Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday April 17, 2008
COME SEE THE ‘SPORT OF KINGS’ AT LONG ISLAND’S BELMONT PARK
Contact: Kristen Matejka
Director of Marketing and Communications
LICVB&SC 631 951-3900 xt.317
Family Fun Days, Breakfast Races and Tours At NY’s Prestigious Belmont Stakes
HAUPPAUGE, NY –(April 17, 2008)- The third leg of horse racing’s prestigious Triple Crown is coming to Long Island June 7, but even if you haven’t secured tickets to this highly publicized event, you can visit the historic Belmont Park in Elmont, NY, opening on Apr. 30.
While the Triple Crown is often one of the most watched races of the season, the excitement continues through July 20 in the summer, and then again Sept. 5 to Oct. 26 for the fall championship meet. Throughout the season, Belmont Park offers Family Fun Days, tours, breakfast races and the opportunity for corporate and group events.
The Triple Crown was commissioned in 1950 by the Thoroughbred Racing Association and is horse racing’s rarest honor, in which the horse wins first at the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and lastly Belmont Park. Since ‘Affirmed’ in 1978, no horse has won the Triple Crown. This year might be different. Watch history in the making as the Triple Crown may be passed down.
Belmont Park was opened in 1905 by the Westchester Racing Association. The main course is 1 ½ miles long. It is where horse racing history and several horseracing legends made their name. Secretariat, a chestnut stallion won the 1973 Triple Crown, becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years, and set still standing track record at 2:24. Also Man o' War, is considered by most to be the greatest thoroughbred racehorse of all time where he won 20 of 21 races competed in. War Admiral, his offspring, was the 1937 Triple Crown winner. Come see the memorials and tributes to these great horses at Belmont Park.
Throughout the season, there’s fun for the entire family, even the kids.
For the early birds, Belmont offers trackside breakfast while watching the horses have their morning workout. There is a free 20-minute guided tram tour though the barn area and a Paddock Show will teach you about a typical day in the life of a Thoroughbred horse. It is offered weekdays up though October 1 from 7 to 9:30 a.m., a low cost breakfast is available as well.
There is Family Fun Sundays starting in May from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be pony rides, face painting, petting zoo, family shows, and much more.
The Breeders Cup, which is rotated amongst race tracks is periodically held at Belmont Park, but will not be there this year.
In addition to its importance to racing, Belmont has a stately backyard park behind the grandstand that includes the paddock in which the horses are saddled before each race. The backyard and backstretch are notable for their massive groomed trees and landscaping, and children’s play area. Fans may bring coolers into the backyard of the grandstand at Belmont Park, but are not permitted in the buildings and seating areas. There are various dining and concessions stands with a view of the races located thought Belmont Park with meals ranging from a la carte, hot dogs, and children’s menus.
Admission is extremely reasonable. Grandstand admission is $2, on Twilight Racing Fridays it is free until 1pm when regular price applies. Clubhouse admission is $5, on Twilight Racing Fridays it is $3 until 1pm when regular price applies. Children under 12 are free. There is also a parking fee of $2, $4 for preferred parking and $6 for valet parking. There is a courtesy shuttle bus available from all general parking areas. For the regular attendee, season passes are offered as well as group sales. Gates open at 11:00am.
This historical site has been modernized thought the years providing amenities such as a coat check, race replay center, binocular rentals, and first aid. Elegant attire has long been the tradition at Belmont Park, although “business casual” attire is accepted. No “abbreviated” shirts or shorts are permitted.
For more information. Visit www.discoverlongisland.com
The Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission (LICVB&SC) was established in 1979 as the official tourism promotion agency for the destination’s travel and tourism industry. Based on Long Island in Hauppauge, NY, the LICVB&SC contributes to the economic development and quality of life on Long Island by promoting the region as a world-class destination for tourism, meetings and conventions, trade shows, sporting events, and related activities. For more information about Long Island, please contact the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission by calling 1-877-586-6654 or visit www.discoverlongisland.com.
Press Contact Email: kmatejka@discoverlongisland.com
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330 Motor Parkway, Suite 203, Hauppauge, NY 11788 (631) 951-3900 www.discoverlongisland.com
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