Thoroughbred Racing Fans of New England traveled to Belmont Park on the weekend of June 9th to 11th for their annual trip to the Belmont Stakes. The weather was hot and so was the racing. The racing on Friday got off to a later start than usual. NYRA is trying twilight racing, and it seems to be getting a good reception. The club dined in the Garden Terrace.

Friday's features included the Grade I Acorn, a race for three-year-old fillies, and the Flash, a newer stakes for two-year-old colts. The late running Finders Fee charged to the front and paid a good price to her backers. The Acorn is the first leg of the Triple Tiara, a series of three races similar to the Triple Crown, but for fillies only. The next leg is The Mother Goose on July, 1st. Good luck to Finders Fee!!!!

   Al looks for some winners!!!

The highlight of the weekend was of course the 132nd running of The Belmont Stakes. With Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus and Preakness winner Red Bullet not participating this year's running turned into a wide-open race.

The club enjoyed clubhouse seating, second level, just beyond the finish line. Although the temperatures were in the nineties a breeze made viewing bearable. A surprising crowd of over 67,000 turned out in spite of the temperature.

   Finders Fee comes from behind to win the Acorn


Club seating on Saturday	*Dining in the Garden Terrace on Sunday*


Bill and Tony enjoy lunch in The Garden Terrace	George and Ross enjoy Saturday's Card

Saturday's race card was fantastic. Along with the 132nd running of The Belmont Stakes fans also were treated to four other Graded races including the Grade I Manhattan Handicap, The True North and The Riva Ridge, both Grade II's, and The Just A Game Breeders' Cup. The All-Star Buglers, four of the nation's top race buglers, performed between races. Commendable, a 19to1 shot, trained by D. Wayne Lukas, surprised everyone with an easy victory in the classic.

Belmont Stakes Photos

The All-Star Buglers

Belmont Stakes Jockeys-2000

New York City Mounted Police- Bob Hughes Photo

Commendable Wins The Belmont

Pat Day signals Victory

Sunday rounded out a great weekend of racing. The club again dined in the Garden Terrace. The seventh race of the day was run as the Thoroughbred Racing Fans of New England race and club members were on hand in the winner's circle to make a presentation to the winning connections

Antitrust wins the Thoroughbred Racing Fans of New England Race

Club members Bill, Sheila, Bob, Victor, Jockey O.Vergara, John, Trainer Gary Sciacca and Vinnie at presentation

In the feature race, the Brooklyn Handicap, Mass Cap winner Running Stag tried to make it three wins in a row. The heat and the short period of time between his races seem to have taken its toll, and Running Stag faded in the final furlong. Last year's Belmont Stakes winner Lemon Drop Kid opened up to a convincing win. During the ride home a line of heavy thunderstorms provided some relief from the heat.