Local residents, trainers await Opening Day

Belmont’s Spring/Summer Meet, which has long been a popular, family-friendly series of events, begins on April 27. The park’s 56-day Spring/Summer Meet runs through July 15.

Courtesy NYRA, Adam Coglianese

Bettors and trainers are preparing for a new season at Belmont Park, which is marked by the bustling track’s Opening Day. Belmont’s Spring/Summer Meet, which has long been a popular, family-friendly series of events, begins Friday.

The park’s 56-day Spring/Summer Meet runs through July 15.

“Belmont Park is one of the most historic and majestic sporting venues on Long Island and is also a fantastic family destination,” said Dan Silver, director of communications for the New York Racing Association. “Many of the country’s top jockeys, trainers and horses are here for the spring and summer.”

According to Silver, Belmont’s spring/summer series attracts several of horseracing’s leading trainers as well as out-of-town travelers, many of whom come specifically for Opening Day. Shops, hotels, restaurants and other businesses are bolstered by the event, he added.

Trainer Dale Romans, who has never had more than 10 horses at Belmont in the spring, said he’ll oversee 38 this year.

“New York is heading back to the head of the class,” said Romans, whose mounts have won nine races this year at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens. “It’s the best jurisdiction for racing. This is the first time in the spring that we’re going to have a full-time stable. I’m renting a house across the street from the track, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Julien Leparoux, Rosie Napravnik and Junior Alvarado will ride full-time at Belmont for the first time, competing against Eclipse Award winners Ramon Dominguez, Edgar Prado and John Velazquez. Alvarado, winner of the 2009 riding title at Arlington Park in Illinois, who finished fifth and third, respectively, in the 2010-11 and 2011-12 inner track jockey standings, said he plans to race in New York year-round this year instead of returning to Arlington.

“I know I’ll be riding for good trainers this year — that’s why we’re going to take a chance and stay here,” Alvarado said. “It’s going to be tough, but it’s going to be tough for everybody.”