Belmont Stakes Kicks Off This Weekend

Posted by Heather Doyle. Written by Michael Ganci.

The 145th running of the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of Thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown, takes place Saturday afternoon at Belmont Park and plenty of Long Islanders will be heading to Elmont for New York's premier racing showcase.   

Orb, who won the Kentucky Derby, is a 3-to-1 early favorite to take the $1 million mile-and-a-half race and will break from gate 5. Oxbow, who beat Orb by nine lengths at the Preakness, will break from gate 7.  

In all, fourteen horses are set to run in the Saturday's featured 11th race. The first race of the 13-race card is scheduled to go off at 11:35 a.m. Post time for the nationally televised feature is set for 6:36 p.m. 

General admission for Belmont Stakes race day is $10, while clubhouse admission goes for $20. Those looking to take the Long Island Rail Road can find out the schedule by clicking here.

RELATED: Top Jockey Rides into Nassau for Vital Cause

Prior to the event, the Belmont Festival returns to Garden City on Friday and will feature entertainment, activities and games. There will also be pony rides for the kids to enjoy.

The festival’s five bands include the Fivestone Rock Band, Jerry & the Newcomers, the New Vintage Orchestra, Nor’easter (formerly Speak Easy) and The Village Music Makers.

Click here for more details on the festival.

The LIRR announced that alcohol is not permitted on trains this weekend due to the Belmont Stakes and Sunday's Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. The LIRR already bans the consumption of alcohol on its trains and on platforms from midnight to 5 a.m. on the weekends.

Unlike past years, Belmont Park does not permit alcohol to be brought into the track at all. Coolers have also been banned this year. For more details on travel planning and what not to bring with you, click this link.

Additionally, Nassau County has announced new, heightened security measures for Belmont Stakes day in response to the bombing at the Boston Marathon in April.

"Law enforcement agencies have coordinated efforts to protect our residents and visitors this Belmont Stakes weekend,” Nassau County Executive Mangano said. "Rest assured that additional resources and personnel will be utilized to help ensure that the Belmont Stakes is a fun filled day for everyone without incident." 

"We ask everyone to help – ‘If You See Something, Say Something,’" he added. "If something seems out of place, or does not sit right with you, just call 911, or tell a law enforcement official.” 

Who do you think is the favorite and will you bet on the race? Tell us in the comments section below.