Belmont Bash to Benefit Equine Research and
N.Y. Division of Race Track Chaplaincy of America

The Belmont Bash, hosted by the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and The Jockey Club, will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009, at The Clubhouse at Meadowbrook Pointe in Westbury, N.Y.

Tickets are $250 per person and proceeds will benefit Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA), New York Division.

The Bash will feature cocktails, dinner, a charity casino and musical entertainment by the Faze 4 Orchestra.

"Raising funds to benefit our sport's equine and human participants is a fitting prelude to the 141st running of the Belmont Stakes two days later," said NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward. "We are proud to support Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation's efforts in the field of equine medical research as well as efforts by the New York division of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America to minister to the needs of the hard-working families on the backstretch at NYRA racetracks."

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is the leading source of private funding for equine medical research that benefits all breeds. In 2009, the foundation is underwriting 17 projects for $874,894, including projects devoted to improved tracking of injuries to Thoroughbreds in training and analysis of racing surfaces to help track superintendents maintain a consistent surface that enhances racehorse safety. Since 1983, the foundation has provided more than $16.3 million for 246 specific projects at 36 universities. Additional information about the foundation is available at http://www.grayson-jockeyclub.org.

The Race Track Chaplaincy of America is a Christian organization whose mission is to serve the needs of all those who are involved in the horse racing industry. The RTCA's New York Division, headed by Chaplain Humberto Chavez and Council President Nick Caras, provides for the needs of the backstretch workers and their families at each of the NYRA tracks. Additional information about the RTCA is available at http://www.racetrackchaplaincy.org.

Additional information about the Belmont Bash is available by contacting Nancy Kelly at (212) 521-5305 or nkelly@jockeyclub.com; or Jenifer Van Deinse at (212) 521-5327 or jvandeinse@jockeyclub.com.