Aqueduct Racetrack

Aqueduct Racetrack – affectionately known as “The Big A” – is full of horse racing history. Aqueduct, which opened in 1894, is an appropriate name considering the property used to belong to the Old Brooklyn Waterworks. Aqueduct Racetrack occupies 192 acres of grounds in Jamaica, New York.

Aqueduct Track Layout

The track operates from the beginning of November to the end of March, with the highlight of the meet being the running of the $1,000,000 Grade I Wood Memorial, considered one of the last final prep races for the Kentucky Derby.

Aqueduct Racetrack Layout

Track History & Quick Facts

In the mid-1950s, Aqueduct underwent a complete refurbishing, and the new Aqueduct was opened to the public on September 14, 1959, and the facility was winterized in 1975 with racing held on the one-mile inner dirt track. From 1965 to 1968, while nearby Belmont Park underwent its own refurbishing, Aqueduct played host to the Belmont Stakes, the third jewel in the American Triple Crown.

One of the most popular horses in American racing, the great Hall of Famer Cigar, won the first two races of his historic 16-race win streak at Aqueduct, and he's honored every year at the track with the running of the Grade I Cigar Mile. Among the many historical milestones achived at Aqueduct is the only triple deadheat in US Stakes-racing history, when three horses crossed the wire together in the 1944 Carter Handicap. Aqueduct was also chosen to play host to the second Breeders' Cup World Championship in 1985.

In addition to live racing, Aqueduct offers the opportunity to wager on simulcast racing from other tracks across the US and around the world. To enjoy a full day at the track, Aqueduct offers business-casual dining at the Equestric Restaurant (reservations recommended), burgers, pizza and other light fare at the Triple Crown Cafe, and a fun, pub-style atmosphere at Champs Sports Bar.

If you find yourself in New York City at anytime over the winter and want to take in some live racing action, or if you're a racing fan elsewhere looking to get an offtrack bet in on the ponies, Aqueduct offers some of the best East-coast horse racing available.