NYRA Acknowledges NYTHA's Support of the Backstretch During the Holiday Season

NYRA thanks the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association ("NYTHA") for their support by underwriting the Holiday dinner for the backstretch workers on December 22nd. Many families enjoyed a delicious meal thanks to the contributions of the New York horsemen.
Happy New Year!

NYRA hosts BCCA Holiday Shopping Event at Belmont Park

The Belmont Child Care Association Board of Directors would like to thank everyone for helping to make our annual Holiday Shopping event, on December 10th, for the children of the backstretch workers a wonderful event. Over 375 children selected presents for their families from the many donations received from our generous supporters and the US Marines Toys for Tots Program. Each child was assisted by one of our many volunteer elves, in their Santa hats, to shop for their families at our Holiday Store in the Turf and Field Club at Belmont Park. This event could not happen without the support of NYRA and so many others and WE THANK YOU!

NYRA Welcomes Queens Community Leaders to Aqueduct Racetrack

NYRA was proud to welcome the following Queens Community Leaders to Aqueduct Racetrack:
Audrey Pheffer, Queens County Clerk; Betty Braton, Chairman Community Board #10; Karyn Peterson, Community Board #10 District Manager, and Donna Gilmartin, Community Board #10 Aqueduct Liaison. The Queens Community Leaders were joined by John Sabini, Chairman NYS Racing and Wagering Board. NYRA was delighted to have them present the trophy for 5th race which was named in their honor in addition to the 109th running of the Queens County at Aqueduct Racetrack on December 10th.

NYRA Salutes BST

NYRA President and CEO, Charles E. Hayward, salutes the firm of Bollam, Sheedy, Torani & Co. LLP, CPAs ("BST") for underwriting the annual Thanksgiving dinner for the backstretch employees at Aqueduct Racetrack and Belmont Park. The dinners were held on November 22nd and everyone enjoyed a delicious and festive holiday meal. BSTs commitment to the backstretch during the holiday season is most appreciated by everyone at NYRA.

NYRA Hosts Toys for Tots Annual Drive at Aqueduct Race Track

NYRA was proud to host the 2011 Toys for Tots Annual Drive at Aqueduct Racetrack on December 3rd and 4th. Thanks to all of our loyal fans for your financial and in-kind contributions!

NYRA President and CEO, Charles E. Hayward, also wishes to thank Richard A. Violette, President of The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association for their support and contribution of $5,000 to the Toys for Tots campaign. In addition, Mr. Hayward recognizies Thoroughbred owner, Harold Lerner, for his generous contribution of $10,000 and trainer, Gary Contessa, for his earnings this past weekend.

NYRA will match all funds donated by our horsemen which will provide Toys for Tots with approximately $40,000!

NYRA thanks everyone for helping to make the holidays merry and bright for children in our local communities.

NYRA Assists with 17th Annual Manhasset Children's Holiday Show and Food Drive

NYRA is proud to assist with the 17th Annual Manhasset Children's Holiday Show and Food Drive. This annual community event is coordinated by the Bayview Civic Association. Children are asked to gather food donations for the hungry which are forwarded to Island Harvest. The children receive gifts for their hard work and NYRA is always pleased to support this wonderful cause with memorabilia from Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack or Saratoga Race Course.

NYRA was proud to sponsor the Racetrack Chaplaincy Thanksgiving Food Drive at Belmont Park

NYRA was proud to serve as a sponsor for the Racetrack Chaplaincy's Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. My family and I were proud to assist other owners, trainers and jockeys and their families with the turkey and trimmings distribution to the families of the backstretch on November 21st at Belmont Park. The Racetrack Chaplaincy worked with Island Harvest and received private donations from individuals and organizations for this annual appeal which assists our backstretch families in preparing a hearty meal for their families. As the families arrived at Belmont Park, they enjoyed music provided by a festival chorus and they were greeted by many volunteers as they received their holiday turkey and trimmings.

