As part of the state’s budget cuts, the Long Island Railroad will cease making trips to Belmont Park, except for the day of the Belmont Stakes.

As Albany Democrats try to increase pressure on Republican senators to help bail out the New York transit system, the first casualty of cutbacks appears to be the Belmont Park race track.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokesman Jeremy Soffin said Tuesday the Long Island Rail Road will discontinue regular service to the thoroughbred track in Elmont at the end of April, when racing resumes. However, the train will run on June 6 for the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown.

Belmont is trying to renovate and draw more bettors, a goal shared by officials who are counting on more racing revenue for the state budget and may soon allow video slot machines at the Nassau County track.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver says closed-door discussions on the MTA continue.

Source: AP