After one hundred and thirty two years, Aqueduct called it quits, yesterday, Sunday, June 28, 2026. We were on the rail, she likes to stick her tongue right down my throat. It marked a historic final day of live racing at Aqueduct Racetrack. In the 6th race we bet an Exacta and the official top three finishers who won, placed, and showed were 1st (Won):Georgia Magic (Jockey: Jaime Rodriguez) 2nd (Placed):Ez Roll (Jockey: Dylan Davis) 3rd (Showed): Willintoriskitall (Jockey: Manuel Franco) The payout was $85.50 and she was so happy, she'd never been to a race track, we were at the rail. We got lucky and got paid $85 on like an $8dollar bet. I wanted to hit some tree in the parking lot after that and I did. Dinner at Nick's to go all out on crappy Greek beer Mythois, n wine. Why can't the Greeks get their sh-t together to make decent beer and wine? From The Internet: Yesterday, Sunday, June 28, 2026 was an incredibly emotional and historic day for New York sports and horse racing. It marked the The "Big A" had been an iconic fixture of New York City culture since it first opened its gates on September 27, 1894. Here is why yesterday's final race card was so significant: 1. The End of NYC Horse Racing With Aqueduct closing its tracks to live racing forever, it marks the end of an era for the last operating horse track within the five boroughs of New York City. For generations of local fans, bettors, and families, it was the ultimate blue-collar, accessible subway-to-track experience. 2. A Massive Changing of the Guard The closure is the result of a massive operational consolidation by the New York Racing Association (NYRA). The state-backed, $455 million modernization project at nearby Belmont Park on Long Island is wrapping up, allowing Belmont to handle winterized, year-round thoroughbred racing. Downstate racing is consolidating there, alongside the historic summer meets at Saratoga. 3. A Legendary Legacy Yesterday's final crowd walked the same grounds where some of the greatest athletes in racing history made their names. Aqueduct hosted legendary champions like Man o' War, Secretariat, Easy Goer and Cigar. It even filled in as the temporary home of the Belmont Stakes from 1963 to 1967 while Belmont Park was undergoing its last major renovation. What Happens Next? While the roar of the thoroughbreds down the stretch has gone quiet, the property isn't shutting down entirely just yet: The facility will remain open for simulcast horse betting and off-track wagering through Labor Day (September 7, 2026). Resorts World Casino next door continues to expand, having recently launched live dealer table games earlier this Over 100 acres of the historic state-owned track land will be redeveloped into housing, retail, and community open space for Queens. It was a bittersweet, final $5-ticket goodbye to a local legend. Live racing officially moves over to the reimagined Belmont Park when it opens on September 18. read more

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First and apparently the last time I will be at Aqueduct Racetrack to bet - since the last day was yesterday Sunday June 28, 2026. My horse "Assume Nothing" came in to win on the 9th and final race of the day. I loved the energy and the 70s style atmosphere. Silks bar line started to get long as the day progressed but I managed to sneak in 2 rounds of drinks before the lines became unbearable. Glad I left for Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn to drink some Guinness and eat wings at tidbits elsewhere. "Assume Nothing" now as legendary as Secretariat and Pie-O-My. read more

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So sad this place is iconic and will be closing ... they had an amazing event today with some giveaways and great food and drinks set up . Parking was easy . Fun day out . read more

The Aqueduct Racetrack is shabby, except for the NYRA studio upstairs, which makes it appear much nicer on TV than it really is. Another review mentioned "grimy' which is the perfect description. A lot of the clientele is sketchy, too, and I would not feel safe alone. There were very limited food options. Our only choice was the Triple Crown Cafe, where we purchased hot dogs, and the Silks Bar for drinks. The seating area of the track is filthy and full of bird droppings. There was garbage stuck in the rails looking down onto the paddock, which had clearly been there for some time. We still had a great time and would definitely return, as shockingly, this is not the worst track we have visited. I hope they tear it down and rebuild like Belmont. There is so much wasted space and wasted potential. read more

