Mr. Buff takes the 2019 Empire Classic at Belmont Park on Empire Showcase Day. (Coglianese Photos)
Edited NYRA Press Release
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced race dates for the 27-day Belmont fall meet, including 38 stakes worth $5.58 million in purse money, that will kick off on Friday, September 18 and run through Sunday, November 1, and the 18-day Aqueduct Racetrack fall meet, offering 29 stakes, including 11 graded events, worth $3.41 million in purse money, that will kick off on Friday, November 6 and run through Sunday, December 6.
“This new fall schedule is the result of a collaborative effort between NYRA, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders to modify our racing calendar in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the industry,” said NYRA President and CEO Dave O’Rourke. “I’d like to thank the horsemen and breeders for their common-sense approach to solving the challenges brought about by this unprecedented public health crisis.”
The two meets offer a combined twelve stakes races restricted to New York-bred company, in addition to four divisions of the New York Stallion Series. The spotlight will focus on the Empire State on Saturday, October 24 when the best New York-breds gather at Belmont Park for Empire Showcase Day. An annual celebration of all things New York, the Empire Showcase Day card will offer eight stakes worth $1.2 million topped by the $175,000 Empire Classic at 1 1/8 miles.
New York state currently requires all racetracks to operate without spectators in attendance to combat the spread of COVID-19. NYRA will issue updated guidance regarding COVID-19 health and safety protocols for jockeys, trainers and owners in the near future.
America’s Day at the Races will present Daily television coverage of both meets with coverage to air on FOX Sports and MSG Networks.
NYRA Bets is the official wagering platform, and the best way to bet every race. Available to horseplayers nationwide, NYRA Bets is currently offering a $200 new member bonus in addition to a host of special weekly offers. The NYRA Bets app is available for download today on iOS and Android at www.NYRABets.com.
2020 Fall New York-bred & Sired Stakes Schedule
Belmont Park
Thurs., Oct. 1 – Joseph A. Gimma (NYB), $100,000, F2YO, 7 Furlongs
Fri., Oct. 2 – Bertram F. Bongard (NYB), $100,000, 2YO 7 Furlongs
Sat., Oct. 24 – Empire Classic (NYB), $175,000, 3&UP, 1 1/8
Sat., Oct. 24 – Empire Distaff (NYB), $175,000, F&M 3&UP, 1 1/16
Sat., Oct. 24 – Sleepy Hollow (NYB), $150,000, 2YO, 1 Mile
Sat., Oct. 24 – Maid of the Mist (NYB), $150,000, F2YO, 1 Mile
Sat., Oct. 24 – Mohawk (NYB), $150,000, 3&UP, 1 1/16 (Turf)
Sat., Oct. 24 – Ticonderoga (NYB), $150,000, F&M 3&UP, 1 1/16 (Turf)
Sat., Oct. 24 – Iroquois (NYB), $125,000, F&M 3&UP, 6 1/2 Furlongs
Sat., Oct. 24 – Hudson (NYB), $125,000, 3&UP, 6 1/2 Furlongs
Aqueduct Racetrack
Sat., Nov. 14 – Notebook (NYB), $100,000, 2YO, 6 Furlongs
Sun., Nov. 15 – Key Cents (NYB), $100,000, F2YO, 6 Furlongs
Sun., Nov. 22 – New York Stallion Series (Thunder Rumble Division), $100,000, 3&UP, 7 Furlongs
Sun., Nov. 22 – New York Stallion Series (Staten Island Division), $100,000, F&M 3&UP, 7 Furlongs
Sun., Dec. 6 – New York Stallion Series (Great White Way Division), $250,000, 2YO, 7 Furlongs
Sun., Dec. 6 – New York Stallion Series (Great White Way Division), $250,000, F2YO, 7 Furlongs
The complete stakes schedules for both meets can be found at NYRA.com.
