Nearly 200 To Be Laid Off From Belmont Racetrack

The New York Racing Association is ending its decades-long contract with Centerplate for food services at its venues, and that means nearly 200 people at Belmont Racetrack could soon be without a job.

The end of the contract will leave 650 people without jobs, mainly at the Saratoga Race Course. But 189 people at Belmont will also be affected, as well as 20 people at the Aqueduct Racetrack, according to filings made with the state Labor Department.

"Following months of discussion, The New York Racing Association, Inc. and Centerplate have mutually decided to end its agreement, under which Centerplate served as the food and beverage vendor for Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course and the merchandise vendor for all three NYRA tracks," said Patrick McKenna, the communications director for NYRA. "The contract will conclude at the end of the Aqueduct Spring meet. NYRA is in the process of selecting a new vendor to serve Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park and Aqueduct Racetrack."

The termination of the contract between NYRA and Centerplate after 25 years was made after the two parties could not agree on a new contract, Centerplate spokesman Paul Pettas told Patch.

"After a series of negotiations concerning a future contract, the two were unable to agree on terms moving forward and have mutually agreed to search out an alternate arrangement for the 2019 racing season and beyond," Pettas said in a statement.

Pettas added that whatever company picks up the contract would likely rehire the employees.

The layoffs are currently scheduled to go into effect on April 21, 2019, after the racing season ends.

Photo courtesy Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office