Taste NY marketplace another success on Empire Showcase Day at Belmont Park

by Najja Thompson

On a day celebrating all things New York State, the New York Racing Association partnered with the Taste NY program on Empire Showcase Day at Belmont Park for the third consecutive year, giving racing fans and guests the opportunity to purchase New York-made goods and products.

Launched by Governor Cuomo in 2013 and overseen by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Taste NY program promotes New York's local food and beverage industries by creating opportunities for local producers to showcase their goods at a wide variety of locations and events throughout the state.

"The strong partnership between NYRA and Taste NY only adds to an already great day of racing and family fun on Empire Showcase day," said Lynn LaRocca, Senior Vice President &Chief Experience Officer for NYRA. "Thanks to Taste NY, our fans have the opportunity to purchase high quality, New York-made goods while enjoying a day at the races. We look forward to continuing the partnership throughout the year, both upstate at historic Saratoga Race Course and right here at Belmont Park."

"Empire Showcase Day is a wonderful opportunity to not only celebrate New York's world-class thoroughbreds, but to also treat our tastebuds to some of the best food and drinks around," said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. "From our horses to our homemade agricultural products and craft beverages, New York is truly second to none. We are thrilled to have teamed up with NYRA to show off these great attributes to the thousands of fans at Belmont Park and we look forward to another successful Showcase Day next year."