Aqueduct Racetrack
Course type | Flat/Thoroughbred |
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Notable races | Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) Cigar Mile Handicap (G1) Carter Handicap (G1) Gazelle Stakes (G2) Gotham Stakes (G3) |
Official website |
Aqueduct Racetrack is a Thoroughbred horse racing facility and casino in the South Ozone Park and Jamaica neighborhoods of Queens, New York City, United States.[1] Aqueduct is the only racetrack located within New York City limits. Its racing meets are usually from late October/early November through April. The racetrack is located adjacent to a casino called Resorts World New York City.
The track itself has three courses. The main track (dirt) has a circumference of 1+1⁄8 miles (1.8 km). Inside of the main track are two courses: the 1 mile (1.6 km) Main Turf Course, and the Inner Turf Course measuring 7.065 furlongs (1.421 km). The track has seating capacity of 17,000 and total capacity of 40,000.[3] The facility houses the headquarters of the New York Racing Association (NYRA).
In December 2022 the New York Racing Association formally announced its intention to upgrade the facilities at nearby Belmont Park to make it suitable to host year-round thoroughbred racing and training, which would ultimately lead to the closure of Aqueduct Racetrack. The plans are contingent on NYRA receiving state-backed bonds to fund the construction projects at Belmont.[4][5]
History
Operating near the site of a former conduit of the Brooklyn Waterworks that brought water from eastern Long Island to the Ridgewood Reservoir, Aqueduct Racetrack opened on September 27, 1894, by the Queens County Jockey Club.[6][7] The track was named "Aqueduct" after the former Ridgewood Aqueduct.[8] The facility was expanded and a new clubhouse was constructed before the 1941 summer meet.[9]
In 1955, the Greater New York Association took over Aqueduct along with Belmont Park, Saratoga Race Course, and Jamaica Race Course, deciding to make major upgrades to Aqueduct, after which Jamaica Race Course would be sold for redevelopment as a housing project.[10][11][12] Aqueduct closed in 1956, reopening September 14, 1959, after $33 million of renovations designed by noted racetrack architect Arthur Froehlich of the firm Arthur Froehlich and Associates of Beverly Hills, California.[13][14] The Equestris Restaurant in the clubhouse opened in 1981 and was the largest restaurant in New York City at the time.[15][16] Additional renovations were made in 2001, 2006, and 2007.
Before 1976, the Inner Dirt Track was a turf course and was known as the Main Turf Course, with the present turf course being the Inner Turf Course; following the conclusion of racing in 1975 the grass on the Main Turf Course was uprooted and the Inner Dirt Track took its place to permit year-round racing. (In the years after Aqueduct was rebuilt in 1959 the track lay idle from early November until April 1; by 1971 this period had been reduced to from just before Christmas until March 1, around when off-track betting began in New York City, creating a demand for horse racing to be contested in the region year-round.)
Currently, one annual meeting is held at Aqueduct, usually from the last Wednesday in October until the first Sunday in May. Races had been run on the Inner Dirt Track between the Wednesday after Thanksgiving until just before the Wood Memorial in recent years. Prior to 1977, a summer meeting also was held at Aqueduct, from mid-June to late July. The Wood Memorial is Aqueduct's marquee race, which culminates the winter meet. The Remsen and Cigar Mile are major races that begin the winter meet. The prestigious Jockey Club Gold Cup was usually run there between 1958 and 1974, and what was perhaps the track's most distinctive race, the marathon 2+1⁄4 miles (3.6 km) Display Handicap, was last contested in 1990.