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Covid19 review This review is for the covid testing process. There's no horse races going on right now. Instead you can find a drive thru covid test center. You go online and register yourself at covid19screening.health.by.gov first. Then they call you to schedule a drive thru appt. You can call them too as well if it's urgent. Entrance for testing center is on rockaway blvd. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is being tested and has an appt. Drive in and let them know you have an appointment. Keep your drivers license on the dashboard and your windows up. You drive through a checkpoint where they will confirm your identity and appt. You'll then queue up to get tested. Once in the tent, they will check your drivers license again and then finally tell you to roll down your window halfway. The person testing you will swab your nostril for 10 seconds (feels longer sometimes). They then give you a card with instructions on getting results on bioreference.com. Your results should be ready in about a week. Good luck and stay safe everyone! read more

Aqueduct Racetrack - Race Tracks Near Me - South Ozone Park, New York

Now to start this off to be honest Belmont Race Track is way nicer,big tree lined backyard for picnics and on most nice summer months families come there for a picnic and to hear live music in the backyard... Aqueduct Racetrack isn't all that but what it does have is history.This is the place that real hardcore gamblers went to bet and with movies like The Bronx Tale gives a glimpse of how it was back then... Aqueduct Racetrack opened on September 27, 1894 by the Queens County Jockey Club. In 1955, the Greater New York Association took over Aqueduct along with Belmont Park, Saratoga Race Course..... I totally agree with previous posters of how run down the track has become and with not the classiest people...However if you want to see live horses run and enjoy betting on them well this is the place to come when the other tracks are not open. You certainly will not see families here having picnics but the history of the place is here and the longevity makes it a historic track. I came here 3 times a week for the last month and I enjoyed myself... The fact that the track is free (due to the Resorts Casino doing so well) is a plus.. I was always treated nice here and never bothered by the others here.. Yes bathrooms are not the cleanest but a short walk to the casino solves that problem. Plenty of places to park and the buses leaves you right in front of Resorts so it's a short walk to the track. Again this will not be a Belmont or even a Saratoga but it's a decent place to make wagers and not a 3 hour ride to Atlantic City either.. read more

This place is UNIQUE. If you aren't into horse handicapping I would stay away. There are many unique individuals wandering around. The place is pretty dirty and smells like weed. On a nice day, the outdoor benches are a nice place to spend the day betting on the ponies. Just know that the average Joe casual better isn't going to enjoy this place. This place doesn't have the glam version of horse betting you see on tv during triple crown. It's actually the complete opposite. read more

Soooo I'm not really into gambling. But if I was, this place would be in heavy rotation. The customer service is unstoppable. And there is something for everyone, including the non gambler. I'm on vacation at home with my parents and my mom suggested this putting. I was treated great, registration is easy and I won $100 without spending a dime and in less than an hour. Bring your snacks, if you like. Or chose from a variety of choices in their food court. We went in the afternoon. Great place for a group celebration. Plenty of parking - including valet. Thanks for the T-shirt! Zero dollars spent read more

