Saratoga Springs prepares for Belmont Stakes with job fair

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -Potential job candidates lined up at the gates of the Saratoga Race Course for a chance to work the Belmont Stakes. The New York Racing Association (NYRA) is looking for a mix of applicants from security guards and cashiers to betting clerks and cleaners.

“We are looking to hire as many as 250 people out of this job fair. This process has been unfolding since January and will continue through early June,” stated Vice President for Communications at NYRA, Pat McKenna.

The Belmont Stakes runs June 6-9, bringing horse racing to the Spa City a month early. Not everyone who applied for a job did so just for money.

“I’ve tended bar for 15 years in London, England, and Saratoga. I think it’d just be a great addition to what I’ve already done and just to learn more about my town and get more culture,” explained Janesha Levons.

“Teller would be nice. Or something in beverage. I’ve been down to Belmont for the Belmont Stakes. It was exciting when Rags to Riches was running there. That place was shaking and it’s a concrete stadium,” described Jack Koelmel.

The Saratoga Springs Chamber of Commerce is also adding to the Belmont experience with a week of things to do before and after the Stakes.

“We approximate the economic impact to be around $50 million to the area. We are very excited for the racing and the Belmont, but we are also very excited to show off our surrounding towns, restaurants, small businesses…,” said Vice President of Communications for the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Richard Snyder.

Those unsure about attending in June may want to decide fast. “There are still tickets available for Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Belmont Stakes day itself is sold out,” added McKenna.