Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:110-00 Rockaway Blvd.
Jamaica, New York
Our Sports Superfan Says:
The only racetrack in New York City, Aqueduct Racetrack is one of the oldest race courses in the country and, historically, one of the most important. Each year, racing takes place here from the end of October until the beginning of May. And while questions have arisen about the track's future, it still remains an extremely popular New York venue.
The most important races at "The Big A" are three Grade 1 races – the Wood Memorial Stakes (a major Kentucky Derby prep race), the Cigar Mile Handicap, and the Carter Handicap. During its meet, the track runs plenty of other graded stakes races as well. In the past, it hosted more important races, including the 1985 Breeders' Cup Championship, but the unfavorable fall and winter weather in New York have slightly diminished the track's importance.
Aqueduct opened in 1894, was rebuilt twice, and has undergone other smaller renovations. It has seen several big-name horses run on its track, including Secretariat and Cigar, over the years. Even Pope John Paul II came to the track, holding mass here in October 1995. It also hosted the Belmont Stakes (and, for that matter, Belmont Race Track's entire card) from 1963-67, while that track's grandstand was being rebuilt. The track also was used in the films "A Bronx Tale" and "Lucky Number Slevin."
The track is located in Ozone Park, a neighborhood in the southeastern part of Queens, about 15 miles from Manhattan. It is served by the A subway line and the Q7, 11, and 37 buses.