The 145th running of the Belmont Stakes, which is the third leg of the Triple Crown, takes place Saturday at Belmont Park, and plenty of Long Islanders will be eager to see how the horses perform.
Orb, who won the Kentucky Derby, is a 3-to-1 favorite to take the crown, and he will line up at Gate 5. Oxbow, who beat Orb by nine lengths at the Preakness, will look to beat the favorite once again.
General admission to the Belmont Stakes is $10, while clubhouse admission goes for $20. Those looking to take the Long Island Rail Road can find out the schedule by clicking here.
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Prior to the event, the Belmont Festival returns to Garden City on Friday and will feature entertainment, activities and games. There will also be pony rides for the kids to enjoy.
The festival’s five bands include the Fivestone Rock Band, Jerry & the Newcomers, the New Vintage Orchestra, Nor’easter (formerly Speak Easy) and The Village Music Makers.
Click here for more details on the festival.
The LIRR announced that alcohol is not permitted on trains this weekend due to the Belmont Stakes and Sunday's Puerto Rican Parade in New York City. The LIRR already bans the consumption of alcohol on its trains and on platforms from midnight to 5 a.m. on the weekends.
Belmont Park does not permit alcohol be brought into their venue either. For more details on travel planning and what not to bring with you, click this link.
Additionally, the county has announced new, heightened security measures for the Stakes in response to the tragic events at the Boston Marathon in April.
"Law enforcement agencies have coordinated efforts to protect our residents and visitors this Belmont Stakes weekend,” Nassau County Executive Mangano said. "Rest assured that additional resources and personnel will be utilized to help ensure that the Belmont Stakes is a fun filled day for everyone without incident."
"We ask everyone to help – ‘If You See Something, Say Something,’" he added. "If something seems out of place, or does not sit right with you, just call 911, or tell a law enforcement official.”
Who do you think is the favorite and will you bet on the race? Tell us in the comments section below.
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