From 1963 through 1967, races normally run at Belmont Park, including the Belmont Stakes, were run at Aqueduct while Belmont's grandstand was being rebuilt. The track played host to the second ever Breeders' Cup on November 2, 1985.[17]
Aqueduct is the site of the first (and still the only) triple dead heat for the win in a stakes race. In the 1944 running of the Carter Handicap, Brownie, Bossuet, and Wait A Bit hit the finish line at the same time.[18] On April 8, 2006, during an eleven-race program at Aqueduct that included the Wood Memorial Stakes, a rare event happened when dead heats for each of the three "money" positions (Win, Place, and Show) occurred in three separate races: Saint Anddan and Criminal Mind dead-heated for Place in Race 5; Naragansett and Emotrin dead-heated for Show in Race 6; and Karakorum Tuxedo and Megatrend dead-heated for Win in Race 10.[19]
Hall of Fame horse Cigar won the first two races in his 16-race win streak at Aqueduct. After he switched from grass to dirt, Cigar's first win was by eight lengths in an allowance race on October 28, 1994, and was followed by a seven-length win in the NYRA Mile on November 26, 1994, a Grade 1 race that was renamed in the horse's honor in 1997.[20][21][22] On May 31, 1965, 73,375 spectators were on hand at Aqueduct and watched Gun Bow win the Metropolitan Mile. At the time, it was the largest crowd to ever attend a thoroughbred horse racing event in New York.[23]
Champion racehorse Secretariat was retired at Aqueduct before the public on November 6, 1973. He was paraded for the last time to the public and took his last steps on a racetrack there.[24] He was then sent to stud at Claiborne Farm.
From 1978 to 2011, the Aqueduct Flea Market was held on Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays, and was located in the racetrack's north parking lot along Rockaway Boulevard. The flea market contained over 500 vendors and offered a hodgepodge of goods, including bedding, incense, pots and pans, and other items.[25][26]
Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass in front of a crowd of 75,000 at Aqueduct on October 6, 1995.[27]
After the financial collapse and closure of the New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation on December 10, 2010, Aqueduct Racetrack saw an increase in patrons for the first time in several years. On December 11, one day after NYCOTB's closure, the number of patrons who entered Aqueduct's doors increased 61% (5,444 customers) compared to the previous year (3,378 customers).[28] The New York Racing Association, which owns Aqueduct, took advantage by offering former NYCOTB customers free bus shuttle service from select former NYCOTB branches to Aqueduct Racetrack with a free hot dog, soft drink, and Post Parade program.[29]
In May 2017, NYRA announced that they would resurface the 1⅛-mile main track with a limestone base, and convert the inner dirt track back into a turf course.[30] The changes were completed in time for the start of the 2017 fall meet on November 3.[31] With this change, the main track will now be used for winter racing.
Redevelopment efforts
2007 proposal to close track
In May 2007, reports indicated that then-New York Governor
State Assembly Member Audrey I. Pheffer (D), whose district included Aqueduct, fought the closing of the track, which she felt was important to the local community. Any closure at Aqueduct, which is equipped for the cold winter months, would have required millions of dollars in renovations at Belmont, a summer-only track. Belmont is also hampered by its north-oriented grandstand, which would cause shadows in the winter months. Belmont is one of few racecourses in the United States (
2012 proposal for convention center
On January 4, 2012, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the construction of a new convention center on the Aqueduct Racetrack to replace the aging
On June 1, 2012, Governor Cuomo announced that plans to build the convention center had been canceled.[39]
2023 proposal to close track
By 2022, the NYRA anticipated that it would shutter Aqueduct Racetrack in the future.[40] In early 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the state would provide $455 million in capital funds for the redevelopment of the Aqueduct Racetrack site, following a reconstruction of the racetrack at Belmont Park.[41][42] Once NYRA completes its renovation of Belmont Park, which is projected for late 2026, the agency plans to give up its lease of Aqueduct Racetrack and move all horse racing activities to Belmont Park.[43]
Resorts World New York City
Resorts World New York City | |
---|---|
Location | New York City (Jamaica, Queens), NY |
Address | 110-00 Rockaway Boulevard |
Opening date | 2011 |
Total gaming space | 330,000-square-foot (31,000 m2) |
Owner | Genting Malaysia Berhad[44] |
Website | www.RWNewYork.com |
Resorts World New York City is part of the Aqueduct Racetrack complex.
