Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti to headline Belmont Stakes Day entertainment

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced that acclaimed vocalist Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti will headline the entertainment lineup for the final Belmont Stakes Racing Festival to be held at historic Saratoga Race Course.

On Belmont Stakes Day, Saturday, June 6, Valentinetti will perform a stirring rendition of “New York, New York” moments before the 158th running of the Grade 1, $2 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets.

Admission gates will open to the public at 9 a.m., with first post at 11 a.m. General admission tickets may be purchased online at BelmontStakes.com and At the Gate on Belmont Stakes Day.

A three-day general admission pass, which includes Belmont Stakes Day, in addition to Thursday, June 4, and Friday, June 5, is available exclusively at Stewart’s Shops for $99.

Fans bringing coolers must ensure all ice is contained inside sealed bags upon arrival at the admission gates. Designated cooler inspection lanes will be set up at Gate B (Union and East Avenue) and Gate C (Nelson Avenue). All fans with coolers must enter through either gate. Consistent with prior years, fans will be permitted non-alcoholic beverages and food within personal-sized coolers measuring 12”x18” on Belmont Stakes Day, in addition to Thursday, June 4, and Friday, June 5.

A blockbuster Belmont Stakes Day includes six Grade 1 events among seven graded stakes headlined by the Belmont Stakes and featuring the Grade 1, $1 million Hill ‘n’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap; the Grade 1, $1 million Resorts World Casino Manhattan; the Grade 1, $500,000 Jaipur; the Grade 1, $500,000 Woody Stephens presented by Mohegan Sun; the Grade 1 $500,000 Just a Game presented by Resolute Racing and the Grade 3, $400,000 True North.

For the fourth consecutive year, FOX will present live coverage of Belmont Stakes Day beginning at 10:30 a.m. on FS2 before moving to FOX from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. FOX broadcast coverage continues alongside FS1 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. while concluding on FS2 at 8:15 p.m.

Valentinetti first gained national recognition as Heidi Klum’s Golden Buzzer selection on Season 11 of America’s Got Talent, advancing to the finals and earning widespread acclaim for his powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence. The Bethpage, New York native has since performed to sold-out audiences across the globe.

Inspired by legendary vocalists including Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, and Frank Sinatra, Valentinetti began performing at age 15 and has gone on to headline iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden while also opening for Jay Leno.

Valentinetti’s performance will headline a full day of entertainment and world-class thoroughbred racing including:

West Point Ceremony and Musical Performances: Members of the United States Military Academy will present the colors before the National Anthem, performed by Sergeant First Class Emily McAleesejergins. McAleesejergins will also perform God Bless America during the afternoon festivities.

West Point Parachute Team Demonstration: The renowned West Point parachute team will deliver a special on-track demonstration as part of the Belmont Stakes Day festivities.

Fashionably Belmont: Fans can participate in a Belmont Stakes fashion photo opportunity at the Jockey Silks Porch from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., presented by Moët Hennessy, Lifestyles of Saratoga, and Miss Scarlet Boutique, for a chance to win prizes. All contestants will receive a complimentary photo magnet courtesy of On-the-Spot Photos.

Complimentary Samplings: Fans can enjoy complimentary offerings from several beverage partners of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival while supplies last. Samples of Mionetto, including a floral photo wall, will be available outside the Mionetto Easy Goer; Bulleit, featuring the Bulleit Woody, at the Bulleit Backyard Gazebo; Casamigos at the Casamigos Backyard Gazebo; and Subourbon Ready to Drink cocktails outside the Subourbon Life Beverage Express. Must be 21 or older with valid ID.

Free Caricatures: Fans can take home complimentary caricatures, courtesy of artist Phil Singer from noon to 6 p.m.

Racing City Chorus: The Racing City Chorus, a local chapter of the Barber Shop Harmony Society, will perform trackside during the afternoon.

The eve of the Belmont Stakes, Friday, June 5, will also feature a host of entertainment to support five graded stakes led by the Grade 1, $750,000 New York; the Grade 1, $500,000 Odgen Phipps presented by Ford; and the Grade 1, $500,000 DraftKings Acorn.

Fans will receive a commemorative Belmont Stakes felt pennant, featuring the official logo of the final Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. This collector’s item will be available with paid admission, while supplies last.

Additional entertainment will include trackside performances from Opera Saratoga which will celebrate its 65th anniversary with a summer residency at Universal Preservation Hall from June 20-28.

Samples of craft beverages produced exclusively in New York State will be available at the Taste NY Pavilion, in addition to tastings of the official Belmont Jewel, presented by Redemption, among other offerings from noon to 4 p.m.

Dunkin’ will add to the fan amenities with samples from its refresher beverage line as guests exit the Main and Clubhouse gates later in the afternoon, including games and giveaways at its Dunkin’ Kiosk.

For tickets and additional information about the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, visit BelmontStakes.com.