Senator Martins Visits Belmont as the Community Gears Up For the Belmont Stakes

State Senator Jack M. Martins (R - Mineola), a supporter of New York's horsemen and of economic investment and revitalization at Belmont Park, made a visit to the racetrack Saturday. Senator Martins was on hand to watch the Belmont Stakes contenders as they trained over the main track, then took a tour of the backstretch. The tour featured programs funded by the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, including Anna House, the backstretch childcare facility; the offices of the Backstretch Employee Service Team and the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America; and the Rafferty Memorial Library, home of the language lab and communication center for the backstretch workers.

"This is an exciting time for Belmont Park since, on June 9, at the 144th running of the Belmont Stakes, I’ll Have Another will attempt to become the first Triple Crown winner since 1978," Senator Martins said. "This year’s stakes serves as reminder that Belmont Park, host of the final leg of the Triple Crown, has a rich history. With NYTHA's dedication, and the Thoroughbred racing tradition that Belmont has, we will be working toward capitalizing on Belmont for the benefit of the communities surrounding the Park. On Saturday, the eyes of the whole nation will be turned toward Belmont. That speaks to the enormous potential for revitalization of the area." State Senator Jack M. Martins (R - Mineola), a supporter of New York's horsemen and of economic investment and revitalization at Belmont Park, made a visit to the racetrack Saturday. Senator Martins was on hand to watch the Belmont Stakes contenders as they trained over the main track, then took a tour of the backstretch. The tour featured programs funded by the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, including Anna House, the backstretch childcare facility; the offices of the Backstretch Employee Service Team and the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America; and the Rafferty Memorial Library, home of the language lab and communication center for the backstretch workers.

"This is an exciting time for Belmont Park since, on June 9, at the 144th running of the Belmont Stakes, I’ll Have Another will attempt to become the first Triple Crown winner since 1978," Senator Martins said. "This year’s stakes serves as reminder that Belmont Park, host of the final leg of the Triple Crown, has a rich history. With NYTHA's dedication, and the Thoroughbred racing tradition that Belmont has, we will be working toward capitalizing on Belmont for the benefit of the communities surrounding the Park. On Saturday, the eyes of the whole nation will be turned toward Belmont. That speaks to the enormous potential for revitalization of the area."