The 2026 Jockey Club Gold Cup marked the grand reopening of Belmont Park following a $500 million renovation, but the race itself delivered mixed results. Forever Young, the heavy favorite at 2-5 odds, lived up to expectations by winning decisively and claiming half of the $1 million purse. This victory also secured Forever Young's spot in the 2026 Breeders’ Cup Classic. However, the event was notably affected by the withdrawal of three horses—including Banishing and Chunk of Gold opting for a different race, and Render Judgement scratched on race day—resulting in a reduced field of only four runners.

Stars And Stripes, trained by William Mott and starting at 15-1 odds, managed to finish a strong second, outperforming stablemate Baeza, the 5-2 second favorite who struggled in the race. Meanwhile, Phileas Fogg, initially regarded as the second favorite, faltered significantly, fading to last place after leading early on. His disappointing performance saw him finish well behind the leader, cutting short any hopes of a competitive challenge.

The limited number of runners also impacted the betting experience for fans, with the absence of show, trifecta, and superfecta wagers leading to less excitement at the betting windows. Payouts reflected the small field; Forever Young’s win paid a modest $2.96 on a $2 bet, and a $1 exacta with Stars And Stripes returned only $11.47. Despite the race being intended as a high-profile centerpiece for Belmont’s reopening, the sparse field and subdued drama left spectators craving more energy and star power.

While the newly refurbished Belmont Park boasts impressive facilities after its three-year closure, the challenge ahead lies in reinvigorating the track’s stature in the competitive New York sports landscape. The limited turnout and uneven performances suggest that it will take several more high-stakes events and significant public interest to restore Belmont’s prominence in horse racing’s spotlight. For now, the venue has the solid infrastructure, but it must work to regain the magnetic appeal it once commanded.