NYRA to Host Annual Shopping Event to Benefit the Belmont Child Care Association on December 10th in the Turf and Field Club

NYRA is proud to host the annual Holiday Shopping event for the The Belmont Child Care Association ("BCCA") on Saturday, December 10th in the Turf and Field Club at Belmont Park. On this day, children select presents for family members and one for themselves. You can help by delivering a contribution to BCCA at 2150 Hempstead Turnpike, Gate 6 - Belmont Park, Elmont or you may contact BCCA to offer your support at belmontchildcare@aol.com or (516) 488-2103.

NYRA Works with Elmont Chamber of Commerce to Promote Local Businesses Along Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY

NYRA recently purchased and installed banners along Hempstead Turnpike which promote the Elmont Chamber of Commerce. The banners remind the community that Elmont - Home of the Belmont Stakes provides an important economic impact to local businesses.
Your business can purchase a banner by contacting the Elmont Chamber of Commerce.
NYRA is proud to spearhead this effort to support our local business community near Belmont Park!

NYRA President and CEO, Charles E. Hayward, Named Honorary Vice Chairman of the 2011 Toys for Tots Campaign

I was proud to represent NYRA at the kick-off reception for the 2011 Toys for Tots Campaign.

NYRA President and CEO, Charles E. Hayward, and I were named Honorary Vice Chairmen of the 2011 Toys for Tots Campaign to be held at Aqueduct Racetrack on December 3rd and 4th.

NYRA invites all of our fans to join us in supporting the U. S. Marine Corps in their efforts to provide a successful annual toy collection and distribution during this holiday season.

The U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation, an IRS recognized 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit public charity, is the authorized fund raising and support organization for the Toys for Tots program.

Belmont Park Jockeys Donate “Equipony” to St. Mary’s

More than a dozen of New York’s top jockeys gathered in the winner’s circle at Belmont Park Thursday afternoon to donate an Equicizer riding simulator to the St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children.

Originally designed for jockeys to aid in practice and development of their specialized skills, the Equicizer has since been successfully used to conduct therapeutic exercises for children and adults with disabilities, and is used throughout the country in private homes, rehabilitation facilities and therapy centers.

Joining the jockeys in making the presentation to Jan Mitten, Vice President of Development for St. Mary’s, and Angela Sculti, St. Mary’s Director of Community Relations, were Elizabeth Bracken, Vice President of Simulcasting for The New York Racing Association (NYRA), and Sharon Dominguez, wife of NYRA’s leading jockey, Ramon Dominguez.

Headquartered in Bayside, N.Y., St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children provides intensive rehabilitation, specialized medical care and education for 4,000 children with special needs throughout the New York-metropolitan area.

Photograph of Belmont Park jockeys as they donate a Equicizer riding simulator to St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children. Pictured at left are NYRA Vice President of Simulcasting Elizabeth Bracken, Sharon Dominguez, and Jan Mitten and Angela Sculti of St. Mary’s.

NYRA Hosts Floral Park Art League at Belmont Park

NYRA is proud to host the Floral Park Art League's annual fall show at Belmont Park on October 8th and 9th. The show is located on the third floor of the Clubhouse and all are welcome to stop by anytime from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm on both days.

NYRA Hosts Members of the Cast of War Horse at Belmont Park

NYRA was delighted to host two members of the cast of War Horse. Jonathan MacMillan and Brian Lee Huyhn presented the trophy for the third race on October 7th on behalf of the Tony Award winning show. They watched NYRA track announcer, Tom Durkin, call the second race and they were given a tour of the barn area, courtesy of Kiaran McLaughlin racing.

Floral Park Honors NYRA with Businessperson of the Year Award

I was honored to receive the Businessperson of the Year Award which was presented to me at the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce Awards and Legislative Breakfast on October 7th by the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce.
NYRA works closely with the local community to address the needs of the residents and provide opportunities for them to enjoy Belmont Park on their annual Community Day.
NYRA sponsors the annual Floral Park Belmont Stakes Festival and sponsors the Floral Park Art League's annual Spring and Fall Art Shows.
It was a great pleasure to receive this recognition on behalf of NYRA!

