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Statement by NYRA CEO & and President Chris Kay on Justify and the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes

by NYRA Press Office

Belmont Park will play host to a Triple Crown hopeful when Justify attempts to add the 150th running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes to his victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. It will mark the first Triple Crown attempt since American Pharoah and Victor Espinoza rode into racing immortality in 2015.

This evening, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) released the following statement from NYRA CEO & President Chris Kay regarding Justify and the Belmont Stakes:

"On June 9, Justify will seek to become only the 13th winner of the most elusive prize in sports-the Triple Crown. Congratulations to Justify and his connections for what they have already accomplished, and we look forward to welcoming them to Belmont Park for the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 9.

"The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival has quickly grown into a true "must-see" event featuring world-class racing and entertainment alongside premium hospitality options. Belmont Stakes day is now firmly positioned as one of the biggest days of racing in North America with 10 stakes and 6 Grade 1 races including the Runhappy Met Mile, the Woodford Reserve Manhattan and the Longines Just a Game. Adding a Triple Crown possibility to our mix of world-class racing and entertainment transforms the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, and the 150th Belmont Stakes, into a can't miss experience. We encourage our fans to purchase their tickets today to witness history on Saturday, June 9."

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. 

The post-position draw event for the 2018 Belmont Stakes will be held at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens on the evening of June 5.  A live stream will be available at www.NYRA.com and on the NYRA Now app.

Attendance for Belmont Stakes Day will be capped at 90,000 for the safety and comfort of all guests. With reserved seating and hospitality nearly sold out, any remaining seats and dining options for Belmont Stakes Day are available for purchase exclusively at Ticketmaster.com.

General Admission Tickets for Belmont Stakes Day are available for only $25 through May 31. Beginning on June 1, general admission is $30 while supplies last.

For additional information on the 2018 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, please visit belmontstakes.com and follow us on twitter for the latest news and updates @BelmontStakes.com