Aqueduct Racetrack - Race Tracks Near Me - South Ozone Park, New York

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This place is a throwback to days gone by. To say it has seen better days is the understatement of the century. Even the shiny new casino that is physically attached to the clubhouse didn't change a thing. The casino is one of the highest grossing places to gamble in the country and they couldn't kick the track a few $$'s to even paint the facade. When they filmed Secretariat with Diane Lane all they had to do was roll in and start shooting because everything looks the same now as it did in 1973. It's both pathetic and fantastic all at the same time. The interior is real experience too. Despite the fact that Resorts annexed a big chunk of the place for the casino, it's still cavernous inside. Scattered throughout each floor is small areas with old bolted chairs and TV's to watch simulcasting. Each area appears to be its own little fiefdom where the same people come to watch the races on weekends. They save their seats by putting an outstretched newspaper across the chair. They then wander around most of the day (generally muttering to themselves) and no one ever takes their seat. Eventually, they seem to return for a short nap in between races. At least they go home broke AND refreshed. (Why is this the only place where they do this by the way? I'd like to stroll into Jean Georges at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon and put an open NY Post on one of the banquettes and the come back around 7:30pm to eat. Why wouldn't this work? I digress.) There is a seating area outside the clubhouse that overlooks the paddock area that could be very nice but is also in serious need of a renovation. It's safe to say that nothing other than the occasional rainstorm has cleaned those outdoor seats for close to fifty years. God only knows what's been spilled on them. If that isn't enough there's even outside balconies facing the parking lot (away from the track). Who thought this was a good idea? I think this is so after the NY card is over and the California simulcast is over, the real degenerate gamblers can go out there and bet on which car gets to Rockaway Blvd first. The Equestris restaurant for the "high rollers" is actually quite nice. Each table has a 14 inch Magnavox old school TV with a slightly blurry picture. Mid week you can bet the ponies and catch up on your soaps all at the same time. The tiered seating works really well so almost everyone can see the action. I went on Wood Memorial Day which is the premiere day of the meet. The restaurant confirmation specifically said collared shirt required and NO shorts. We got almost to the 6th race before I saw a fat guy strolling around in baggy Orlando Magic shorts like he just finished playing one on one in the jockey locker room. So much for the "Sport of Kings". So with all this going for it, why four stars instead of five you ask?? The Food. Wood Memorial Day costs you $65 for the all you can eat buffet. The buffet consisted of Osso Bucco, Fried Chicken, Salmon in butter sauce, Crab tortellini and fatty strip steak. Each entree looked worse than the next. For some insane reason, I thought the lobster bisque may actually be appetizing. I was wrong. It was horrendous. The little salad bar gave you a choice creamy Italian, ranch or blue cheese dressing to make sure you didn't miss out on your calories. I ended up eating some bean salad and cous cous and it still gave me heartburn to beat the band. People seemed to enjoy the dessert buffet by by then I had seen enough. I opted for coffee but they had somehow just run out. Who runs out of coffee? Homeless shelters and gas stations don't run out of coffee. The racetrack is probably on borrowed time I have to imagine. At some point the casino will want to double its size and want to put a sprawling hotel/shopping mall there. Why not just build the casino/mall/hotel complex right into JFK airport and make a gigantic adult destination place? You never know I suppose. On this day though, I turned $50 into $250 before the main event and I was a photo finish away from a Pick Four that would have given me a solid down payment for a Ford Focus. For that reason, Aqueduct race track is perfect and with the exception of adding a simple grilled chicken to the buffet, they shouldn't change a thing. I say keep it 1973 there forever. read more

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I give this three stars. I used to come here alot of few years back. I prefer Belmont here in NY. Belmont has better food also. I remember one time I was here though with my dad and we saw a guy bet $1500.00 on one regular race right in front of us. We were like Oh shit, this guy must have a tip or something. So we went ahead and dropped 20 each on a win bet (I was sayin if this guy is gonna put up 1500 in cash for just a chance, I can afford to gamble a 20 spot). The race was right down to the wire and it was a long spot about a 40 to 1 horse but it lost at the last very second. Seriously, it lost by fractions of a second. I was thinking damn that would've been a good pay day but man THAT dude also just lost 15 Hunded just on one race. Maybe he was a rich mafia guy's son and money didn't mean anything to him. read more

Where do I begin. This was my first experience at this racetrack over Thanksgiving weekend. With Family-friendly attending., beautiful weather of 60 degrees for a November day was just awesome. The race track wasn't packed as I expected but there were enough going on around me., simply hard to keep up with all the excitement. Had a wonderful time placing bets on a few horses and actually done well. During I guest preparation for next race. You have the opportunity to see some of them on the track, along with the caretakers. I manage to make a new friend and had the opportunity to touch them as well. One in particular name Joe. He loves peppermint. Guess what. I had a bag full in my purse. read more

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So far the greatest restaurant in queens I can't believe it's at aqueduct race way just 5 minutes from my home I have to admit I wasn't too thrilled to go there at 1st because there are a lot of bums that hangout and around there but it was pleasantly surprised and how inexpensive and how luxurious the steakhouse is can't wait to go back the best old fashioned I've had anywhere in New York State read more

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Nasty racetrack. Of the two tracks in the area this one is the nastiest. In fact, I would venture this is the nastiest venue for horse racing anywhere in the country. Old looking, dirty and not overly easy to get to it is only surpassed by the rabble that hang out here. Watching a few horse races is always fun, but if you are going to go, spend a few more minutes in the car and go over to Belmont. read more

