Belmont Stakes - Our Final Big Adventure Fact!

We’re closing in on the 144^th Running of The Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on Long Island this coming Saturday, June 9^th. Since the event is just days away, The Big Adventure wanted to share some noteworthy Belmont Stakes Trivia. Anything we can do to get you pumped up for the Triple Crown Bid day and to impress any friends who may be equine aficionados. Each day, we’ll count down the nine most interesting facts about the Belmont Stakes:

Fact #1- The Final Fact - We saved the best for last: The Theme Song! For decades the traditional theme song of the Belmont Stakes was "Sidewalks of New York," and then in 1997 track officials decided it was time mix it up in an attempt to appeal to the under 80 crowd and made it the classic Sinatra tune"New York, New York"
 

But in 2010, it all changed! The New York Racing Association replaced the tune to "Empire State of Mind" as the music heard when the horses step onto the track for the $1 million Belmont on Saturday. The change is being made because Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" has become a "quintessential 21st century theme song for New York City," says NYRA marketing director Neema Ghazi. Sure. Whatever.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/03/AR2010060304395.html

If you’re looking to plan your own Belmont Stakes Adventure this Saturday, feel free to look to our Belmont Stakes and Delicious Steaks Big Adventure from 2010 for some inspiration on some great things to do that day!