NYRA President & CEO Christopher Kay described himself as surprised to win the Sports Event of the Year award. After all, he was up against the 50th anniversary of the Super Bowl and the inspirational Women's World Cup, to name just two of the other nominees in the category. But 100,749 people showed up to watch the historic Triple Crown win of American Pharaoh last June. That was not easy, given the aging rail line that linked the venue to public transit. But Kay and NYRA worked with the Long Island Railroad to ensure that the crowds could get to the event for the special day. “If you were not there that day, you would not believe the roar of sounds that engulfed us after a 37-year wait,” Kay told the awards audience in accepting the honor. So, what is next? Plans are afoot for more entertainment at this year’s Belmont. Last year, the race featured the Goo Goo Dolls and the Broadway musical “Jersey Boys.” This year it will be Grammy-nominated recording artist Daughtry and a special performance from Broadway musical “Beautiful.” And if that is not enough, Kay said daredevils will jump out of helicopters with GoPros affixed to their helmets. Of course, there also will be a horse race.