New York Showcase Day - Saturday, October 22,2011

Garden City Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hosts Day at the Races at Belmont Park

The Garden City Chamber of Commerce Foundation hosted a successful Day at the Races at Belmont Park on September 17th. The mission of the Foundation is to award an annual scholarship to a high school student and to assist families in need within the community. The Foundation serves as the fundraising arm of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce and they raised significant funds thanks to NYRA's support. The highlight of the day was the running of the Grade 1, Garden City Stakes! Mayor Brudie of the Village of Garden City presented the trophy. For additional information and photos, please go to www.gardencitychamber.org.

TRAVERS CELEBRATION RAISES MORE THAN $100,000 FOR BACKSTRETCH EMPLOYEE SERVICE TEAM AND TIMES UNION HOPE FUND

The co-chairs for the 11^th annual Travers Celebration today announced that this year’s event raised $105,000 for its two beneficiaries: the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.) and the Times Union Hope Fund.

The $105,000 donation marks a record-breaking fundraising total for the annual event, which celebrates the arrival of the Grade 1, $1 million Travers Stakes.

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) President and CEO Charles Hayward and 2011 Travers Celebration co-chairs George R. Hearst III and Betsy Senior today joined representatives from B.E.S.T. and the Times Union Hope Fund to present the donation in the winner’s circle at Saratoga Race Course.

“The 11^th annual Travers Celebration not only highlighted the crowned jewel of the summer racing season, but also raised significant contributions for two vitally important organizations within our community,” said Hayward. “We are thrilled to announce this donation to B.E.S.T. and the Times Union Hope Fund as we come upon the conclusion of another tremendous meet at Saratoga Race Course.”

Sponsored by Macy*s and Northeastern Fine Jewelry, more than 350 individuals attended the Travers Celebration, which was held on August 25 at Saratoga Race Course. The annual event featured live music, dancing, and a silent and live auction, with all proceeds benefitting B.E.S.T. and the Times Union Hope Fund.

Throughout the summer, a portion of proceeds from all merchandise sold at the five NYRA Stores at Saratoga Race Course also benefited the Travers Celebration and its charitable partners. Additionally, a portion of proceeds from all Coca-Cola sales on track was earmarked for both charities.

The 2011 Travers Celebration was co-chaired by Betsy Senior, co-owner of Senior & Shopmaker Gallery in Manhattan; and George R. Hearst III, Publisher and CEO of the Times Union.

The Backstretch Employee Service Team is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing care and service to maintain the health and well-being of employees in the backstretch.

The Times Union Hope Fund, a component fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, raises money and awards grants to after school and summer programs serving at risk children in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties.

The Travers Celebration has raised more than $1.1 million for non-profit organizations in the thoroughbred industry and greater Capital Region since its inception over a decade ago.

NYRA Donates to the American Red Cross Relief Effort Post Hurricane Irene

On Septemeber 1st, NYRA President and CEO, Charles Hayward, announced that NYRA would contribute $5000 to the relief efforts post Hurricane Irene during a local news broadcast at Saratoga Race Course. NYRA thanks its fans for their support as well!

Fabulous Fillies Day at Saratoga Race Course Benefits The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

NYRA hosted Fabulous Fillies Day at Saratoga Race Course to benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation ("BCRF") on Friday, August 19th. NYRA celebrated women and the glamour that they bring to Saratoga Race Course every year, and we acknowledged an extraordinary woman in Thoroughbred racing, Anne Campbell of Dogwood Stable, with a race named in her honor on the day.
Saratoga Race Course played host to a true Fabulous Fillies Day as NYRA Vice President and Director of Racing, PJ Campo, carded only filly and mare races on the day!
The NYRA flag and program color were pink, the statue of Sea Hero in the paddock was adorned with a blanket of pink flowers, and all of the horses wore pink saddlecloths and the grooms wore pink jackets embossed with the BCRF logo.
ALL of our fans received pink bracelets upon arrival and they made significant donations to the BCRF.
The highlight of the day was The Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon. Jeannine Edwards of ESPN was the emcee and Dr. Larry Norton, Scientific Advisor of the BCRF, provided the attendees with a most informative discussion on Breast Cancer: How We Are Winning The Race.
NYRA President and CEO, Charles Hayward presented the BCRF with a check for $5,000 and Linda Rice presented a check to the BCRF from the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association for $5,000.
Mayor of Saratoga Springs, Scott Johnson, presented NYRA and the BCRF with a citation commemorating Fabulous Fillies Day.
NYRA assisted the BCRF in raising $100,000!

