Breakfast at Belmont is back

The winter of 2010 was very long and stormy with a lot of snow. Spring is now here, and there is nothing like the early morning sun and to watch and listen to thoroughbreds exercising on the racetrack at Belmont Park.

“Breakfast at Belmont is a wonderful way for people-particularly families and children-to get a behind-the-scenes look at our historic racetrack and learn more about the everyday routines of a racehorse. The educational program is completely free and is a great way for fans of all ages to learn more about the sport,” said Dan Silver, director of communications and media relations for NYRA.

Opening weekend for the spring/summer meet at Belmont was last Friday. The first weekend of the Breakfast at Belmont was last Saturday and Sunday. The morning routine begins at 7 a.m. and ends at 9:30 a.m. It is free to attend and the fans can purchase a breakfast at the trackside restaurant located at the clubhouse apron as they watch the horses. The Breakfast Belmont will be Saturday, Sundays and Holidays and it will continue through Sunday, July 17. The Belmont Stakes is Saturday, June 11 so there won’t be a Breakfast at Belmont and also there won’t be one on Sunday, June 12 as the track will be closed.

Mary Ryan, who has been a fixture at NYRA for many years narrates to the crowd informing the fans of different horses that are exercising and lets them know about things going on at Belmont.

NYRA provides a trolley tour of the stable area, there is no stable area tour on the following dates, June 4, July 16 and 17, which is closing weekend. They also provide a starting gate demonstration and there is also a paddock show where they explain a day in a life of a thoroughbred.

At 9:30 a.m. when the program ends the fans have to leave the track so the staff can prepare the racetrack for the afternoon races. The fans don’t have to leave for the day, if they want to see the races in the afternoon they can sit outside and wait until the admission gates open for the afternoon races, the gates open at 11:30 a.m. On Belmont Stakes Day, Saturday, June 11 the gates open at 8:30 a.m.

With spring in the air this is a great way for families to spend time together and to watch the day and a life of an equine athlete.

Comments about this story? JNash@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 214.