Hochul gives OK for upgrade to Belmont

By ANA BoRRUTo aborruto@liherald.com

The New York Racing Association has corralled Gov. Kathy Hochul’s support for the Belmont Park redevelopment plan — which would completely modernize the 118-year-old horse racing facility in Elmont.

The NYRA has proposed demolishing Belmont Park, on Hempstead Turnpike, rebuilding it from scratch and transforming the racetrack into a winterized facility complete with a new clubhouse and grandstand — all at no cost to taxpayers. The NYRA plans to borrow the money from the state and pay it off over the span of 30 years through state-backed bonds. Hochul recently unveiled her $227 billion budget proposal for fiscal year 2024, in which she pledged support for the racetrack’s $455 million multi-year renovation project. According to David O’Rourke, NYRA president, the governor’s support demonstrates her understanding of the important role horse racing plays in New York’s economy. “Belmont Park stands at the center of the statewide racing ecosystem, and the project to reimagine the facility will create jobs, drive tourism to the region and secure the future of thoroughbred racing across the state,” O’Rourke said in a stateContinued on page 10