Belmont Park opened on May 4, 1905, with the 40,000 attendees notably causing Long Island’s first traffic jam. All-time greats Sysonby and Beldame were among those to compete on the first Belmont card. Legends haven’t stopped coming to Big Sandy ever since. The Belmont Stakes ensures each Triple Crown winner must prove themselves in New York, while races such as the Met Mile, Jockey Club Gold Cup, and Turf Classic have drawn champions for decades. Belmont Park holds a place in history in other areas as well. In 1910, Wilbur and Orville Wright staged an international aerial competition at Belmont Park that drew 150,000 spectators. In 1918, the track served as the New York City terminal for the first airmail service between New York and Washington, D.C. Belmont Park was the site of “War Relief Day” in 1940 to benefit the American Red Cross and in 1943 hosted “Back the Attack” Day, wherein fans had to buy a war bond to gain admission to the track. Total receipts that day were between $25 and $30 million.
Gambling Problems? The New York Racing Association encourages responsible wagering. If gambling is a problem for you or someone you care about, help is available 24 hours a day. Call toll-free 1-877-8-HOPE-NY
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