Casino
The casino features four automated table games: baccarat, blackjack, craps, and roulette in addition to a wide array of video slot machines. Baccarat is played with real playing cards, but they are dealt inside a machine without any human dealers.
History
The New York State Legislature legalized video gambling devices at racetracks in 2001. However, the opening of a
In 2007, the State issued a request for proposals to operate the video lottery terminals at Aqueduct. Among the bids received was a $2 billion proposal by the
In July 2009, seven companies submitted bids to develop a racino at Aqueduct: Aqueduct Entertainment Group,
Aqueduct Entertainment Group partners included GreenStar Services Corporation,
On June 2, 2010,
The bids from Penn and SL Green were disqualified in July for not meeting requirements.
The casino opened in late 2011.[1] In August 2021, a Hyatt Regency hotel opened on the site of the casino. It is owned by Genting Group, which also owns Resorts World.[63]
Track announcers and television personalities
Sportscaster Tom Durkin was the chief track announcer at Aqueduct and the other NYRA tracks until his retirement on August 31, 2014. Races are now called by NYRA track announcer John Imbriale. TV personalities have included:
- Harvey Pack (1995–1999)
- Paul Corman (1995–1999)
- John M. Veitch (1995–1999)
- John Imbriale (1995–2005)
- Jan Rushton (1995–2009)
- Jason Blewitt (2006–2017)
- Eric Donovan (2006–present)
- Andy Serling (2008–present)
- Rich McCarthy (1995–1999)
- Mike Watchmaker (1995–1999)
- Michael Sherack (1997–2000)
- Kelly Gecewicz (2000–2005)
- Mary Ryan (1995–1999)
- Travis Stone (2014–2017)
- Maggie Wolfendale (2010–present)
- Acacia Clement (2022–present)
Racing
The following graded stakes will run at Aqueduct in 2022:
Grade I:
Grade II:
- Demoiselle Stakes
- Gazelle Stakes
- Remsen Stakes
- Red Smith Handicap
- Wood Memorial Stakes
Grade III:
- Bay Shore Stakes
- Comely Stakes
- Distaff Handicap
- Excelsior Handicap
- Fall Highweight Handicap
- Go For Wand Handicap
- Gotham Stakes
- Long Island Handicap
- Nashua Stakes
- Toboggan Stakes
- Tom Fool Handicap
- Top Flight Handicap
- Turnback the Alarm Handicap
- Withers Stakes
Non-Graded:
- Affectionately Handicap
- Aqueduct Handicap
- Beaugay Handicap
- Belle Harbor Stakes
- Broadway Stakes (NYB)
- Busanda Stakes
- Busher Stakes
- Cat Cay Stakes
- Cicada Stakes
- Count Fleet Stakes
- Damon Runyon Stakes
- Discovery Stakes
- East View Stakes
- Franklin Square Stakes
- Fred "Cappy" Capossela Stakes
- Gallant Fox Handicap
- Garland of Roses Stakes
- Gravesend Handicap
- Hollie Hughes Handicap
- Interborough Handicap
- Jazil Stakes
- Jerome Stakes
- Jimmy Winkfield Stakes
- Lost in the Fog Stakes
- Maddie May Stakes
- Next Move Handicap
- Queens County Handicap
- Ruthless Stakes
- Sport Page Handicap
- Stuyvesant Handicap
- Stymie Handicap
- Tempted Stakes
- Valley Stream Stakes
- Whirlaway Stakes
Transportation
The track has its own New York City Subway station, Aqueduct Racetrack, served by the IND Rockaway Line (A train). It has only one platform on the Brooklyn-bound side, requiring southbound travelers to transfer to a northbound train at Aqueduct–North Conduit Avenue station, which is located a few blocks to the south.[64] NYRA also operates a free shuttle bus between the North Conduit Avenue station and the Clubhouse entrance.
