Belmont Park spring/summer meet begins Thursday without spectators in attendance

By Pat McKenna —-

ELMONT, N.Y. – The 48-day Belmont Park spring/summer meet will begin on Thursday, April 22, without spectators in attendance.

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will be able to determine when Belmont Park will re-open to spectators following the issuance of detailed guidance from New York State addressing health and safety protocols specific to racetracks.

“We are incredibly eager to turn the page on this pandemic and safely open Belmont Park to fans as quickly as possible,” said Dave O’Rourke, NYRA President and CEO. “Although Belmont Park will be closed to spectators throughout Opening Weekend, NYRA looks forward to seeing fans in the stands right back where they belong this spring and summer.”

The 48-day Belmont spring/summer meet boasts 59 total stakes races worth $16.95 million in total purse money.

“NYRA is committed to ensuring the safest possible environment for fans and will make any adjustments necessary so that the Northwell Health vaccination center operating at Belmont can continue to serve as many New Yorkers as possible,” O’Rourke added. “We thank Governor Cuomo and the state for paving the way for a successful summer at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.”

America’s Day at the Races, the acclaimed national telecast produced by NYRA in partnership with FOX Sports, will present live racing throughout the Belmont Park spring/summer meet that will run Thursday through Sunday, July 11. Opening Day action from Belmont will feature on America’s Day at the Races on FS2 from 1 – 5 p.m. Eastern.

Thursday’s meet opener at Belmont includes five turf races on the eight-race card. In April, first post time at Belmont will be 1 p.m. Eastern.

For additional information please visit NYRA.com.

About the New York Racing Association

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) holds the exclusive franchise to conduct thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.

NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State’s thoroughbred industry, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual statewide economic impact.