NYRA President and CEO, Charles E. Hayward, Honored by the Village of Floral Park

NYRA President and CEO, Charles E. Hayward, was honored by the Village of Floral Park at their Annual Holiday Recognition Dinner on December 2nd. Mr. Hayward was presented with a citation from the Village for NYRA's generosity, hospitality, community relations and community outreach.
In addition, Mr. Hayward was presented with a plaque from the Floral Park Art League in recognition of his outstanding contributions and support.

NYRA, NYTHA and BST Contribute Funds for a Happy Thanksgiving for the Backstretch

The New York Racing Association, Inc. ("NYRA") and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association ("NYTHA") each contributed funds to the Race Track Chaplaincy of New York for their Thanksgiving Boxes of LOVE program. Boxes filled with turkeys and all of the trimmings were distributed at Gate 6 at Belmont Park on November 23rd.

In addition, for the fourth year, the Albany-based firm of Bollam, Sheedy, Torani & Co. ("BST") underwrote the traditional Thankgiving meal for the grooms, hotwalkers and exercise riders who work at Aqueduct and Belmont Park. Meals were coordinated under the supervision of Dennis Zoitos in the cafeterias at both tracks on November 24th.

We all give thanks to them for all that they do for our industry!

Floral Park Chamber of Commerce Honors NYRA With Donation to B.E.S.T.

The Floral Park Chamber of Commerce thanked NYRA for its ongoing commitment to the local business community and honored NYRA with a donation to the Backstretch Employee Services Team at their monthly meeting on November 5th. Paul Ruchames, Executive Director of B.E.S.T., was presented with a check for $500 by Floral Park Chamber of Commerce President, Sal Bonagura. The Floral Park Chamber of Commerce recognized the important work of B.E.S.T. and the importance of the organization to the local community.

NYRA Lowlands at Saratoga Race Course was site of Saratoga Spa Cyclocross

On Sunday, October 24th, 220 athletes and 200 spectators participated in the second annual Saratoga Spa Cyclocross on the NYRA Lowlands at Saratoga Race Course. The winner, Brad Young of Corinth, NY, is shown clearing one of the barriers. The cyclocross is a style of bicycle racing that evolved in northern Europe in an effort to keep bicycle racers competing during the fall and winter. They compete off roads on muddy paths and open fields.

Andrew Bernstein, co-promoter of the event, presented a check to the Backstretch Employee Services Team (B.E.S.T.) to support the breakfast program and show appreciation to NYRA for the use of the space. The donation was made in recognition of NYRA's support of the local community and the important role that B.E.S.T. plays in supporting the backstretch workers.

NYRA Chairman C. Steven Duncker at the Ground Breaking of Resorts World New York

NYRA Chairman C. Steven Duncker joined Governor David Paterson and Genting Chairman K.T. Kim for the ground breaking ceremony for Resorts World New York casino. Elected officials, representatives of New York's gaming and racing operations as well as residents from South Queens joined them at Aqueduct Race Track for the exciting occasion.

NYRA President and CEO, Charles E. Hayward and NYRA Community Relations Director named Honorary Vice Chairmen of the 2010 Toys for Tots Campaign

NYRA President and CEO, Charles E. Hayward and NYRA Director of Community Relations, Joanne K. Adams, were named Honorary Vice Chairmen of the 2010 U.S.M.C. Toys for Tots Campaign. U.S.M.C. Major Chuck Kilbride (ret) thanked NYRA for its continued support at a kick-off luncheon at Oheka Castle. Each year, Aqueduct Race Track plays host to the Toys for Tots Campaign which is scheduled for the weekend of December 4th and 5th.

NYRA Welcomes Tuesday's Children to Belmont Park

NYRA was pleased to welcome the families of Tuesday's Children to Breakfast at Belmont. They enjoyed an early morning breakfast in the Belmont Cafe while watching the horses train on the main track. They were treated to tram tour of the backstretch and they visited the Centennial Exhibit of the 1910 International Air Show. 75 children and family members enjoyed a wonderful morning at Belmont Park! Tuesday's Children coordinates a program for the families of the victims of 9/11.