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.