Racetracks Raise $114K for Pediatric Cancer Research

The North American racetracks hosting lemonade stands on Belmont Stakes Day collectively raised more than $114,000 to benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand for Pediatric Cancer Research, the charity founded by Alexandra "Alex" Scott in 2000. The figure is expected to increase as nine tracks are yet to report their figures and others are finalizing exact amounts.

Scott, who succumbed to neuroblastoma last August, launched her first lemonade stand at the age of four to help raise money for cancer research.

Forty racetracks in the United States and Canada participated in yesterday's charity, as well as account wagering company AmericaTab, which hosted racing's only online lemonade stand. Harrah's Louisana Downs and Tampa Bay Downs made a direct contribution to the fund in lieu of hosting a stand.

The racing community has been captivated with the connection between Scott and Cash Is King Stable's Afleet Alex, who romped in Saturday's Belmont Stakes, since the 3-year-old's owners vowed to pledge a portion of his purse winnings to the charity. The Thoroughbred Racing Associations coordinated the efforts of its membership and non-member racetracks to join the more than 1,100 other lemonade stands erected across the country in support of the cause Saturday.

Belmont Park, the site of Saturday's Belmont Stakes, raised $29,000 for Alex's Lemonade Stand at its two trackside stands. Charles Town Races and Slots in Charles Town, W.V., came in as the second largest donating site with $12,055.

AmericaTab, along with a few racetracks, matched the donations raised at their stands. Delaware Park, the home base of Afleet Alex's trainer Tim Richey, raised $3,095 for Alex's Lemonade Stand and its match lifted the track's total contribution to $6,190. Other tracks to match donations were Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Canterbury Park, and the Meadowlands.

More than 1,000 Charles Fazzino posters featuring an Alex's Lemonade Stand at Belmont Park were sold at 22 participating racetracks for a minimum $10 donation. Charles Fazzino, the official artist of the Belmont Stakes this year, donated the posters and associated costs with their production and distribution.

For more information about Alex's Lemonade Stand, visit www.alexslemonade.com or call 866-333-1213.