Saratoga Springs, Get Ready to Embrace the Belmont!
Tuesday, June 3 | 5:30–7:30 PM | Universal Preservation Hall

Join us for Embrace The Belmont II — an engaging and empowering evening designed to bring our year-round community together to explore the 2025 Belmont Stakes field and gain some basic handicapping confidence. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a casual spectator, this event is your chance to deepen your connection to the sport in a fun, festive, and welcoming atmosphere!

🎟️ General Admission: $57
In tribute to the 157th running of the Belmont Stakes, your ticket includes admission, light bites, cash bar and access to a dynamic discussion led by racing’s most trusted voices.

A big shoutout and heartfelt thank you to this year’s venue host, Universal Preservation Hall. Collaborating with fellow nonprofits in our community strengthens us all, and we’re truly grateful to UPH for generously providing the space. We’re thrilled to share this historic and beautiful venue with our attendees—it truly embodies the spirit of Saratoga and sets the perfect tone for us to Embrace The Belmont.

✨ Meet the Minds Behind the Magic:
This event was created by Laura Simiele (Untamed Filly, Stars Aligned Stable) and Rachel Dunn (Sackatoga Stable, StableConnect), alongside Donna Barton Brothers — NBC Sports racing analyst and former jockey — who returns as our emcee following her coverage of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. These three women are not only champions of Thoroughbred racing, they are also proud supporters of Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, the local nonprofit beneficiary of this event.

This year's featured handicappers are:

• Seth Merrow, Capital OTB
• Sara Elbadwi, NYRA on-air handicapper
• Matthew Desantis, handicapper and content producer for NYRA Bets

💬 What to Expect:

• Expert analysis of this year’s Belmont Stakes field

• Straightforward handicapping tips and insights

• A room full of fellow fans, professionals, and newcomers 

• An opportunity to support mental health services through equine therapy

Last year’s event sold out — and this year, we’ve moved to a larger venue to welcome even more of you. Grab your ticket and get ready to Embrace The Belmont!