June 9, 2006

Mejias: ‘Nassau can expect boom in County Tourism for Belmont Stakes’

Legislators join with Belmont officials, jockeys and trainers to announce economic boom for county this weekend

Nassau County Legislator Dave Mejias (D-North Massapequa), chair of the Legislature’s Economic, Development & Labor Committee, today joined with Regina Zara, Director of Sales and Sports Development for the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission; Senior Vice President of the New York Racing Association (NYRA) Bill Nader, and OTB President Dino Amoroso in announcing an expected restaurant and hotel boom as a result of the Belmont Stakes taking place this weekend.  The Long Island region attracts thousands of visitors every year as another Triple Crown racing season reaches its exciting climax.

PHOTO CAPTION: Nassau County Legislator Dave Mejias (D-North Massapequa) announces that the County expected a restaurant and hotel boom as a result of the Belmont Stakes taking place May 10th.  The Long Island region attracts thousands of visitors every year as another Triple Crown racing season reaches its exciting climax.

“The Belmont Stakes provides the County with a tremendous shot in the arm to our economy, bringing in an estimated $4 million into our restaurants and hotels” said Legislator Mejias. “We couldn’t ask for a better start for our summer tourism season.”

“The Belmont Stakes is an annual event that has a tremendous history and a significant economic impact on the Nassau County and Long Island community,” said Regina Zara, Director of Sales and Sports Development for the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission. “On a yearly basis, a horse-racing community from around the world comes to our community and enriches our local hotels, restaurants and business on many wonderful levels.”

“The Belmont Stakes is traditionally one of Nassau OTB’s busiest days of the year as thousands of racing fans flock to our 12 branches, the Race Palace in Plainview and our Potter’s Pub Restaurant Branch in East Meadow to make their friendly wager on their favorite horse,” said Amoroso.

OTB is a Public Benefit Corporation which turns over all the profits and surcharges it generates to Nassau County each year. In its 31-year history, Nassau OTB has generated in excess of $450 million in profits and surcharges for the benefit of Nassau County residents.

“The Belmont Stakes is a major factor in our profitability each year and we look forward to another successful Belmont Day,” Amoroso added.

Belmont is the largest track of its kind in the nation.  This Saturday will mark the 138th running of the Belmont Stakes.

Also joining Legislator Mejias was Daniel Peitz, trainer of Belmont hopeful Steppenwolfer.