One of the only place in town to play simulcasting what a joke they have more voucher machines then betting machines and lots of people who can't get a bet down there are so many negatives about NYRA so out of touch with there fan base so much unused space original machines ripped out no concessions people who work there dont seem to care no effort to maybe say let's make it attractive and convenient people are coming to bet and you make it hard and when 6:30 7:00 hit they kick people out with tracks still going using covid as excuse for there people to go home alot of people have no choice where to go no wonder it's a dying game cause they Bank on addicted people will come no matter how pathetic the venue is WAKE UP absolutely unacceptable read more

I could give this place five stars or I could give it one. So I split the difference. Five because I have had some fun times here over there years. One because it is the definition of grimy. If you're a horse racing fan you should visit the Big A at least once. If not you'll probably find it really depressing. Even if you are you will probably find it depressing. Have overheard some wild stuff from the patrons over the years. Wild stuff. read more

Hell of a flea market on the weekends and Tuesdays. Its so much awesome stuff. The actual racing is very interesting though and have won a couple of bucks twice. after that, well..lady luck gotta be with you. read more

Where should I start? This is the greatest place of all time. I actually hope all you losers stay away from this place so it doesn't get crowded. I usually win a couple of races but I get jinxed by my friend Paul. The kid is born loser. read more

I have been going to this race track for 45 years they charge you for parking on the racing side which I think is very unfair, while the casino side is free. the bathrooms, are always clean. and the laborers keep the floors very clean, the only thing that bothers me is the seating and the floors need to be repaired in the casino. it gives it a bad look to a nice place, and some of the shadiest individuals should be removed both from the track and casino, more security is needed. and the prices to the buffet and bar is tooooo high. j.g. read more

This is about NYRA. The Tracks are closed. I need to withdraw money from my betting account. I'm told to fill out a withdrawal slip and mail it to them for a check to be mailed. Withdrawal slip will be mailed in a few days. Then hopefully a check will be mailed. Sounds like a ten + day transaction. This is the start of the third decade of the 21st century. NYRA seems to be using early 20th century technology to forward My Money to me. Competing betting websites will let me request a check be mailed from my account on website and check arrives within 4 days. I think the pony express is better technology than NYRA executives let their staff use.. read more

I remember coming here as a child when Aqueduct used to have a park and recreational space in the backyard. It was a nice place for family and friends who would come to the flea market and come sit on the grass while the kids played. It has a nice adorned pool fountain with flowers. Inside the men would smoke and bet and the crowds would stack up even on a Wednesday. They even had a free daycare for the kids where they would have coloring sheets, clay, blocks, toys, movies, etc. Now, all you see is the lowest of lows come to this place. Its free admission which allows disgusting people to come. Grown men drunk whip out their sh*t in the staircase and piss all over the floor when theyre steps away from a bathroom, People banging, cursing, and smoking weed out in the stands all day long. And because some of the concession stands are closed, some usually sleep overnight behind the counters. Many of them are homeless or just dont want to go home so they spend the whole day there. I know because ive been here many times till 2 AM. People thought that the casino would bring this place back to life, but the reality is that the golden age of horse racing is over. Those who would come to the track when I was a kid, are dead. A new crowd has taken over, and theyre a disgusting lot. Just a few weeks ago, a loser vandalised the machines by graffiti and striked again by smearing sh*t all over the machines. Be aware It gets hot in the summer and all they have are loud fans. So it gets musty a bit. It is a bit warm during live racing in the winter so I give it that. Overall its a nice place, but the people are the worst. PLEASE! DONT BRING YOUR KIDS HERE!!!! UNLESS YOU WANT THEM TO BE BORED OUT OF THEIR MIND AND HAVE NOTHING ELSE TO DO BUT EXPERIENCE LOUD RUDE COMMENTS, CURSING, AND SOMETIMES VOILENCE. THIS ISNT A PLACE FOR KIDS ANYMORE. My review doesnt represent the Aqueduct as a whole, If you are willing to spend a few dollars, get yourself a seat in Longshots. Its a little more decent up there. But be aware, that there are certain days that they close the first and second floor, and send the riff raff up to Longshots free admission. So if youre planning to leave after live racing or mid-day by all means, reserve a private seat up there. This place needs to find its roots. Ill give it 3 stars for the kudos for working to stay open and because it is nicely renovated. read more

