“Bel-Mint Stakes” returns as tribute ice cream flavor for final Belmont at Saratoga
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the return, and “last licks” of the “Bel-Mint Stakes,” the tribute version of Mint Cookie Crumble ice cream rebranded by Stewart’s Shops and named to commemorate the third and final running of the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.
The reintroduction of the Bel-Mint Stakes, first unveiled in 2025, comes just days before the start of the 2026 Triple Crown campaign, and five weeks prior to the final Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at historic Saratoga Race Course, which will be held from Wednesday, June 3, through Sunday, June 7, highlighted by the 158th running of the Grade 1, $2 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets on Saturday, June 6.
Ceremonial first tastings were enjoyed at the Stewart’s Shop at 402 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs by area business leaders, including Todd Shimkus, President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce; Deann Devitt, President of the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association; Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga; Ryan McMahon, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs City Center; and Bill Majewski, Marketing Director of Stewart’s Shops.
The Bel-Mint Stakes’ flavor profile features green mint ice cream with chocolate cookie crumble swirl, aligning the sweet treat with the green-themed color scheme of the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown. Fans can get their “last licks” now through Sunday, June 7, at more than 175 participating Stewart’s Shops locations in the Greater Capital Region.
“Bringing back Bel-Mint Stakes ice cream is a fun way to celebrate the return of the Belmont and world-class racing to Saratoga Springs,” said Stewart’s Shops president Chad Kiesow. “Stewart’s and Saratoga Race Course have been great partners for many years and this is an example of how we can work together to support an event that brings so many racing fans and so much excitement to the city.”
Meanwhile, NYRA is also partnering with Stewart’s Shops to offer fans a special Belmont Stakes Racing Festival three-day admission pass that includes general admission to Saratoga Race Course for three of the five days of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival’s final campaign at Saratoga.
The 3-Day festival pass includes admission on Thursday, June 4; Friday, June 5; and Saturday June 6, Belmont Stakes Day, for just $99, which represents a savings of 15 percent based on individual day pricing.
To complete the Stewart’s Shops trifecta, guests can purchase $50 NYRA Bets Gift Cards to bet the Triple Crown beginning with the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2, the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 16, the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 6, as well as the 46-day Saratoga summer meet from July 3 through Labor Day. NYRA Bets Gift Cards will remain on sale at Stewart’s Shops during the racing season.
NYRA Bets gift cards can be used to fund both active and new NYRA Bets accounts. There are no processing fees, and the gift cards do not expire. NYRA Bets is the official wagering platform of NYRA. The NYRA Bets app is available in the App store or for Android devices at NYRABets.com/App. Registering for a NYRA Bets account is free at NYRABets.com.
“NYRA’s partnership with Stewart’s Shops provides horse racing fans with a convenient way to purchase Belmont Stakes Festival admission and NYRA Bets gift cards, and to top it off with a scoop of delicious Bel-Mint Stakes ice cream,” said NYRA Vice President of Communications Pat McKenna. “We thank Stewart’s Shops for supporting the Belmont Stakes and the annual summer meet.”
“On this bitter-sweet (chocolate and mint) occasion, while we enjoy a delicious tribute to the final Belmont Stakes here in Saratoga with Stewart’s Shops’ Bel-Mint Stakes, we’re reminded that Saratoga Springs is home to thrilling experiences, historical firsts and fantastic ice cream,” said Shimkus. “Who ever imagined the Belmont Stakes would one day come to Saratoga Race Course, even on a temporary basis, and how it would enrich this horseracing town and beyond.”
The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will return to its permanent home on Long Island in 2027 at the newly constructed Belmont Park.
For a complete list of Stewart’s Shops offering Bel-Mint Stakes ice cream, Belmont Stakes Festival 3-Day General Admission, and NYRA Bets gift cards, click here to find a participating Stewart’s near you.
For information about the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, visit Belmontstakes.com.
