On the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, The New York Racing
Association (NYRA) will conduct 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 will perform a
rendition of “Taps.” He will be joined in the winner’s circle by Nassau County
Police Department officers.
NYRA will also hold a moment of silence to honor the victims and heroes of
9/11, followed by Grossman performing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
In the Belmont Park infield, NYRA will fly New York State’s new 10th
anniversary 9/11 memorial flag that Governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled earlier this
week.
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.
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 Breeders’ Cup 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.