Aqueduct Racetrack

Written By Dino DiPietro

Aqueduct Racetrack—affectionately known as “The Big A” and located in South Ozone Park, Queens—has a storied history spanning over 130 years:

🏇 Origins & Early Years (1894–1940s)

  • Opened: September 27, 1894, by the Queens County Jockey Club on land formerly used by the Brooklyn Water Works—naming it after a nearby water conduit. [en.wikipedia.org], [grokipedia.com]

  • Initial Layout: Began as a six-furlong track; The Jockey Club required a 1-mile track for official recognition, prompting early expansion. [americasbe...racing.net]

  • First Major Race: The Carter Handicap, established in 1895 thanks to Captain William Carter’s endowment, immediately drew top competition and established Aqueduct's credentials. [nyra.com], [grokipedia.com]

Expansion & Milestones (1940s–1950s)

Modernization & Golden Era (1955–1960s)

  • NYRA Takes Over: The Greater New York Association (now NYRA) assumed control in 1955 and subsequently closed Jamaica Race Course, focusing investment on Aqueduct. [en.wikipedia.org], [rockawave.com]

  • Major Renovation: From 1956 to 1959, the track underwent a substantial $34.5 million overhaul, reopening on September 14, 1959, with a new four-tier grandstand—boasting elevated luxury and technological facilities. [nyra.com], [en.wikipedia.org]

  • Temporary Belmont Host: During Belmont Park's reconstruction, Aqueduct hosted the Belmont Stakes from 1963 to 1968. [nyra.com], [grokipedia.com]

Iconic Events & Cultural Moments (1970s–1990s)

  • Secretariat’s Swan Song: The legendary Secretariat ran his final race and was officially retired at Aqueduct in November 1973. [nyra.com], [rockawave.com]

  • Winter Racing Innovations: In 1975, an indoor winter dirt track was added, enabling year-round racing despite cold weather. [i-queens.com]

  • Breeders’ Cup: Aqueduct hosted the prestigious Breeders’ Cup in 1985, cementing its status on the national stage. [rockawave.com], [i-queens.com]

  • Papal Mass: In October 1995, Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass before a crowd of approximately 75,000 people at the racetrack. [nyra.com], [rockawave.com]

Recent Years & Grand Finale (2000s–2026)

  • Facility Upgrades: Since 2013, NYRA invested over $18 million in improvements—LED screens, simulcast lounges (“Longshots”), and revamped tracks, especially in 2017. [nyra.com], [nyra.com]

  • Closure of Live Racing: After 132 years of live Thoroughbred racing, Aqueduct held its last live meet on June 28, 2026. It continues to accept simulcast wagering until September 7, 2026. [en.wikipedia.org], [nyra.com]

  • Cultural Legacy: More than just racing, Aqueduct served as a filming location (“A Bronx Tale,” The Sopranos episode “Pie-O-My”) and a defining venue for trainers, jockeys, and local fans. [nyra.com], [horseracin...nation.com]

Signature Races & Track Layout

  • Key Stakes:

    • Carter Handicap (since 1895)

    • Wood Memorial Stakes – major prep for the Kentucky Derby (11 winners went on to win) [nyra.com], [rockawave.com]

    • Cigar Mile Handicap, Gotham, Gazelle, among others

  • Track Configuration: A 1⅛-mile dirt main track, a one-mile turf, and a 7-furlong inner turf course. [en.wikipedia.org], [grokipedia.com]

Aqueduct Racetrack has played a central role in shaping New York racing—evolving from a modest track by a water conduit into a modern, iconic sports and entertainment venue. Its legacy lives on through the horses, history, and community it supported.

Dino DiPietro