Alumni Enjoy Belmont Day at the Races

What began as a rainy day ended with sunshine and smiles as St. John’s alumni gathered for a Brunch at Belmont on July 15. Every summer, the Office of Alumni Relations hosts this signature event filled with great friends, food, and exciting races.

Alumni gathered at the exclusive Turf & Field Club, a large, grandiose room with a majestic view of the racetrack overlooking the finish line with an indoor/outdoor private area and betting window. After lunch, alumni took their seats with friends and family to begin placing their bets at the start of the races.

This event was a great opportunity to enjoy the company of fellow alumni and friends. The Belmont Park staff was very welcoming and served as excellent hosts. This annual gathering attracted a lively and enthusiastic crowd who enjoyed cheering for their favorite horses, particularly during the fifth race, which was the “St. John’s University Alumni Race.” This year, all alumni were entered into a drawing and had the opportunity to be in the photo of the St. John’s Alumni Winner’s Circle.

“I had a great time. It was fun for the entire family,” said Benjamin Chiang ’95SVC, an active alumnus who was attending this event for the first time.

Alumni were also given a complimentary tour of the paddocks, which provided a firsthand view of how the horses prepare for the races. They learned how a horse qualifies for a race, and how they have different personalities and prerace routines. They were also able to see how horses who have competed for more than 20 years differ from younger horses, and how one horse prepared for a race after not competing for over a year.

“It was another sparkling event held by St. John’s alumni,” said Anna Maria Montuori ’68Ed, ’70GEd, ‘’82PD.