Rain or Shine Belmont Stakes Weekend Kicks Off

LongIsland.com

This Saturday, Nassau County will host the 145th running of the Stakes at Belmont Park.

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ELMONT, N.Y.—This Saturday, Nassau County will host the 145th running of the Stakes at Belmont Park. The 14 field contenders will run despite National Weather Service predictions of heavy rain Friday into Saturday with a chance of showers after 2 p.m. Post time for the Belmont is 6:36 p.m.

Known as "The Test of the Champion," the 1.5 mile Belmont Stakes is the last and most demanding Triple Crown race.

“For 145 years Nassau County has hosted the Stakes at Belmont Park,” said County Executive Edward P. Mangano. “The race provides Nassau County with a major boon to the local economy and this Saturday, millions of people around the world will be watching us once again. The Belmont Stakes are always a great start to Nassau County’s summer tourism season. I invite everyone to visit Belmont Park for the festivities this coming weekend and to come back all summer long to enjoy our beaches, pools, golf courses and downtown villages.”

Saturday’s race, one of the largest sporting events in the world, will also see a major increase in security.

Belmont security officials have been working with the Nassau County Police Department, the New York State Police Department, the MTA Police, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to ensure the safety and security of visitors at Belmont’s most widely attended event.

“Law enforcement agencies have coordinated efforts to protect our residents and visitors this Belmont Stakes weekend,” said Mangano.

“Rest assured that additional resources and personnel will be utilized to help ensure that the Belmont Stakes is a fun filled day for everyone without incident. We ask everyone to help – ‘If You See Something, Say Something.’ If something seems out of place, or does not sit right with you, just call 911, or tell a law enforcement official.”

New security measures prohibit visitors from bringing backpacks, coolers, luggage and duffel bags into the track. All food items must be contained in see-through plastic containers or see-through bags.

The Belmont Stakes take place on Saturday, June 8th, 2013 at Belmont Park, located at 2150 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont NY.

On Sunday, residents and visitors can also enjoy the festivities as the Village of Floral Park hosts its Annual Floral Park Belmont Festival from 2-7p.m. on Tulip Avenue.

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[Source: Nassau County Press Release]