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Embrace the Belmont III

Tuesday, June 2, 2026 | 5:00–7:30 PM | Universal Preservation Hall

Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities

ABOUT THE EVENT

Embrace the Belmont III brings the Saratoga Springs year‑round community together for an engaging, approachable introduction to horse racing and the 2025 Belmont Stakes field.

Designed for local business owners, professionals, and residents, the event creates a welcoming space to learn the basics of handicapping, understand the sport more deeply, and feel confident talking about it. While many in our community appreciate the tourism and economic impact horse racing brings, Embrace the Belmont invites them to truly embrace the sport itself — and maybe even bring a few friends to the track along the way.

Following two successful sold‑out events, Embrace the Belmont III continues to grow:

  • 2024’s inaugural event sold out at the National Museum of Horse Racing and Hall of Fame
  • Embrace the Belmont II expanded to Universal Preservation Hall (UPH), which proved to be the perfect home for this community favorite

EVENT DETAILS

📅 Tuesday, June 2
🕔 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
📍 Universal Preservation Hall (UPH)

Event Details:
The evening begins with a vibrant cocktail reception before the main program.

The event will be emceed by Donna Brothers, fresh off covering the first two legs of the Triple Crown for NBC Sports. Donna will lead a panel discussion of this year’s Belmont field, alongside the return of our three professional handicappers, Seth Merrow of Capital OTB, Sara Elbadwi with NYRA and Fox Sports, and Matthew DeSantis with NYRA; bringing their insight, energy, and fan-favorite perspectives back to the stage. The program will conclude with an optional “Handicapping 101” session for those looking to build their knowledge and confidence.

Tickets:
General Admission: $58 (a nod to the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes)
VIP Admission: $158 – includes access to a private reception space, exclusive bar and hors d’oeuvres, and the opportunity to connect with handicappers and local civic leaders.

Purchase Tickets

Our Mission
Learning, Legacy & Local Impact

At its heart, Embrace the Belmont is about connection — to the sport, to our community, and to causes that make a real difference.

The event:

  • Builds understanding and appreciation for horse racing
  • Strengthens Saratoga Springs’ year‑round community
  • Helps locals feel informed, engaged, and included in one of racing’s most iconic events
  • Raises critical funds for two outstanding local nonprofits

100% of event proceeds are split evenly between Saratoga Hospital Foundation and Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga.

BENEFITING OUR COMMUNITY

Saratoga Hospital Foundation (SHF)

The Saratoga Hospital Foundation is the 501(c)(3) philanthropic arm of the Saratoga Hospital healthcare system. SHF is dedicated to ensuring that access to resources is never a barrier to excellent healthcare. Through community support, they help deliver high‑quality care and connect those in need with vital local health services.

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS)

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit horse sanctuary that creates space for healing through the powerful connection between humans and horses.

THS partners with certified local equine therapists to provide equine‑assisted therapy (EAT) for some of our community’s most vulnerable populations, including:

  • Adults and children facing mental health challenges
  • Veterans
  • Families and couples
  • Survivors of domestic violence
  • Individuals experiencing social or emotional difficulties

Their mission is simple and profound: matching humans in need with horses that offer healing.

Thank you to our generous sponsors and committee members!