Fabulous Fillies Day - August 19, 2011

NYRA Hosts Race Track Chaplaincy Breakfast at Saratoga Race Course

NYRA was proud to host the Race Track Chaplaincy breakfast At the Rail at Saratoga Race Course on August 8th. The Chaplaincy raised significant funds for their programs and the event was attended by over 150 people. Guests enjoyed watching the horses work out on the track as the sun came up over Saratoga! NYRA President and CEO, Charles Hayward, greeted the guests and the Chaplaincy thanked him for his support and assistance.

NYRA Hosts the Tang Museum at Saratoga Race Course

NYRA was proud to host the Tang Museum of Art in the Community Outreach Booth at Saratoga Race Course on August 1st. The Tang Museum also presented the trophy for the sixth race.
We encourage our NYRA fans to visit the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College during their stay at the SPA!

NYRA Hosts the Race For Education at Saratoga Race Course

The Race For Education announced the Olivia M. Saylor/Fleet Indian Scholarship at Saratoga Race Course on July 31st. Formerly known as the Fleet Indian Scholarship in honor of Fleet Indian, winner of the Personal Ensign and the 2006 Eclipse Award, it was established for a New York student wishing to pursue a career in the Thoroughbred industry.
This scholarship, personally funded by Paul Saylor, was re-named this year to honor the memory of Paul's daughter, Olivia M. Saylor. Mr. Saylor, along with Elizabeth Jensen, Executive Director of the Race For Education, presented a check for $24,000 to Victoria Casso.
The mission of the Race For Education is "to engage the youth of the backstretch racing community and their families, and initialize positive growth and education of skills needed for a bright academic future."
This year, NYRA President and CEO, Charles Hayward, presented a check for $2500 to the Race For Education in memory of Olivia M. Saylor.

Jockey and Horsemen Battle It Out on the Court

The Annual New York All Star Jockey and Horsemen's Basketball Game was held on July 27th at the Saratoga Recreation Center. The event raised $6,000 for the Race Track Chaplaincy of New York and the spectators enjoyed an evening of serious ball playing and some horsing around! A great time was had by all for a wonderful charity.

Camp TLC (Together Living a Challenge) brings a unique mobile camping experience to Saratoga backstretch families this summer

On Monday, July 25, Camp TLC (Together Living a Challenge) will launch the last of four scheduled five-day camping programs, this one on the grounds of Pine Grove Camp in Saratoga Springs for Saratoga Race Course backstretch families.

Camp TLC will spend a week at Pine Grove Camp and will offer a week-long summer camp to the Saratoga backstretch families who are residing on the grounds throughout the track meet. Activities will include a variety of performing art and sport classes, and will include Camp traditions such as the Amazing Race and the popular Talent Show.

“We are positive that our families are going to be blessed by Camp TLC, the kids and families are already talking about it,” said Nick Caras, a representative of B.E.S.T, an organization in the backstretch that provides a full range of health and human services to support workers in the barn areas of the racetracks at Belmont Park, Aqueduct and Saratoga. For more information about Camp TLC or to schedule an interview, please contact Caroline Baumis at 917.363.5154.

The purpose of Camp TLC is to bring a summer camp experience to children who would not otherwise be able to attend camp due to the circumstances in which they are living. “We are thrilled to finally bring this unique program to children across the Northeast who are so deserving of a camping experience. Camp TLC believes all children should be able to experience the joys of summer camp and is positive that we will create lasting summer memories for the children and their families that we serve,” states Caroline Baumis, Executive Director of The Joey DiPaolo AIDS Foundation. “The concept came to me when I was Executive Director of a camp for children living with AIDS/HIV years ago and noticed a need for camping programs that reached out to children who didn’t have the opportunity to participate in a summer camp experience. It is a dream to finally see this project come to fruition this summer.”

