Fourth-grade students from Gotham Avenue Elementary School recently visited Belmont Park Racetrack for a hands-on field trip that introduced them to the history and daily operations of one of the region’s most historic horse racing venues.
The field trip on May 20 gave students an inside look at the racetrack many pass every day without fully understanding what happens there. Belmont Park has been part of the community since 1905 and was one of the earliest racetracks in the region during a time when New York City and Long Island were home to several racing facilities.
Robert Hines, community affairs manager for the New York Racing Association, said the goal of the visit was to help students better understand a landmark that has long been part of their community.
“For them to grow up right here, they drive by every day, but they have no idea what’s going on,” Hines said.
The educational field trip first started with students from Alden Terrace Elementary School before expanding to additional schools, with fourth graders visiting the track in groups throughout the year.
During the visit, students learned about the history of the property, the role horse racing has played on Long Island for generations and the work that goes into maintaining the horses such as safety. Students were also told that roughly 1,500 horses are currently housed on the backstretch, where trainers, caretakers and other workers prepare horses for races.
Students also met workers from several areas of the property, including Tim Kelly, who oversees safety procedures involving horses and riders at the racetrack. Kelly taught students about the protective equipment used by the riders and horses, as well as how horses are identified on the grounds.
Another stop on the tour featured veteran blacksmith and farrier Joe Campbell, who demonstrated how horseshoes are made and repaired.
Campbell, who has worked at the track for 56 years, told students he is a third-generation farrier and explained the process of shaping metal into corrective horseshoes used on racehorses.
Using heated steel and specialized tools, Campbell demonstrated how horseshoes are molded by hand. He explained that the metal must remain extremely hot to be shaped properly.
Campbell told the Herald that the most rewarding part of his job is seeing the students enjoy the experience.
“It was funny, a guy said to me, ‘What do you get paid?’” Campbell said. “Every kid that has a smile on their face, that’s paid enough. It’s paid in full.”
As students gathered around watching sparks fly and horseshoes take shape, the field trip provided a closer look at the craftsmanship and traditions of the important behind the scenes of horse racing highlighting Belmont Park as an important part of local history.
