The Belmont Stakes race in Elmont on Saturday is expected to generate $10 million from the weeklong festivities celebrated by local restaurants, businesses and hotels.
Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano said millions around the world will be celebrating the Triple Crown winner this weekend while Nassau County benefits from the economic boost from local attractions and festivities.
“For 144 years, Nassau County has hosted the Stakes at Belmont Park,” Mangano said. “The race provides our county with a major boon to the local economy and this Saturday, the millions around the world will be watching us once again.”
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He was joined by Joann K. Adams, director of the New York Racing Association; Moke McGowan, president of the Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau; Julie Marchesella, vice president of the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce; and Nassar Samman, general manager of the Garden City Hotel to promote the events.
“We are looking forward to developers this weekend and hoping that Belmont is the number one location for investments and opportunities,” said Marchesella. The profits are expected to surpass last year’s race and create local jobs.
Nassau County had weeklong festivities to celebrate the race. Jockeys greeted fans at the OTB, where they hosted a fundraiser for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. There also was a 5K Run, an art exhibit and street festivals.
The festivities come as I’ll Have Another, a colt that was vying for the first Triple Crown in 34 years after winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, was abruptly retired by his trainer Friday due to a swollen left front tendon.
“The Belmont Stakes are always a great start to Nassau County’s summer tourism season and I invite everyone to come down to Belmont Park for the festivities this coming weekend and to come back all summer long to enjoy our beaches, pools, golf courses and downtown villages,” Mangano said.
