Chris Manza

Electrical Foreman

IBEW Local 25

Working in New York horse racing has given me a life and sense of security that allows me to provide for my family. Ideally, I would like to spend the rest of my career here at Belmont Park.

People in the trades can work in this industry for a long time, earn a competitive wage, and not have to skip from job to job. That creates a real sense of satisfaction in being a part of something significant – in my case, really contributing to the betterment of Belmont Park and helping to put on the Belmont Stakes and other major races.

The people I work with feel the same way. Racetracks are big places – not just the tracks or the grandstand or the picnic tables where fans gather, but the backstretch as well. Everything we do from building or upgrading a part of the seating area to renovating a barn or replacing equipment is geared to making our sport the best it can be. We’re part of something here and it makes you really committed to the work and the sport of horse racing.

I’m always proud to say that I’m part of the New York racing community. Many of my friends and neighbors grew up going to Belmont Park and continue to take their families there. We’re a vital part of the community.