'Call to Post' for LIRR riders
A file photo of the Belmont Park train station. (May 13, 2010) Credit: Newsday/Robert Cassidy
LIRR and state racing officials on Tuesday officially announced the restoration of daily train service to Belmont Park, beginning this Friday.
At a Penn Station news conference, Long Island Rail Road president Helena Williams, New York Racing Association spokesman Dan Silver and State Racing and Wagering Board chairman John Sabini heralded the restoration of the "Belmont Special" service, which the LIRR eliminated last year as a cost savings measure.
NYRA is subsidizing the special service for the spring and summer meet, which begins Friday and lasts through July 17.
"They really made this happen," Williams said of NYRA. "It's a unique arrangement and actually somewhat historic."
NYRA officials have said that, because of the shutdown of New York City Off Track Betting, they expect an increase in attendance at Belmont that will offset the cost of the train service.
Officials also announced that anyone taking the train to the track this weekend will get free admission into Belmont Park.
"It's really the best deal on Long Island and it just got much easier to attend," Silver said.
Following the announcement, NYRA's official bugler, Sam Grossman, marked the return of the "Belmont Special" by playing the recognizable "Call to Post."
Sarra Sounds Off Ep 36: Champs crowned in lax and flag football On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg talks with Michael Sicoli and Tess Ferguson about county champs crowned in boys and girls lacrosse, and Jared Valuzzi reports on the Long Island flag football championship.
Sarra Sounds Off Ep 36: Champs crowned in lax and flag football On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg talks with Michael Sicoli and Tess Ferguson about county champs crowned in boys and girls lacrosse, and Jared Valuzzi reports on the Long Island flag football championship.
