Belmont Park has taken another significant step toward its long-awaited transformation, officially opening its new one-mile Tapeta training track to horses on June 29 as preparations continue for the return of live racing later this year.

The synthetic surface forms part of a sweeping three-year redevelopment project that will see Belmont Park emerge as a modern racing and entertainment venue, complete with four brand-new racing surfaces, an upgraded grandstand, expanded hospitality facilities and increased public green space.

The honour of being the first horses to train on the new Tapeta belonged to Private Flight and Mo Kreesa, both from the stable of Mark Hennig. They stepped onto the surface shortly after 5:30 a.m., giving riders an early opportunity to assess the new footing.

Hennig said the initial feedback from exercise riders was overwhelmingly positive.

"They described it as being like galloping on a very soft cloud," he said. "Having another training surface is a real advantage. It gives horses a welcome change of routine, whether they're working on the main track, the Tapeta, the training track or simply spending time in the round pen. Variety helps keep them mentally fresh."

Among those present for the opening was Michael Dickinson, the retired multiple Grade 1-winning trainer and founder of Tapeta Footings, who developed the synthetic surface.

Dickinson believes consistency remains Tapeta's greatest strength.

"The biggest advantages are safety and reliability," he said. "Weather will always have some effect, but nowhere near the extent seen on dirt or turf. As a trainer, you always knew exactly what surface you were putting your horses on each morning."

For the immediate future, the Tapeta track will be available for jogging and light galloping on Mondays and Tuesdays between 5:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. Beginning July 1, Belmont's main dirt track will be open for training from Wednesday through Sunday. Timed workouts on both tracks will be introduced once construction schedules allow.

The new Belmont Park has been designed around four racing surfaces: the traditional 1½-mile dirt track, two turf courses and the new one-mile Tapeta oval. The training complex is further supported by an existing dirt training track, a covered synthetic jogging barn and a quarter-mile Tapeta pony track.

Andrew Offerman, NYRA Senior Vice President for Racing and Operations, described the opening as a key milestone in the redevelopment.

"The completion of these rebuilt racing surfaces represents an important stage in the modernisation of Belmont Park's racing and training infrastructure," Offerman said. "We appreciate the patience and support of our horsemen as we prepare to welcome racing back on September 18."

The reimagined Belmont Park will stage its opening meeting from September 18 through November 29. Opening Day will feature the prestigious Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1), carrying a $1 million purse and offering the winner an automatic place in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) through the "Win and You're In" programme.

The autumn meeting will also introduce record overnight purses, underlining NYRA's ambition to position Belmont Park among the premier racing venues in North America.

Developed by Michael Dickinson as an alternative to traditional dirt, Tapeta combines silica sand, wax and synthetic fibres to produce a durable, all-weather surface. It has been widely adopted at leading training and racing centres around the world for its ability to provide consistent footing across a broad range of weather conditions, including heavy rain and freezing temperatures.