Camp TLC is an “on the move” camping program that delivers a week of camp to children living in isolating circumstances such as hospitals, group homes, and shelters, across the country at no charge to the organization. Starting this summer, this first of its kind program will tour the states of Massachusetts (Housing Families), Maryland (Children’s Inn at the National Institute of Health), and New York (St. Mary’s Hospital and B.E.S.T) and bring camp to partnering organizations staffed via a traveling program staff and programming supplies that were purchased to specifically meet the needs of each organization. It is Camp TLC’s firm conviction that all children should have the experience of camp and the opportunity to be involved in programming that delivers hope and helps to build self-esteem. Camp TLC will spend a week in each city and deliver themed filled activities that are similar to what they would experience at a for-profit camp but at the facility where they are residing. “Each week of camp has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the children regardless of their age, mobility, or mental health diagnosis. Every location has a different start and end time and involves high energy activities that are geared towards not only the children but include families and staff whenever possible. It is our hope that in involving the families and staff in our programming, we will create fun and lasting summer memories that make the circumstance in which they are living a little bit brighter. To do this, Baumis has recruited some of the same staff and volunteers that worked for her under direction of Camp Director over ten years ago, some of which came over from Australia to be a part of Camp TLC this summer.

The Joey DiPaolo AIDS Foundation is a not-for-profit organization based in New York that delivers education and recreational programming to children living in isolations circumstances

Peaceful Acres Horses Fundraiser Halters Off Aug 3rd in Saratoga

NYRA hosts the Special Oympics at Belmont Park

NYRA was proud to host the Special Oympics at Belmont Park on Saturday, July 9. Children and their families enjoyed a day of family fun and exciting thoroughbred racing. The Special Olympics team presented the trophy for the sixth race and they presented NYRA with a plaque to thank us for an enjoyable afternoon.

NYRA Salutes the Elmont Farmers Market and the Elmont Chamber of Commerce

I was pleased to attend a ribbon-cutting with Elmont Chamber of Commerce Board Members, Local Officials and Floral Park neighbors. NYRA salutes the Elmont Chamber of Commerce for coordinating a local Farmer's Market in Elmont. NYRA fans can stop by the Alva T. Stanforth Sports Complex on Hempstead Turnpike on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. between June and October and purchase local produce, baked goods and delicious food. Enjoy!

NYRA President and CEO, Charles E. Hayward, and NYRA Jockeys Visit Gallop NYC

On June 28th, NYRA President and CEO, Charles E. Hayward, and NYRA jockeys, Maylan Studart and Janice Blake, joined New York State Senator, Eric Adams on an afternoon visit to Gallop NYC in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. Gallop NYC offers lessons to 150 riders each week in three NYC locations and they use horseback riding to bring joy and hope to children and adults with developmental, emotional, social and physical challenges. Dan Silver, NYRA Director of Communications and Media Relations, and I also attended the visit. NYRA is proud to partner with Gallop NYC to provide funding to allow them to continue their wonderful outreach and to create awareness about their significant work.

Jeremy Edge Walk

Kudos and much thanks to Jeremy Edge, an Anna House volunteer for over ten years, for his monumental walk from Belmont Park to Saratoga Race Course. A distance of 190 miles. He raised both money, over $30,000.00, and awareness for the children of Anna House, The Belmont Child Care Association and the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund. Jeremy covered the 1,520 furlongs in 13 days, and showed no signs of wear or tear.

Yea Jeremy!!!!!

The beginning of a long journey begins with one step.

Exiting the track and on his way!

Only one furlong to go!

And the winner is.....Jeremy, the man with two countries.

Special Olympics at Belmont Park Saturday July 9, 2011

The Mexcian Consul General At Anna House On The Belmont Race Track

Fourth Race Named For the Mexican Consulate

Talking with Mexican Nationals in the a barn at the Belmont Race Track

Consul General of Mexico Carlos M. Sada with the children of Anna House

On June 22nd, The Belmont Child Care Association and the families of Anna House welcomed the Consul General of Mexico - New York, Carlos Sada and his wife Maria Elena. The Consul General spent time talking to many of the Mexican backstretch workers and has offered to help those that he spoke to. He will also be in Saratoga Springs on August 24th to attend The Belmont Child Care Association Benefit at the Gideon Putnam. The Consul General would like to return to the Belmont Race Track in the fall to have a group meeting in the evening with the Mexican Nationals on the racetrack to get a better understanding of their needs and to determine how the Mexican Consulate of New York can help the Mexican Nationals on New York Race Tracks.

