Saratoga Springs, NY – Embrace the Belmont III returns to Universal Preservation Hall for an unforgettable evening honoring the 2026 Belmont Stakes and its historic final run in Saratoga. As a signature Saratoga preview event, the evening brings together the very best of racing culture, including food, fashion, community, and the energy that makes Saratoga in June so special, all while paying tribute to the incredible equine athletes at the heart of it all.

Designed to unite Saratoga Springs’ year-round community, Embrace the Belmont III invites local business owners, professionals, and residents to fully experience the spirit of race week. Whether you are a longtime fan or simply looking to be part of the excitement, the evening offers an engaging and approachable way to enjoy the Belmont season, from what to wear, how to talk about the Belmont Stakes horses, and overall, how to fully embrace the day. Along the way, guests will gain a better feel for the Belmont field and the conversations surrounding it, making it easy to step into the experience with confidence.

Guests will also have the opportunity to experience Belmont-inspired fashion from local partners Frivolous, Mark Thomas Apparel, Miss Scarlett, Gilded, Piper Boutique, Lifestyles of Saratoga, Caroline & Main, Union Hall, and Encounter, helping bring Saratoga style to life as part of the evening’s celebration.

The event will take place on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM, beginning with a lively cocktail reception before the main program.

The evening will be emceed by Donna Brothers, who will lead a dynamic and entertaining panel featuring Seth Merrow of Capital OTB, Sara Elbadwi of NYRA and Fox Sports, and Matthew DeSantis of NYRA. The program will conclude with an optional session for those who want to dive a bit deeper, while keeping the overall tone fun, social, and accessible to all.

“Bringing Embrace the Belmont back to Saratoga for this final run is incredibly special,” said Donna Brothers. “This event is really about the full experience. It is the style, the energy, the people, and of course, the horses. We want everyone to feel like they are part of it, whether they have followed racing for years or are stepping into it for the first time.”

Tickets are now available:
General Admission tickets are $58, a nod to the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes. VIP Admission is $158 and includes access to a private reception space, hors d’oeuvres, and the opportunity to connect with panelists and community leaders.

Giving Back to the Community
Proceeds from Embrace the Belmont III will benefit Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga and Saratoga Hospital Foundation, with 100% of funds raised supporting their missions.

“Events like Embrace the Belmont create a meaningful connection point for our community,” said Kim Weir, Director of Strategic Growth at Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. “Through the connection between humans and horses, we are able to support individuals, children, families, couples, Veterans and Service Members, and all others in need of mental health support. This kind of event helps open the door for more people to understand and engage with that work.”

“We are proud to be part of an event that captures the spirit of Saratoga while giving back in such an impactful way,” said Kelly Armer, Vice President of Development at the Saratoga Hospital Foundation. “The support generated through this evening helps us continue to strengthen healthcare services in our region and ensure that quality care is accessible to all.”

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga is a nonprofit horse sanctuary dedicated to supporting mental wellness through the connection between humans and horses. In partnership with licensed professionals, the organization provides equine-assisted services for individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, trauma, and life transitions.

Saratoga Hospital Foundation supports the advancement of high-quality healthcare throughout the region. Through philanthropy and community partnerships, the Foundation enhances medical services, technology, and patient care programs, ensuring access to essential healthcare resources for all.

A Passion-Driven Event
Embrace the Belmont was created by Donna Brothers, Rachel Dunn (Sackatoga Stable and Stable Connect), and Laura Simiele (Stars Aligned Stable and Untamed Filly), three women united by their passion for horse racing, community, and creating meaningful connections through the sport.

A special thank you to the sponsors and partners helping bring this year’s event to life, including:

Adelphi Catering

Adelphi Racing Club

Bouchey Financial Group

Brook Ledge Horse Transportation

Brown Road Racing

Discover Saratoga

Franklin Square Market

Hildebrandt's Ice Cream

National Thoroughbred League

NYRA

Sackatoga Stable

Ten Strike Racing

The Children and Horses Welfare Foundation

The Horse Whisperer Network

The Lazy Dog Cookie Company

Untamed Filly

Victory Racing

Join us as we celebrate Saratoga, embrace the Belmont, and enjoy everything that makes this moment so special!

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit:

https://thsaratoga.org/embrace-the-belmont/

Link to Press Release: https://thsaratoga.org/embrace-the-belmont-iii-returns-to-saratoga-for-final-belmont-run/

About Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS): Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga is a 501c3 nonprofit horse sanctuary accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. THS is dedicated to providing mental wellness through horse and human connection. THS works in partnership with local certified equine therapists to offer equine-assisted therapy to individuals and families facing mental illness, social difficulties, trauma, and other challenges.

About Saratoga Hospital Foundation (SHF): Saratoga Hospital, the only acute care facility in Saratoga County, has maintained Magnet designation for nursing excellence since 2004. Its more than 450 physicians and other medical professionals provide care at more than 20 locations in a broad range of medical specialties, from urgent and primary care to state-of-the-art imaging, pain management, diabetes care, and more. Saratoga Hospital is a member of the Albany Med Health System, which also includes Albany Medical Center, Albany Medical College, Columbia Memorial Health, Glens Falls Hospital, and the Visiting Nurses. The region’s largest locally governed health system, it has 1,520 beds, more than 800 physicians and 125 outpatient locations serving the region’s three million people.