTB) options available:
- OTB Parlors: OTB parlors offer a simulcast of live races from Aqueduct and other racetracks around the country. Bettors can place wagers on any race, using self-service terminals or with the assistance of a teller.
- Online Betting: Several online platforms allow bettors to wager on Aqueduct races remotely. These platforms typically offer a wider range of betting options and promotions than OTB parlors.
- Phone Betting: Bettors can also place wagers over the phone through authorized Tele-betting providers.
To ensure responsible wagering, it’s important to choose a reputable and licensed OTB provider.
Here’s a table summarizing the different off-track betting options for Aqueduct:
| Betting Option | Availability | Convenience | Betting Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTB Parlors | Physical locations in various cities | Easy access, social atmosphere | Limited to races broadcast at the parlor |
| Online Betting | Accessible from any device with internet connection | Convenience, wide betting options | May require account creation and funding |
| Phone Betting | Available over the phone | Convenient, but may have limited betting options | Requires customer registration and account funding |
And there you have it, folks! Aqueduct Racetrack is a lively hub of horse racing action, inviting you to witness the thrill and excitement of this timeless sport. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious newcomer, there’s something for everyone at the “Big A.” So, come on down, immerse yourself in the atmosphere, and let the thunder of hooves ignite your spirit. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you at Aqueduct Racetrack soon for more unforgettable racing moments.