Belmont Stakes 2024: Despite $2 Million Purse Race, Horse Racing Fans Enraged Over Absurd Rules: ‘What the Fu**?’

With a $2 million purse, one of horse racing’s most prominent races, the Belmont Stakes, promises enormous stakes. However, the recently revealed rules for the 2024 competition have fans in a fury. Numerous fan-related restrictions that the New York Racing Association (NYRA) has put into place have caused a great deal of social media outrage.

On X, “@BelmontStakes” issued the policies and wrote, “📣@TheNYRA today announced various fan-related policies for the #BelmontStakes Racing Festival, which will be held at historic Saratoga Race Course from June 6 through June 9. ⤵️”. Following the post, supporters, however, have voiced their displeasure, especially with the limitations on cash transactions, pop-up tents, and cameras. The annoyance from fans gives a picture of ensuring event security and improving the spectator experience.

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has set the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival to take place at Saratoga Race Course from June 6 to June 9, and released the rules for the event. Did you know? Saratoga Springs has a long history with horse racing, going back to 1822 when the town filed horse shows and speed trials at county fairs. The Saratoga Trotting Course, constructed in 1847, staged the opening harness race on August 14, shortly before the New York State Fair. Established in 1863 and situated on Union Avenue, Saratoga Race Course is recognized as the oldest significant sports complex in the United States.

However, Saturday, June 8 is the day of the 156th Belmont Stakes, which is part of a four-day celebration with 23 stakes races and prizes reaching $2 million. However, many individuals went crazy after acknowledging the policies and spreading their views on X following the Belmont Stakes post.

Fans’ responses towards the Belmont Stakes policies

Among the regulations, the ban on pop-up tents and equipment for professional photography has received the most criticism. One user sarcastically questioned whether a 35mm camera with a removable lens qualifies as professional and is therefore prohibited. The user wrote, “So does having a 35mm with a detachable lens (they almost always have one) make one a professional and thus banned?” For many people, the restriction on carrying certain photography gear seems unreasonable as well. A fan expressing the rage tweeted, “Can’t take my camera in? Go fornicate yourselves with an iron stick. You guys continue to prove you don’t give a SHIT about the enjoyment of your fans.”

The restriction on re-entry is another rule that enraged supporters. Fans expressed their annoyance, with one user calling out, “No re-entry?! What the fuck?” The audience has not been satisfied with the lack of freedom for participants who might need to go away from the premises and return at a later time. An additional source of controversy was the cashless transaction policy. Supporters brought up possible problems, particularly for individuals who would rather pay with cash. A person noted, “This will be very problematic imo ‘Cash will not be accepted for food and beverage purchases, admission, parking or programs (with the exception of the official Saratoga store) during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.’”

While many think the new regulations have the opposite effect, the regulations mean to improve security and streamline operations. Fans are especially irritated by the pop-up tent ban. One user expressed, “No popup tents please keep that and only that forever.” While another noted the size of the audience commenting, “Not Tents? If it rains, you are going to have 50,000 people inside the building. Not good!!” They contend that if it rains, tons of people would have to move indoors, which will result in crowding.

Additional regulations, such as those prohibiting coolers and foldable chairs, exacerbate the situation. Although the NYRA may be trying to keep crowd sizes under control and maintain safety, these limitations seem to be offending the very people who make the event so lively.