Ratings Down Slightly for 2026 Belmont
FOX’s coverage of the 158th Belmont Stakes delivered another strong national television audience, though viewership figures dipped modestly from the record numbers posted a year ago.
According to FOX, the network’s Belmont Stakes telecast reached a peak audience of 4.7 million viewers during the day’s marquee event. That figure represented a 6 percent decline from the 5 million viewers who tuned in at the high-water mark of last year’s broadcast.
Across both FOX and FS1, the Belmont Stakes programming averaged 3.73 million viewers. That total was down 2.6 percent from the 3.83 million average audience recorded in 2025.
FOX’s main-network coverage aired from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Eastern, with the Belmont Stakes itself going to the post at 7:01 p.m. Eastern. Simultaneously, FS1 carried an alternate presentation from 4 p.m. through 6:30 p.m. that focused heavily on handicapping analysis, wagering opportunities, and betting strategy for racing fans looking for a deeper dive into the card.
While the slight year-over-year decline may draw attention, the Belmont Stakes remained one of the most-watched horse racing broadcasts of the season. FOX continues to hold the television rights to the race through 2030 and has further solidified its position as a major player in horse racing broadcasting.
Industry observers will also be watching closely to see whether FOX pursues the rights to the Preakness Stakes. NBC’s long-standing agreement to televise the middle jewel of the Triple Crown concluded this year, potentially opening the door for a new broadcast partner.
Among the Triple Crown races in 2026, the Kentucky Derby once again led the way in television viewership. NBC reported a peak audience of 24.4 million viewers for the Derby broadcast. The Preakness Stakes attracted a peak audience of 7.1 million viewers, while the Belmont Stakes reached its high point at 4.7 million viewers.
Although the Belmont’s audience fell slightly short of last year’s benchmark, the race continued to draw a substantial national following and capped another Triple Crown season with strong television exposure for the sport.
