The New York Racing Association Inc. (NYRA) and The Jockey Club announced today that the Belmont Stakes Charity Celebration, benefitting the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.), will be held at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City on Thursday, June 7, 2012.

Founded in 2004 by Shelley and Donald Rubin, the Rubin Museum of Art is a dynamic environment that stimulates learning, promotes understanding, and inspires personal connections through the ideas, cultures, and art of Himalayan Asia.

“We are proud to join with The Jockey Club to raise funds for equine research and for the dedicated backstretch workers who care for our horses,” said Charles E. Hayward, president and chief executive officer of NYRA. “The Belmont Stakes is a signature event in the New York metropolitan area and it is fitting to have our charity celebration in a unique venue such as the Rubin Museum of Art.” “The Belmont Stakes Charity Celebration brings well-deserved attention to the third leg of the Triple Crown and, at the same time, shines the spotlight on two important industry charities that contribute to the well-being of horses and people,” said James L. Gagliano, the president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club.

Catering for the event will be provided by Stephen Starr Events, a leading restaurateur who operates the popular Buddakan and Morimoto restaurants in New York City. The evening will feature a special electric violin performance by renowned violinist Sarah Charness.

The 144th edition of the $1,000,000 Belmont Stakes, the oldest and longest of the Triple Crown events, will be held Saturday, June 9, and will be televised by NBC Sports (5 – 7 p.m. EDT).

The Rubin Museum of Art is located at 150 West 17th Street in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. Tickets for the charity celebration are priced at $150 per person.

Additional information about the event may be obtained by contacting Nancy Kelly of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation at (212) 521-5305 or nkelly@jockeyclub.com.

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is the nation’s leading private source of equine research funding, having individually contributed more than $19 million to 40 universities since 1983 to underwrite 287 specific projects aimed at enhancing the health and safety of horses. Additional information is available at grayson-jockeyclub.org.

B.E.S.T. is devoted to fulfilling the healthcare and social service needs of approximately 3,000 backstretch workers at Aqueduct, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. Services include the provision of health insurance, on-site primary care clinics, New York State-licensed drug and alcohol counseling, transportation, translation, food, clothing needs and more.