David O'Rourke | Horse Racing Free Tips

NY Gov. Hochul Includes Belmont Renovation in Budget Proposal

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has officially announced support for a plan by the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) to modernize the racing facilities at Belmont Park. The plan has been included as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget Proposal.

“Horse racing in New York State has a champion in Governor Kathy Hochul, who clearly recognizes the important role the sport plays within the New York economy,” said NYRA President and CEO David O'Rourke. “Belmont Park stands at the center of the statewide racing ecosystem, and the project to re-imagine the facility will create jobs, drive tourism to the region, and secure the future of Thoroughbred racing across the state. The time is right to build a new Belmont Park for the benefit of New York State and we look forward to working with our legislative partners to ensure the Governor's proposal is enacted.”

The proposal includes a $455-million, multi-year project with a modern grandstand which includes hospitality offerings and amenities. NYRA is also committed to updating facilities for the backstretch community, including the construction of new housing, as well as utilizing Belmont's 45-acre infield for a variety of community uses.

The project to build a new Belmont Park is expected to generate $1 billion in construction-related economic activity, create 3,700 construction jobs, sustain $155 million in new annual economic impact, and support 740 new full-time jobs.

Belmont Park was last renovated in 1968.

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NYRA Bets Holding Announces Partnership with Game of Silks

NYRA Bets Holding, LLC, a subsidiary of NYRA Bets, LLC, the official online wagering platform of the New York Racing Association, Inc., and Game of Silks, the online game connected to the real world of Thoroughbred horse racing, announced Wednesday a new partnership resulting in NYRA Bets Holding, LLC acquiring a minority equity ownership position in Game of Silks.

In addition to this strategic investment, the partnership establishes Game of Silks as the Official Blockchain Game and Metaverse Partner of NYRA. The agreement will enable the global horse racing industry to capitalize on the rapid growth of Web3 gaming through the Game of Silks, a top 10 sports-themed NFT platform on the Ethereum blockchain which boasts a community of more than 25,000 members.

“Game of Silks presents its players with a fascinating and entertaining challenge by gamifying racehorse ownership in a completely new way,” said Dave O'Rourke, NYRA President & CEO.

NYRA will utilize America's Day at the Races and Saratoga Live, the acclaimed national television shows produced by NYRA and broadcast on the networks of FOX Sports, to provide owners with the latest news, data and information on the Game of Silks metaverse. As the operator of Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park and Aqueduct Racetrack, NYRA will accelerate the creation of digital versions of New York's premium racing venues in the Game of Silks metaverse.

For more information on Silks, visit https://www.silks.io/

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NYRA To Host Military Appreciation Day at Saratoga

Veterans and active-duty military personnel will be honored during the New York Racing Association (NYRA)'s annual Military Appreciation Day at Saratoga Thursday, Aug. 25.

“The New York Racing Association is honored to recognize the dedication and sacrifices made by the brave men and women who serve our country,” said NYRA President and CEO Dave O'Rourke. “We look forward to welcoming them to this special day at Saratoga Race Course and we thank them for their service.”

All vets and current active-duty members of the military will receive free grandstand admission. Gates open at 11 a.m. with first post set for 1:05 p.m.

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First Responders Day Thursday at Saratoga

Edited Press Release

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will honor police officers, firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) for their dedication and service to the community on First Responders Day, Thursday, July 28.

The day will feature free grandstand admission for all first responders with proper identification.

“The New York Racing Association is honored to recognize the brave men and women who answer the call of duty to protect our communities,” said NYRA President and CEO Dave O'Rourke. “We hope our first responders will enjoy a relaxing and stress-free day at Saratoga as we thank them for their dedicated service.”

First responders recognized at the track will include members of the New York State Police, Saratoga County Sheriff's Department, Saratoga Springs Police Department and Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Festivities and events will mark the day and include a race named in their honor and special recognition in the Winner's Circle.

One of the many highlights will include an appearance by the New York State Police Pipes and Drums, who will perform on the track apron following the second and third races of the afternoon. There will also be a trackside demonstration by a New York State Police K-9 unit. A vintage New York State Police car will be on display by the main entrance to Saratoga Race Course at Gate B; as well as a modern-day fire engine featured in the backyard, courtesy of the Saratoga Springs Fire Department which will offer fire safety information and kids activities.

Several first responder agencies will host a recruiting event on track between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Jockey Silks Room Porch. Among the participants will include the New York State Police, Saratoga Springs Police Department, State University of New York Police, and Department of Environmental Conservation Police and Forest Rangers. Representatives from each first responder agency will be available to discuss the benefits of a career in public service.

NYRA will donate partial proceeds to the Saratoga Springs Fire Department from all sales on track of the limited-edition, Josh Cellars Reserve Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine will be available in dining areas and at the Josh Cellars gazebo exclusively on First Responders Day in honor of Joseph Carr's father, who was a volunteer firefighter from Rensselaer County. A native of the Capital Region, Joe Carr is the founder of Josh Cellars wines.

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