The New York Racing Association and The Jockey Club announced March 14 that the Belmont Stakes Charity Celebration, benefitting the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and the Backstretch Employee Service Team, will be held at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City June 7.
Founded in 2004 by Shelley and Donald Rubin, the Rubin Museum of Art is a dynamic environment that stimulates learning, promotes understanding, and inspires personal connections through the ideas, cultures, and art of Himalayan Asia.
“We are proud to join with The Jockey Club to raise funds for equine research and for the dedicated backstretch workers who care for our horses,” said Charles Hayward, president and chief executive officer of NYRA, in a release. “The Belmont Stakes is a signature event in the New York metropolitan area and it is fitting to have our charity celebration in a unique venue such as the Rubin Museum of Art.”
“The Belmont Stakes Charity Celebration brings well-deserved attention to the third leg of the Triple Crown and, at the same time, shines the spotlight on two important industry charities that contribute to the well-being of horses and people,” said James Gagliano, the president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club, in a statement.
Catering for the event will be provided by Stephen Starr Events, and the evening will feature a special electric violin performance by renowned artist Sarah Charness.
The 144th edition of the $1 million Belmont Stakes, the oldest and longest of the Triple Crown events, will be held June 9, and will be televised by NBC Sports (5–7 p.m. EDT).
The Rubin Museum of Art is located at 150 West 17th Street in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. Tickets for the charity celebration are $150 per person.
Additional information about the event may be obtained by contacting Nancy Kelly of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation at (212) 521-5305 or nkelly@jockeyclub.com.