Racing fans from throughout the Long Island area will be able to experience the Belmont Stakes from their own backyard...that is, the Nassau Downs Race Palace in Plainview. Record numbers are expected yet again as large crowds view and bet on the final division of the 2005 Triple Crown. The Race Palace teletheatre's Vegas-style atmosphere will allow everyone from avid racing fans to first-time visitors to enjoy this well-known day in sports on Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11.

Belmont Stakes celebrations will take place at the Race Palace on Saturday, June 11 starting at 11:30 a.m. when doors open. Guests will enjoy free giveaways and hourly updates by racing experts as they place their wages. Expert handicapper Noel Michaels will be present to discuss predicted outcomes of the race.

Fans are encouraged to catch the spirit of the Belmont Stakes by placing bets at their local OTB branch, the OTB restaurant branch Úquot;Potter's PubÚquot; located in East Meadow, or the Race Palace on Friday, June 10th- the kick-off to Belmont weekend. The giant screen televisions, dining areas and bars, luxurious VIP rooms, specially designed electronic betting systems and 120-foot video wall at the Race Palace will provide a stylish race-watching environment unlike most others.

In anticipation of the Belmont Stakes, one of the biggest sports events of the year, the Nassau OTB Race Palace will bring the sports legends of 1973 to Long Island on Friday, June 10. A reception and autograph signing will feature Ron Turcotte, Secretariat's star jockey in the 1973 Triple Crown and Walt Úquot;ClydeÚquot; Frazier, renowned New York Knicks champion.

As Frazier discusses this year's NBA Playoffs, Turcotte will inform crowds of what they can expect at the Belmont Stakes as the 2005 Triple Crown comes to a close. The 137th running of the $1 million, 1.5-mile Belmont Stakes will again be the oldest and longest leg of the Triple Crown. Racing fans from across Long Island look forward to hearing Turcotte's analysis for this year's race.

The June 10 reception will take place between 4 and 8:30 p.m. Photographs and merchandise will be sold and advanced wagering on the Belmont Stakes will be available.

Record-breaking numbers are expected to be wagered in Nassau Downs branches across Long Island as the 137th running of the Belmont Stakes approaches. Over the last three decades, Nassau OTB has played a tremendous role in limiting the burden on Nassau County taxpayers. Nassau OTB is a Public Benefit Corporation created by the New York State Legislature. As an off-track-betting entity, it turns its annual profits to Nassau County throughout the course of each year. Since 1974, Nassau OTB has generated $450 million for the county. In addition to Úquot;Potters PubÚquot; and the Race Palace, OTB has branches in Carle Place, Farmingdale, Franklin Square, Freeport, Garden City Park, Green Acres, Hempstead, Hicksville, Levittown, Oceanside, North Lawrence and Wantagh. The Race Palace is located at 1600 Round Swamp Road in Plainview, right off exit 48 of the L.I.E. For further info call 572-8200 or visit us at www.nassauotb.com