A New Era for Belmont Park: Governor Hochul Cuts the Ribbon to Reopen Iconic Race Course Following Three-Year Reconstruction

New York State Franchise Oversight Board Chair Robert Williams said, "Thanks to Governor Hochul's leadership and commitment to the sport of Thoroughbred racing, New York now has a world-class racing facility that further establishes the state as a horse racing destination. There truly is something for everyone. Patrons will enjoy the new facility, state-of-the-art video and other amenities. Horsepersons can race and train on four new track surfaces. The backstretch community is seeing significant investment into quality of life improvements. And horses will absolutely benefit from the study to improve detection of Thoroughbred injuries at Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists across the street. Belmont Park is poised to showcase the very best of thoroughbred racing on the international stage."

State Senator Leroy Comrie said, "Belmont Park has long been an important part of the economic and cultural fabric of our region, and its reopening marks an important new chapter for this historic institution. This investment has already supported thousands of good-paying union construction jobs and will continue to generate economic activity, strengthen local businesses and bring visitors from across the country and around the world to our communities. I commend Governor Hochul, NYRA, organized labor and everyone who helped bring this project to completion. I look forward to seeing the new Belmont Park serve as a year-round destination while building on New York's longstanding tradition of thoroughbred racing for generations to come."

State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. said, "The modernized Belmont Park facility is a major investment in New York's future, with opportunities for jobs, tourism, and local business partnerships, while strengthening our state in the racing and entertainment industry. As Chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, I am proud and thankful to have played a role in a project that will benefit racing fans, horse owners, trainers, breeders, backstretch workers and the surrounding communities for generations to come. I appreciate the efforts of Governor Hochul and NYRA for bringing us to the beginning of a new era in racing for New York. The state-of-the-art, efficient Belmont Park will help preserve the racing tradition and increase equine safety, while offering unique opportunities for the future."

Assemblymember Carrie Woerner said, "I am thrilled to have been a part of this chapter in New York Thoroughbred horseracing. It was exciting for the Saratoga Race Course to have hosted the Belmont Stakes for the past three years while construction of Belmont Park was underway. However, now, it's more exciting that New York will have both the oldest Thoroughbred racetrack in the country and the newest. Altogether in one state, horse racing fans will enjoy the benefits of a modern, world-class sports facility at Belmont as well as the historic, Victorian era race course at Saratoga. I am grateful for the Governor's investment in this cultural and economically impactful New York State tradition."

Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages said, "Belmont Park is an iconic part of Elmont's identity, and its transformation marks an exciting new chapter for our community and for New York. The brand new grandstand as well as the rebuilt main track will ensure that this world-class destination continues to strengthen our local economy. I thank Governor Hochul, NYRA and all of our partners for investing in Elmont and bringing this remarkable project to life."

Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow said, "The opening of the new Belmont Park marks an exciting new chapter for horse racing in New York and represents a significant investment in the future of this historic industry. This world-class facility will strengthen New York's position as a premier destination for thoroughbred racing while supporting jobs, tourism, and economic activity throughout the region. As Chair of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and someone who has worked for many years on issues affecting New York's racing industry, I am proud to celebrate this important milestone alongside Governor Hochul and all those who helped make this vision a reality."

Village of Floral Park Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald said, "The Village of Floral Park and its residents are thrilled to welcome Belmont Park back and look forward to the opportunities that its reopening will bring to our community. The new facility and year-round racing will undoubtedly generate additional economic activity throughout the area, including increased business for the many restaurants and local businesses that Floral Park and the surrounding communities have to offer. We would also like to thank NYRA and its management team for continuing the century-old tradition of being a great neighbor to Floral Park, particularly throughout the past several years during the extensive renovations at Belmont Park."

Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties President Matthew Aracich said, "The reopening of Belmont Park marks an important milestone for Long Island, celebrating not only the return of world-class racing and entertainment, but also the thousands of union workers whose skilled labor helped bring this transformational project to life. Belmont Park is a powerful example of what happens when New York invests in its future and invests in working people. We applaud the successes of Governor Kathy Hochul as we cut the ribbon on the new Belmont Park following a $555 million reconstruction project that created more than 3,700 union jobs and generated more than $1 billion in economic impact during construction. This reopening represents more than a new sports and entertainment destination, it is a reminder that major public and private investments can create family-supporting union careers, strengthen local economies and deliver lasting infrastructure for generations to come."

Long Island Federation of Labor AFL-CIO President John Durso said, "Governor Hochul understood that rebuilding Belmont Park was about more than constructing a new grandstand. It was about investing in Long Island's future, creating good union jobs, and delivering a world class destination that will benefit our region for generations to come. The men and women of the building trades put their skill, pride, and hard work into every part of this project, and they delivered something Long Islanders can be proud of. We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and vision, and we thank the thousands of union workers who turned that vision into reality. This is what happens when we invest in our communities and put Long Islanders to work."

President of the Long Island Hospitality Association Dorothy Roberts said, "The reopening of Belmont Park is a monumental win for Long Island, particularly for our regional hospitality and tourism industry. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a major economic engine, attracting visitors from around the world, driving local revenue and showcasing the very best of what our community has to offer."