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.

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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".