The Breeders' Cup, championship of thoroughbred horse racing, is coming to Belmont Park on October 27 for the first time in five years. Established 17 years ago, it is held at a different track in North America each year on a rotating basis. Held at Belmont this October, its excitement as well as its economic impact will be felt throughout the area.

At the Chamber of Commerce's season finale luncheon on June 6, noon, at the Garden City Hotel, the focus will be on the Breeders' Cup, considered to be the foremost international event of thoroughbred horse racing. Also featured will be the history of horseracing in Garden City and on Long Island, to be presented by the Garden City Historical Society. Did you know, for example, that the first formal horse race meet in the United States took place in 1665 at Newmarket Course - on the Hempstead Plains, in the area of the northwest section of the Village of Garden City? Thus, Newmarket Road.

The Chamber of Commerce cordially invites Garden City residents to join with its members and hear - from the Garden City Historical Society, about horse racing's start in Garden City, and the Breeders' Cup extravaganza - also known as the "super bowl" of horse racing.

Featured speaker will be Damon Thayer, vice president Breeders' Cup Marketing for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) of Lexington, Ky. Thayer is responsible for the overall development and execution of marketing and promotional strategies for Thoroughbred Racing's Championship - the Breeders' Cup - eight nationally televised races on one day with combined purses and awards totaling $13 million. Thayer oversees all marketing services, including promotion, licensing, television, publishing, new media and merchandising. He also spearheads marketing and special events programs with the host track and host venue committees for the Breeders' Cup championship.

Come and hear how horse racing debuted in our village; and how the Breeders' Cup has emerged as the single richest day in sports - the pinnacle event. Eight championship races with $13 million in purses culminated by the $4 million Breeders' Cup Classic, provides a day of Thoroughbred racing not witnessed anywhere else in the world. See a video capturing the excitement of this horse racing extravaganza, and learn of its economic impact upon our area.

Jerry Unger, chamber vice president and program chair, has announced that the raffle prize - graciously donated by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, is four tickets to the Breeders' Cup at Belmont Park on Oct. 27. The traditional "60-second commercial" has been won by State Bank of Long Island. For reservations at $35 each,, please call the chamber at 746-7724 by Monday, noon, June 4. The fee will be collected at the door.