Free admission, why not? Nice way to spend a few hours with friends watching the races and you can wager a few bucks. The only issue is the food choices--you are the mercy of the food court at the Resort Casino--- $6.75 for crappy slice of pizza and $4.50 for a medium soda. They are missing the boat in terms of reasonably priced foods. I will probably visit again, but bring my own food and soda. read more

Aqueduct Racetrack - The track and scoreboard. - Race Tracks Near Me - South Ozone Park, New York

I have been going to the racetrack for many years. In 1974 I worked in the Cloud Casino with my Dad,Uncle ,Cousins,and Friends. NYRA needs to make racing great again.Racing will not become great with facebook thinking.Look to the past and let racing grow with generations .NY racing should work closely and join with all NY and national forms of lottery and casino gaming, work together and look to the big picture not short term greed.You can shear a sheep many times but only slaughter him once.This is what happened to racing Breeders cup was like the Superbowl all tracks were closed during this Event when it was held at Aqueduct Racetrack. Will Aqueduct ever have Great racing again.I would hope so.. read more

Not one of my favorite casinos (new casino) not the race track.. The atmosphere was not all that pleasant & clearly this particular casino is for locals. Felt very "inner city". Very depressing atmosphere read more

I worked at Aqueduct for a horse trainer many years ago .That's when aqueduct was in its prime. It has seen better days. If i wanna go to the track today I go to Belmont. read more

Aqueduct is for hardcore horse degenerates who don't want to bet at OTB. It's depressing here, particularly in the winter. They have a few grade 2 stakes races that attract decent horses but this place makes me feel sad. read more

You can have a decent time watching the horses race. Unfortunately the place feels like a ghost town. But you can tell at one time it was probably quite the experience. Now I feel like its known more for its Flea Market than anything else. read more

I enjoy Aqueduct very much. It's a throw back to what a real race track use to be. Kind of has that "Oscar Madison" charm from days gone by. I sat in the Equestris room and had their nice buffet. The view from our table down to the track was stellar. Your way high up and in between races you can watch the planes fly in and out of JFK. Have not been there since the new casino was added, wish it had stayed the same. Nice thing about this track is it doesn't have all the phony wannabes Saratoga has. There is nothing but hardcores here! Great way to spend a dreary winter day. read more

Went to Aqueduct on Saturday December 12th and sat in the Turf Club. The entire staff from betting windows ,server Jenitza, and management were professional and attentive. The food is fantastic. There are hot dishes, a salad bar, and lots of freshly baked and prepared deserts. My favorites were the ravioli, chicken salad, and Mediterranean salad. All fresh and delicious. The horse racing was competitive and fun to bet on. New York, this is the place to be. read more

It's ok. It's been around for a very long time so it's a little run down. But now it's connected to Resorts casino which is pretty good. I'm glad I live near Parx casino/racetrack which is much nicer overall. read more

if you're not a gambler, going to aqueduct racetrack for the first time you'll probably be saying to yourself its going to be cool to watch the horses run around the track a few times....after about a half hour there, you'll probably morph into one of those guys saying c'mon six! c'mon six! c'mon six! what they say about beginner's luck is true, however, i put down $2 bucks on no. 6 to win...and on my first try guess what...chaching! baby! $24.50! read more

$9.00 for a bottle of Heineken???? Are the idiots running the track trying to alienate the punters who still show up.? Charging more than first class dining operations will not increase attendance or sales. Management, or perhaps I should say lack of management needs to pull their heads out of their (you can guess) . read more

Went to AQU today and haven't been in there in quite a while. To say this isn't a family environment is an understatement. Go outside and smell the weed. Bathrooms the pits. The clientel is brutal. Lots of memories for me from years back, but they really need to shut this down for the winter. 4-6 horse fields just don't cut it. Racing from April to November would be ideal in NY but the greed at NYRA will not let this happen. You're a million miles away from Saratoga here. read more

The place to go when you cant go anyplace else. Its safer than a bookie and you get track prices but especially now when the casino is under construction, the atmosphere is more Home Depot than country read more

It's unbelievable how expensive the food court is and the bar. I think you would get a crowd if the prices were lower and you would spend more on gambling. read more