Nassau County - Long Island, New York

Mangano Kicks Off Belmont Stakes Festivities

Mangano kicks off belmont stakes festivities

Triple Crown Race Expected to Give Significant Financial Boost to Nassau’s

Local Businesses and Tourism

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano was joined by Moke McGowan, President of the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission, Dr. Jerry Chang of the Long Island Plastic Surgery Group, and world-renowned jockey Jean-Luc Samyn at a press conference today at the Garden City Hotel to announce an expected restaurant and hotel boom from the 143rd Belmont Stakes taking place this weekend. Nassau County attracts thousands of visitors every year as another Triple Crown racing season reaches its exciting end.

“For 143 years Nassau County has hosted the Stakes at Belmont Park,” said County Executive Mangano. “The race provides our County with a major boom to the economy and this Saturday, the world will be watching us once again. The Belmont Stakes are always a great start to Nassau County’s summer tourist season and I invite everyone to come down to Belmont Park for the festivities this coming weekend.”

Jockey Jean-Luc Samyn also joined the County Executive for the kick-off celebrations, following his triumphant return to racing after suffering a potentially career-ending injury. Samyn lost two fingers on his left hand in an accident with a snowblower this past winter. Dr. Jerry Chang of the Long Island Plastic Surgery Group performed the surgery that made it possible for Samyn, who lives in Manhasset, to return to his racing career on April 15th.

“I would also like to congratulate Jean-Luc Samyn, Nassau’s legendary jockey, who returned to racing this spring after suffering a major injury that could have derailed his career. He won his first race after his return and I am sure we will see him in many more races in the future. I wish him the best of luck,” said County Executive Mangano.

The Belmont Stakes take place this Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Belmont Park, located at 2150 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont NY. For more information please visit www.belmontstakes.com