Belmont Park Opening Day

NYRA President and CEO, Charles Hayward welcomed Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray, Town of Hempstead Councilman Ed Ambrosino, and Nassau County Legislator Vincent Muscarella for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the Paddock to officially open the 2009 Belmont Park race meet.

They were joined by community leaders from Elmont, Floral Park and Garden City.

After-School Program to Launch at Belmont

ELMONT, N.Y. – Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray presents a citation to trainer Kiaran McLaughlin and The New York Racing Association, Inc. for their support of Gateway Youth Outreach, a youth agency servicing the children of the communities surrounding Belmont Park. Looking on are Pat Boyle, executive director of Gateway Youth Outreach (far left), and Ed Ambrosino, councilman for the Town of Hempstead (far right).


There will be a few extra hands at trainer Kiaran McLaughlin’s barn at Belmont Park this spring, but they won’t belong to either grooms or hotwalkers. Instead, McLaughlin will be hosting a group of elementary students in the afternoon in conjunction with Gateway Youth Outreach, which supports the youth of neighboring Elmont with a number of programs and services.

According to Pat Boyle, the executive director of the agency, four students will visit McLaughlin’s barn on a weekly basis during GYO’s after-school program. The students will have the opportunity to observe the inner workings of one of the country’s leading Thoroughbred stables at historic Belmont Park, home of the Belmont Stakes.

“It’s a chance for the children to see a side of racing that few people get to see,” said McLaughlin. “They will be able to watch what goes on in the barn during the day, and get to meet a racehorse, as well.”

As Belmont Park opened for its 64-day Spring/Summer Meet, McLaughlin and The New York Racing Association, Inc., were presented with citations from Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray for their efforts in arranging the weekly educational sessions at Belmont Park.

“This is a great thing Kiaran and NYRA are doing for the community,” said Ed Ambrosino, councilman with the Town of Hempstead. “We are appreciative that they are able and willing to take the time to reach out to the children of the community.”

Gateway Youth Outreach serves the children of Elmont and nearby communities with counseling, education and recreation. Its after-school program is one of many that promote a safe environment for children to develop their talents in healthy, productive ways.

St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children

Charles Hayward, President and CEO, The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) is pleased to announce that NYRA will be a sponsor of the St. Mary’s WALK for Kids at Belmont ParkSunday, May 17th.

Mr. Hayward is joined by Dr. Burton Grebin, President and CEO, St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children, and the children of St. Mary’s.

For additional information: http://stmaryskids.kintera.org/walk09 on

Ozone Howard Little League

Charles Hayward, President and CEO, The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) is proud to present a check for $1000 to the Ozone Howard Little League.

For many years, NYRA has donated its land to the Ozone Howard Little League for playing fields for the 900 children who play on 70 teams!

This year, NYRA is proud to sponsor the 2009 Aqueduct team!

Queens Community Leaders visit Aqueduct on Wood Memorial Day

NYRA was proud to host the following community leaders from Queens County at Aqueduct Race Track on Wood Memorial Day: State Senator Eric Adams, Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer, Community Board #10 Chair Betty Braton, Community Board #10 District Manager Karen Peterson, Community Board #10 Member Donna Gilmartin, New York State Racing and Wagering Board Chariman John Sabini, New York State Deputy Secretary (Technology, Operations and Gaming) Sylvia Hamer, and New York State Racing and Wagering Board Member John Simoni. They enjoyed and exciting afternoon of racing as Aqueduct hosted four stakes races including the Carter Handicap (G1), the Excelsior (G3), the Bayshore (G3) and the Kentucky Derby prep, The Wood Memorial (G1).