The Plainview Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce recently held a Night at the Races meeting at the Race Palace in Plainview to network with other chambers. Syosset, Hicksville and Bethpage chambers, as well as the POB chamber, were all represented at the meeting.

"Welcome to the Race Palace," said Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce president Francesca Carlow. "This is not your father's OTB - it is an entertainment extravaganza. This is an opportunity to mingle and meet your neighbors."

As attendees mingled and networked, Noel Michaels, website editor for the Daily Racing Forum, spoke about racing and exciting events in the racing world.

"We are here at the Race Palace, which offers everything to a horse bettor and a sports fan so let's talk some horses," said Michaels.

Michaels explained that the sport of racing has enjoyed a recent resurgence due in part to the undefeated horse, "Smarty Jones," who is running in the Belmont Stakes on June 5 with a chance to win the Triple Crown, and if he wins, he would be the first horse since Affirmed accomplished this feat in 1978.

"There are many way to chose what horse to bet on," said Michaels. "You can bet on your favorite number, favorite name or research the last races that the horse ran in. The other thing you can do is pick a horse with a winning jockey." Michaels went on to explain the different bets that one can place, including the exacta, trifecta, daily double and pick three.

Michaels was available at the meeting to help people place bets and answer any questions people had.

For more information about the Plainview Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.plainview-oldbethpage.com or call 937-5646.