“This new map clearly shows that upstate and downstate, New York is horse racing country through and through,” said Jack Sterne, We Are NY Horse Racing spokesperson. “Horse racing is at the core of hundreds of businesses across the state and is responsible for the livelihoods of thousands of New York families. As we head into the final stretch of budget negotiations, this map will help lawmakers understand that supporting a new Belmont is supporting their constituents — no matter what district they represent.”

According to an independent economic analysis previously released by We Are NY Horse Racing, the project to modernize Belmont Park would generate $1 billion in one-time construction-related economic impact and create 3,700 construction jobs. After the new Belmont Park is built, it will produce $155 million in new annual recurring economic output, sustain 740 new full-time jobs, and generate $10 million in new state and local taxes per year.

“Horse racing supports businesses large and small across the Empire State — from the nearly 100 trainers at Belmont that each employ dozens of New Yorkers, to those who transport horses, to the businesses that supply our sport,” said Joseph Appelbaum, President of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. “As this map shows, building a new Belmont Park will boost local economies and help create good jobs in every corner of the state.”

The Belmont modernization project was included in Governor Kathy Hochul’s Executive Budget Proposal as well as both the Senate and Assembly’s One House budget resolutions, a testament to the project’s importance for communities in every corner of New York State.

“It’s clear that the sport of horse racing is an economic force in New York State as strong as any Thoroughbred horse that races on our tracks,” said Najja Thompson, Executive Director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders. “This sport sustains thousands of jobs for hardworking New Yorkers and a new Belmont Park would help keep New York’s horse racing ecosystem strong and protect good jobs across the state.”

On March 13, over 100 New Yorkers — including representatives of organized labor, family farmers, small business owners, backstretch workers, and more — joined legislators from both parties to rally in the State Capitol in support of this transformational project.

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About the We Are NY Horse Racing Coalition

We Are NY Horse Racing is a coalition of small businesses, labor unions, non-profits, and trade associations who recognize the importance of horse racing as an economic engine that creates and sustains jobs for New York families. In total, the sport generates $3 billion annual economic activity in New York State and sustains 19,000 jobs for New Yorkers.

Launched in September of 2021, the coalition has quickly grown to include more than 50 members committed to educating the public about the role the sport plays in the New York State economy and advocating for legislation that supports horse racing in the Empire State. In addition to a paid advertising campaign, the membership has engaged in dialogue with lawmakers, participated in legislative hearings and conducted grass roots events to build support for the sport.

For additional information, visit www.nyhorseracing.com