NYRA holds special 9/11 ceremony

Last updated: 9/11/11 2:47 PM

NYRA bugler Sam Grossman played a rendition of ‘Taps’ during a special 9/11 ceremony
(NYRA/Adam Coglianese Photography)

On the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the New York
Racing Association (NYRA) held a

special ceremony prior to the start of Sunday’s live racing card at
Belmont Park.

At approximately 12:35 p.m. (EDT), NYRA bugler Sam Grossman performed
a rendition of “Taps.” He was joined in the winner’s circle by Nassau
County Police Department Officer Tom Lesser and NYRA Peace Officer Linda
Falacara, who displayed New York State’s new 10th anniversary 9/11
memorial flag unveiled by Governor Andrew Cuomo earlier this week.

The 9/11 memorial flag will be flown in the Belmont infield for the
remainder of the fall meet.

NYRA also held a moment of silence to honor the victims and heroes of
9/11, followed by Grossman performing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Ten years ago, Belmont Park served as one of the staging areas for
emergency vehicles and personnel in the days following 9/11.

Less than seven weeks later, on October 27, 2001, Belmont Park was
the site of the first major international sporting event post-9/11 in
New York when it hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred
Championships.

The NTRA, Breeders’ Cup, and NYRA formed the NTRA Charities-New York Heroes
Fund to benefit the families of the rescue personnel and other victims of 9/11
and dedicated the 2001 World Thoroughbred Championships in their honor. Through
pledges of purse earnings by owners, trainers, and jockeys, Breeders’ Cup day
alone raised more than $2 million for the fund.