NYRA Visits Backstretch Farmers Market

NYRA President and CEO, Charles Hayward, and I visited the Backstretch Farmers Market. NYRA salutes Island Harvest for providing the fruit and vegetables which are distributed to to the backstretch workers through the Race Track Chaplaincy.

NYRA Attends the Annual Graduation for the New York Outreach Program

I was proud to represent NYRA at the Graduation ceremony and dinner for the New York Outreach Program. In conjunction with the Race for Education and the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, this program provides important educational programs to the children of parents who work in the backstretch. Scholarships were awarded to these worthy recipients and they were honored by their families, friends, as well as state and local officials. The event was held at Meadowbrooke Pointe and hosted by Michael Dubb, developer of the property.

NYRA Supports Jeremy Edge's WALK to benefit the PDJF and BCCA

NYRA named a race, Jeremy's WALK, on the eve of the Belmont Stakes to highlight Jeremy Edge's 190 mile WALK from Belmont Park to Saratoga Race Course. On June 12th, Jeremy Edge set out on his WALK to raise funds for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund ("PDJF") and the Belmont Child Care Association ("BCCA"). A group arrived at Belmont Park on the morning following the Belmont Stakes to cheer him on he began his two-week journey.

NYRA joined the Race for Education in their announcement of the Olivia M. Saylor/ Fleet Indian Stakes on Belmont Stakes Day

NYRA was proud to name the first race on Belmont Stakes Day for the Race for Education. NYRA President and CEO, Charles Hayward, joined the Race for Education in their announcement of the Olivia M. Saylor/Fleet Indian Stakes to run at Saratoga Race Course on July 31st. Formerly known as the Fleet Indian Stakes, the race has been named to honor the memory of Olivia M. Saylor.
Olivia M. Saylor died tragically on January 1, 2011. She and her family campaigned Grade 1 winners, Purge and Monba, and multiple Grade 1 winner and dual Eclipse champion, Ashado in partnership with Starlight Stables. Olivia is credited with naming Ashado and she campaigned Older New York Horse of the Year and Eclipse Champion, Fleet Indian, and graded states winners including Phil the Grip, Older New York Male Champion.
Olivia's father, Paul Saylor, is a board member of the Race for Education which has provided scholarships over the last five years to New York residents whose families are involved in the Thoroughbred industry.
Elizabeth Jensen, Executive Director of the Race for Education, joined Victoria Casso, 2011 recipient of the Fleet Indian Scholarship in Memory of Olivia M. Saylor. The Race for Education plans to award over $80,000 in scholarship funding to worthy recipients this year.

June 10 Floral Park and Garden City Belmont Festival

NYRA salutes the Village of Floral and the Village of Garden City for record crowds on their 2011 Belmont Stakes Festivals on the eve of the 143rd running of the Belmont Stakes. Record turnouts for both events provided our local communities with an opportunity to celebrate an exciting sports event with their families and neighbors. Local businesses in both communities benefitted from the large crowds and residents enjoyed great food, music and children's activities sponsored by NYRA and other local businesses.

Ribbon Cutting at Anna House hosted by The Belmont Child Care Association

On June 10th The Belmont Child Care Association hosted a Ribbon Cutting at Anna House on The Belmont Race Track for the two new additions to our Center. Anna House's Lemon Drop Kid Playground was filled to capacity by supporters. The Belmont Child Care Association wants to thank everyone for their continued support of the children of the backstretch workers.

A special thanks goes to Michael Dubb who donated the two new rooms and to the many contractors who worked long and hard to make this happen!

Chairman of the Belmont Child Care Association Board and Anna House student Sebastian welcoming our guests

Nassau County Executive Ed Magano

Ribbon Cutting

Everyone Had Fun!