On the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, The New York Racing Association 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 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 served as one of the staging areas for emergency vehicles and personnel in the days following 9/11. Less than seven weeks later, on Oct. 27, 2001, Belmont was the site of the first major international sporting event post 9/11 in New York when it hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
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.