Aqueduct Racetrack to be Transformed by Resorts World NYC

We are entering a new era as we say goodbye to Aqueduct Racetrack. Aqueduct Racetrack will host its final horse races on June 28, 2026, after which it will close permanently to be redeveloped. The site, a storied venue in South Ozone Park, Queens, is being taken over by New York State, with its grounds—including the track surface—repurposed for a major expansion of the adjacent Resorts World New York City casino, which launched live table games in April 2026

Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, New York, was founded and opened on September 27, 1894, by the Queens County Jockey Club and named for its proximity to the water conduit for the Ridgewood Reservoir. Built on former Brooklyn Water Works property in Ozone Park, Queens, it was famously renovated into the modern "Big A" structure in 1959. It is the second oldest of the three tracks currently operated by the New York Racing Association. Saratoga racecourse is the oldest, established in 1863.

Although there is great excitement for plans to rejuvenate this area, a great many will miss this subway accessible racetrack where many champion horses raced. Let’s take a look back on some key historical highlights at Aqueduct which include:

• Major Stakes Races: Including the prestigious Wood Memorial (a major Kentucky Derby prep), the Cigar Mile, and the Carter Handicap.
• Temporary Home of the Belmont Stakes: Due to renovations at Belmont Park, Aqueduct hosted the final leg of the Triple Crown from 1963 to 1967.
• 1985 Breeders' Cup: The second-ever Breeders' Cup World Championships were held at the venue.
• Secretariat's Farewell: Triple Crown winner Secretariat was paraded for the final time on November 6, 1973.
• Historic Triple Dead Heat: In 1944, the Carter Handicap ended in the first and only triple dead heat for win in a stakes race.
• Cigar's Winning Streak: Hall of Fame horse Cigar began his 16-race winning streak with victories at Aqueduct in 1994.
• Other Key Races: The Jockey Club Gold Cup (1958–1974) and the Display Handicap were held here.

So, we are now entering a new era where all downstate racing will move to the newly renovated Belmont Park as the historic Aqueduct racetrack comes to a close.

You can find more informative articles in our section on Racing & Wagering. Take a look at our Curated Amazon Store for our selections in a wide variety of categories!

Read the press release about the historic Resorts World ribbon cutting ceremony "Resorts World New York City Cuts The Ribbon On Live Table Games And Commercial Casino Slots, Marking A Historic First For New York City".

Taking Back The West - The Story of an American Icon (3:28)

From This Mustang Life - Jamie Baldanza - I’ve decided to use my voice and skills to help bring awareness to America’s Wild Horses & Burros. Being from New Jersey, an area of the United States with very little experience or positive exposure to America’s wild horses, I realized that they ARE desperately in need of more engaging and constructive publicity. In the face of their ongoing battles to stay on the range and for those 45,000 captured wild horses who are in need of adoptive homes, my goal with the docu-series "Taking Back The West" is to heighten America’s awareness through beauty, truth, and in-film documentation. I hope to help save our iconic western heritage, and collaboratively find solutions that will work for all special interest groups involved in our public lands.

Read more: Taking Back The West - The Story of an American Icon (3:28)

The Name Game. How Do I Know What to Name a Horse?

Naming a horse is an important part of horse ownership. It is a reflection on personal taste and perhaps the looks, personality and heritage of the horse. The best way to pick a horse name is to combine personal inspiration—such as personality, color, or lineage—with practical considerations like ease of pronunciation and uniqueness. Many owners choose short, memorable, and distinct names to avoid confusion with other horses in the barn.

Top Strategies for Naming a Horse

Personality & Appearance: Observe the horse for a few days. Names often reflect personality (e.g., "Spirit"), appearance (e.g., "Spot," "Shadow"), or behavior.

Pedigree & Heritage: Use the dam (mother) or sire (father) names for inspiration, or combine them to create a new, unique name.

Themes & Hobbies: Choose names based on mythology, nature, favorite characters, or personal passions (e.g., "Zeus," "Willow").

Pairing (for Multiple Horses): If you have two, consider complementary, but distinct, names like "Maggie" and "Murphy," ensuring they do not sound too similar to avoid confusion.

Practical Tips

Keep it Simple: Short, one-to-two syllable names are easiest for training and communication.

Check Availability: If registering the horse, check breed registry databases such as the AQHA and The Jockey Club for similar, existing names. The Jockey Club even has an AI naming tool.

Test it Out: Say the name loudly, as if calling the horse in a field, to see if it feels right.

Important Rules to Remember

Length Constraints: Registered names often have character limits (e.g., maximum 18–35 characters).

No Obscenity: Names must not be vulgar or offensive, nor can they be famous commercial, brand, or, in some cases, human names.

No Duplicates: The name must be unique and not conflict with existing, registered, or famous horses.

These tips are points to consider and have fun naming your horse!

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