The
In popular culture
- The film Lucky Number Slevin features scenes at "Aqueduct Racetrack", which were filmed at a track in Canada.[67]
- There is a scene with Aqueduct Racetrack in the movie A Bronx Tale.[citation needed]
- In The Odd Couple episode "Felix the Horse Player", Felix and Oscar go to Aqueduct.[68]
- The Sopranos episode "Pie-O-My" features a number of scenes at the racetrack.[69]
See also
References
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- ^ Belmont Park TV Schedule
- ^ "Aqueduct General Information". New York Racing Association. Archived from the original on January 30, 2013. Retrieved April 21, 2012.
- ^ "NEW STUDY: Project to build a new Belmont Park will generate $1 billion in economic impact and 3,700 construction jobs" (Press release). New York, N.Y.: We Are New York Horse Racing. December 14, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
- ^ Slattery, Denis (December 14, 2022). "Supporters of Belmont Racetrack overhaul tout economic benefits as they seek state-backed borrowing power". New York Daily News. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
- ^ "Notes for Racing Men". The New York Times. September 26, 1894. p. 3. Retrieved October 11, 2009.
- ^ Gray, Christopher (October 1, 1989). "Millburn Pumping Station; A Rundown 'Abbey' Gets New Life as Condominiums". The New York Times. Retrieved October 11, 2009.
- ^ Bagli, Charles V. (June 13, 2001). "Soccer Team Is Negotiating For Stadium At Aqueduct". The New York Times. Retrieved December 4, 2015.
- ^ "Aqueduct Adding to Improvements". The New York Times. December 2, 1940. Retrieved October 11, 2009.
- ^ Nichols, Joseph C. (October 5, 1955). "New Track Group Takes Over Today". The New York Times. Retrieved October 11, 2009.
- ^ Nichols, Joseph C. (June 27, 1956). "Track to Handle Crowds of 60,000". The New York Times. Retrieved October 11, 2009.
- ^ Bigart, Homer (October 5, 1956). "Moses Plans Deal on Jamaica Track". The New York Times. Retrieved October 11, 2009.
- ^ Nichols, Joseph C. (September 15, 1959). "New Aqueduct Track Is Opened". The New York Times. Retrieved October 11, 2009.
- ^ Bernstein, Irving (September 10, 1959). "The $2 Window". The Leader. Freeport, NY. p. 4. Retrieved April 17, 2012.
When the bugle sounds for the first race at Aqueduct Sept. 14, one of New York's major tourist attractions will herald a blending of history and progress.
- ^ Crist, Steven (October 14, 1981). "Aqueduct's Eye on the Affluent". The New York Times. Retrieved October 11, 2009.
- ISBN 978-0-300-11299-3.
- ^ Crist, Steven (November 2, 1985). "Cup Could Bring Several Upsets". The New York Times. Retrieved January 30, 2010.
- ^ "The Carter". New York Racing Association. Archived from the original on June 3, 2009. Retrieved August 23, 2009.
- ^ "Aqueduct". National Thoroughbred Racing Association. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 21, 2012.
- ^ Diamos, Jason (August 6, 2002). "Cigar Canters Into the Hall of Fame". The New York Times. Retrieved October 15, 2009.
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- ^ Nichols, Joe (June 1, 1965). "73,375 See Gun Bow Win Metropolitan". The New York Times. Retrieved October 15, 2009.
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- ^ Santos, Fernanda; Iverac, Mirela (August 29, 2010). "A Flea Market Considers Its Fate in a Casino World". The New York Times. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
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- ^ Bruni, Frank (October 7, 1995). "Sun Gilds Celebration At Aqueduct". The New York Times. Retrieved July 22, 2009.
- ^ Grening, David (December 11, 2010). "Aqueduct sees bigger Sunday crowd". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 12, 2010.
- ^ "OTB Customers Don't Get Shut Out!". New York Racing Association. Archived from the original on December 11, 2010.
