Francesca Le Donne Photo

NYRA and Oyster Bay Brewing partner to offer special "Taste of the Champion" beer and commemorative can at Belmont Park on Belmont Stakes Day

by Brian Bohl

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the Oyster Bay Brewing Company have partnered to offer a special commemorative can of Barn Rocker ale to be sold exclusively at Belmont Park for the 150th running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 9.

The beer, which will go by the name "Taste of the Champion" on Belmont Stakes Day, was first introduced in 2015 during the NHL's New York Islanders final season at the Nassau Coliseum before the team moved to Brooklyn's Barclays Center for the following campaign. The brewing company's co-owners, Gabe Haim and Ryan Schlotter, helped create the ale, which will be sold exclusively at Belmont Park on Belmont Stakes Day, to patrons 21 years and older, while supplies last.

Known as the "Test of the Champion," the Belmont Stakes is contested at 1 ½ miles and is expected to include Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Justify, looking to become just the 13th winner of the famed Triple Crown.

"Belmont Stakes 150 will be a historic event made even more special by the prospect of a Triple Crown," said NYRA Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer Lynn LaRocca. "That's why we're so pleased to commemorate this year's Belmont Stakes in a variety of interesting ways, including this partnership with Oyster Bay Brewing."

"As a Long Island-based small business, it's an honor to be able to partner with the New York Racing Association to provide Oyster Bay beer in this commemorative can on Belmont Stakes Day," Haim said. "The can's artwork is a wonderful tribute to the history of thoroughbred racing and the Belmont Stakes, and we're thrilled to be a small part of such a huge day at Belmont Park."

The "Taste of the Champion" will be sold at various locations throughout the Clubhouse and Grandstand while supplies last. In addition, the beer will be offered to guests in the "Toast of the Turn", the elevated hospitality section near the final turn.

Created in 2017, the "Toast of the Turn" area offers trackside views with access to a variety of craft beers and local food vendors. For more information, or to purchase tickets today, please visit belmontstakes.com.

With attendance capped at 90,00 for the comfort and safety of guests, all reserved seating on Belmont Stakes Day is now sold out. General admission tickets are available for only $25 through May 31. Beginning on June 1, general admission is $30 while supplies last. Premium hospitality operations are extremely limited, with inventory remaining only in the Trackside Tent. All remaining tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com.

Highlighted by the 150th running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes, the three-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will feature 33 races, including 18 stakes, offering $9.4 million in purses.

Third Eye Blind will headline the entertainment lineup for the 2018 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival with trackside pre- and post-race concerts on June 9. Belmont Stakes Day will also include a performance from the hit Broadway musical A Bronx Tale. On Friday, June 8, fans can enjoy a performance from the acclaimed Billy Joel tribute band Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot at the conclusion of live racing.

A special commemorative can of Barn Rocker ale will be sold exclusively at Belmont Park for the 150th running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 9.