Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association
Posted: June 4, 2020 Belmont Park reopened for live racing June 3, and the first day of its spring/summer meet generated all-sources pari-mutuel handle of $10,972,254, which topped the previous opening day record $10.7 million set in 2010. The nine-race Belmont spring/summer meet opening day card held April 26, 2019, produced all-sources handle of $5,409,231. The 10-race card, which marked the return of professional sports in New York, was highlighted by Rushing Fall’s victory in a stellar edition of the Grade III, $100,000 Beaugay Stakes. “We are proud to be able to usher in the return of professional sports to New York right here at Belmont Park,” New York Racing Association President and Chief Executive Officer David O’Rourke said. “I would like to thank racing fans for tuning in and supporting live racing. Opening day brought us a number of touching and exciting moments and we look forward to many more great days of racing ahead.” The 2020 spring/summer meet, which will be conducted without spectators and with strict health and safety protocols in place, continues through July 12. Following the five-day opening week, live racing will be offered Thursday through Sunday with a first post of 1:15 p.m. The 25-day meet will feature 22 graded stakes and 40 stakes in total worth $7 million in purses. The 152nd Belmont Stakes, a Grade I event worth $1 million, will take place June 20 as the first leg of the Triple Crown series, a historic first for the crown jewel of Thoroughbred racing. Traditionally run at 1 1/2-miles, this year’s edition of the Belmont will be contested at nine furlongs and broadcast live on NBC, the exclusive broadcast partner of the Belmont Stakes and Triple Crown. National and regional television coverage will air every live race day on “America’s Day at The Races” on FOX Sports and MSG Networks. Additional information and the current broadcast schedule can be accessed here. To help welcome back live racing, NYRA Bets is offering a 5% rebate on wagers placed on races at Belmont opening week. The 5% rebate is available exclusively to NYRA Bets members. With the exception of show bets, the rebate is available on all wagers placed on races conducted at Belmont June 3-7. (Belmont Park photo courtesy of Coglianese Photos/NYRA)