- ^ Grening, David (May 4, 2017). "Aqueduct's inner track will become turf course". drf.com. Daily Racing Form. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
- ^ Grening, David (November 1, 2017). "Aqueduct opens with new turf course, renovated main track". drf.com. Daily Racing Form. Retrieved November 3, 2017.
- ^ Finley, Bill (May 20, 2007). "Spitzer Is Said to Be Weighing a Track Overhaul That Would Close Aqueduct". The New York Times. Retrieved July 26, 2009.
- ^ "CBS 6 Albany : Video". Archived from the original on June 5, 2008. Retrieved February 13, 2008.
- ^ Colangelo, Lisa (May 27, 2009). "Aqueduct land sale concerns for Ozone Park infrastructure". Daily News. New York. Retrieved July 26, 2009.
- ^ Colangelo, Lisa (June 12, 2009). "Mostly cheers at auction for Aqueduct race track land". Daily News. New York. Retrieved July 26, 2009.
- ^ Gormley, Michael (January 4, 2012). "NY gov seeks Aqueduct convention center, casinos". WCAX-TV. Associated Press. Retrieved January 4, 2012.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Kaplan, Thomas (January 19, 2012). "A Complex at Aqueduct Is Risk-Free, Cuomo Says". The New York Times. Retrieved February 2, 2012.
- ^ Fickenscher, Lisa (February 12, 2012). "Aqueduct hits jackpot in Ozone Park". Crain's New York Business. Retrieved February 12, 2012.
- ^ "Aqueduct Convention Center Plan Fizzles". Crain's New York Business. Associated Press. June 2, 2012. Retrieved July 29, 2014.
- ^ Pozarycki, Robert (June 20, 2022). "New NYRA chair's comments could signal beginning of end for Queens' Aqueduct Racetrack". amNewYork. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ Gannon, Michael (February 1, 2023). "Hochul budget aims to close Aqueduct Race Track". Queens Chronicle. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ Spector, Joseph (February 2, 2023). "Aqueduct Racetrack would close under $455M renovation plan at Belmont Park". POLITICO Pro. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ Chu, Haidee (September 14, 2023). "Horses Return to Aqueduct as Homestretch Nears for City's Only Racetrack". THE CITY - NYC News. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ "About the Casino". Resorts World Casino.
- ^ "Resorts World Casino, New York City". nycgo.com.
- ^ Finley, Bill (October 26, 2001). "Tracks Pleased to Add Video Lottery Terminals". The New York Times. Retrieved August 2, 2009.
- ^ Landes, Jennifer (October 18, 2007). "Tribe Bids for Casino". The East Hampton Star. Archived from the original on March 19, 2008. Retrieved July 26, 2009.
- ^ Lovett, Kenneth (October 13, 2008). "A little bit of Vegas in Queens with proposed racino at Aqueduct". Daily News. New York. Retrieved July 26, 2009.
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- ^ Lovett, Kenneth (February 5, 2010). "Aqueduct Raceway Racino Bidders Who Lost Out to AEG Slam Gov. Paterson Over Shady Slots Deals". Daily News. New York. Archived from the original on February 8, 2010. Retrieved February 5, 2010.
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- ^ "Aqueduct Entertainment Group: Partners". Aqueduct Entertainment Group. 2009. Archived from the original on March 23, 2010. Retrieved February 21, 2010.
- ^ Dicker, Fredric U.; Karni, Annie (February 21, 2010). "Jay-Z stake in Aqueduct slots deal draws scrutiny". New York Post. Archived from the original on February 23, 2010. Retrieved February 21, 2010.
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- ^ Carey, Rob (August 10, 2021). "New Hyatt Regency Opens Next to NYC Casino and JFK Airport". MeetingsNet. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
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- ^ Haskin, Steve (January 17, 2002). "'Sopranos' Mob Takes Over Aqueduct". BloodHorse.com. Retrieved January 28, 2012.