Thousands cheer Mo Donegal to Belmont win
More than 40,000 horse-racing fans from around the world streamed into Belmont Park on Saturday for the 154th running of the Belmont Stakes, many wearing colorful finery, downing libations and enjoying the pageantry of a day at the races.
A light rain didn’t dampen the revelry, with the first full return of crowds for the Stakes in three years. They cheered wildly as Mo Donegal, with jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. on board, won the race, the famed last leg of the Triple Crown.
Gov. Kathy Hochul presented a trophy to the thoroughbred's owners and trainers afterward. "On behalf of the state of New York, we are so proud to present the 154th Belmont Cup," she said.
Hours earlier, a brass band and other performers welcomed spectators as they entered the track. Ladies donned their finest hats and dresses to dabble in high-society elegance.
The New York Racing Association expected a capacity crowd for this year's race, which was reduced to about 50,000 with the construction next door of the UBS Arena, NYRA spokesman Patrick McKenna said. The announced attendance was 46,103, according to The Associated Press.
Prior to the arena’s construction, Triple Crown races attracted more than 100,000 fans. About 11,000 fans attended last year amid COVID restrictions, and there was no Triple Crown on the line this year.
“This is the oldest and one of the most historic races of the Triple Crown and is a gateway to not only Long Island, but for the New York summer sports season and an economic generator for tourism," McKenna said.
Tara McBride, 22, of Shirley, attended her first race, joining the fashion show of floral and ribboned hats. She wore a fascinator, slightly titled, to go with her pink dress.
“I love the hats. It’s a way to express yourself and it’s so beautiful to see everyone’s different attire,” she said. “I thought it was a fun excuse to dress up. I’m a horse girl at heart.”
A group of women from across the globe — including Ireland and Russia — showed off their extravagant, ribboned hats and attire. Kate Molloy, of Cork, Ireland, said it was her first time at Belmont.
“I’m a fairly seasoned racer at the Galway races. I’m here for the fun and the 'craic' [enjoyable times] as they say in Ireland, and we wanted to be ladies today,” Molloy said.
Caprice Cianci and her daughter, Aria, 7, of Roseville, California, stood at the stables where horses are walked before and after races. They visited Belmont after going to the Kentucky Derby and watching long shot Rich Strike win there.
Aria held a stuffed horse as she wore a dress to match her mother's and hoped for the best on their betting slips.
“I hope we win today,” she said.
The LIRR ran dozens of extra trains Saturday to accommodate the throngs of fans.
After the race, the railroad had planned to run westbound trains every 15 minutes, but LIRR officials warned of longer waits than usual.
Alcohol was banned on the trains this weekend for service to and from Belmont, and the Governors Ball Music Festival at Citi Field through Sunday night.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman presented the trophy for an earlier race Saturday, the Brooklyn Invitational. He said after that race that he invited crowds and businesses to return to Nassau County after a hiatus during the pandemic.
“We’re very happy that we're back to full strength here at the Belmont Stakes. This is a beautiful racetrack. We have a great community and we're good hosts and we want to have world-class events here in Nassau County,” Blakeman said. “Nassau County is open for business. And this is the prime example of that, I’m sure.”
With Brinley Hineman
'Tis the season for the NewsdayTV Holiday Show! The NewsdayTV team looks at the most wonderful time of the year and the traditions that make it special on LI.
'Tis the season for the NewsdayTV Holiday Show! The NewsdayTV team looks at the most wonderful time of the year and the traditions that make it special on LI.
