The excitement of Belmont Stakes is coming to Manhattan for the first time ever. A part of Grand Central Terminal will be transformed into the Belmont Stakes Fan Festival on June 7. That’s the day before the 145th running of the $1 million Belmont Stakes. The race is the third and final leg of the US Triple Crown, and the most celebrated race at Belmont Park.
In celebration of the “Test of Champions,” visitors can participate in four interactive event zones and have chances to win Belmont Stakes items. Other prizes up for grabs include Belmont Stakes Day hospitality and other packages.
Among the activities are:
Tweet to the Finish, a Twitter sweepstakes in which entrants follow @NYRAnews from their Twitter account and tweet the hashtag of the horse they think will win the Belmont Stakes. Winners will receive a Belmont Stakes Day Trackside Hospitality package for two.
Stakes Stampede, where fans propel a horse displayed on a screen to the finish line by running in place.
Winner’s Circle Photo, in which fans can stand in a replica of the Belmont Park winner’s circle and get their photo taken to share with friends via email and social media channels.
Mini Belmont Races, complete with a bugler and professional race caller Larry Lederman, in which fans can jump on one of three mechanical ponies and head around the racetrack to the finish line.
The first race of Belmont Stakes begins on June 8, 11:35 a.m.
The day will feature a $1 Million Guaranteed All Graded Stakes Pick 6 and a $1 Million Guaranteed All Graded Stakes Pick 4, comprising the following races, order to be determined closer to Belmont Stakes Day.
The official Belmont Stakes Charity Celebration will kick off at celebrity chef Bobby Flay’s Manhattan restaurant Bar Americain. Flay will receive the Earle I. Mack Thoroughbred Champion award for his outstanding efforts and influence on Thoroughbred racehorse, welfare, safety and retirement. Money raised at the event will benefit the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.