Statement by NYRA Chief Executive Officer and President Christopher Kay on American Pharoah and the 147th running of the Belmont Stakes 05/16/2015 07:12 PM ET bs-logo-story ELMONT, N.Y. - This evening, the New York Racing Association released the following statement from Christopher Kay, Chief Executive Officer and President of the New York Racing Association regarding Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner American Pharoah, and the 147th running of the Belmont Stakes on June 6, 2015. "The men and women of the New York Racing Association offer our heartfelt congratulations to American Pharoah and his connections, and we look forward to welcoming them to beautiful Belmont Park for the 147th running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 6; the crown jewel of thoroughbred horse racing's iconic Triple Crown. "American Pharoah's run for horse racing immortality will be the anchor of this year's expanded Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, featuring 17 graded stakes races and more than $10 million in purses. New, post-race concerts led by O.A.R. on Friday, and the GOO GOO DOLLS on Saturday will also complement an expanded array of hospitality options for fans of all ages. "We encourage our fans to purchase their tickets in advance, and join us at Belmont Park as New York prepares to kick off the summer season." About the New York Racing Association (NYRA) Founded in 1955, and franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York's three major tracks (Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course) through 2033, the New York Racing Association's mission is "Meeting the highest standards in thoroughbred racing and equine safety." With a lineage of nearly 150 years, NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State's thoroughbred industry, which contributes more than $2 billion annually to its urban, suburban and rural economy. In 2014, more than 1.7 million people attended live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring in nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races totaled more than $10 million. For more information, visit NYRA.com