{"id":13864,"date":"2024-11-06T06:41:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-06T11:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/?p=13864"},"modified":"2024-11-06T06:41:02","modified_gmt":"2024-11-06T11:41:02","slug":"aqueduct-racetrack-history-events-and-appearances-in-film","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/eternal-aqueduct-racetrack-history-events-and-appearances-in-film","title":{"rendered":"Aqueduct Racetrack: History, Events, and Appearances in Film"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a metropolis like New York, you\u2019ll find its very own racetrack. Located in Queens, Aqueduct hosts thoroughbred horse races from late October through early April, conveniently situated next to Resorts World New York City Casino. Read more about this popular gathering spot for equestrian enthusiasts on <a href=\"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/uk\/\">i-queens<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a37e8b849747\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a37e8b849747\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/eternal-aqueduct-racetrack-history-events-and-appearances-in-film\/#The_Most_Advanced_Complex_of_the_20th_Century\" >The Most Advanced Complex of the 20th Century<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/eternal-aqueduct-racetrack-history-events-and-appearances-in-film\/#Closure_Attempts\" >Closure Attempts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/eternal-aqueduct-racetrack-history-events-and-appearances-in-film\/#Popular_Events\" >Popular Events<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/eternal-aqueduct-racetrack-history-events-and-appearances-in-film\/#The_Legendary_Casino\" >The Legendary Casino<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/eternal-aqueduct-racetrack-history-events-and-appearances-in-film\/#Pop_Culture\" >Pop Culture<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Most_Advanced_Complex_of_the_20th_Century\"><\/span>The Most Advanced Complex of the 20th Century<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aqueduct\u2019s history dates back to September 27, 1894. It was opened on the grounds of the old Brooklyn Waterworks, which once supplied water to New York City from the vast Hempstead Plains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over the years, Aqueduct has been the stage for many iconic <a href=\"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/eternal-the-cradle-of-horse-riding-how-american-horse-racing-began-in-queens\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/eternal-the-cradle-of-horse-riding-how-american-horse-racing-began-in-queens\">races<\/a>. Between 1955 and 1959, the venue saw the addition of a new grandstand, race track, stables, and auxiliary buildings. By 1959, it could accommodate over 40,000 spectators and was recognized as the most modern racing facility in North America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1975, an indoor winter dirt track was opened, allowing Aqueduct to operate in cold winters. In October 1981, one of New York&#8217;s largest restaurants, Equestris, opened at the site. From 1985 to 1989, mini-theaters were added to the racetrack, and the backyard, paddock, and grandstand areas were expanded and waterproofed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The racetrack has its own New York City subway station on the IND Rockaway Line (A train), with four tracks. Built in 1959 specifically to serve the racetrack, the station was renovated from 2011 to 2013 to improve access to Resorts World New York City Casino and to install an elevator for disabled access. It now operates 24\/7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-queens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2024\/04\/17124153\/lkejegur9h3sgbhu5lvybvi4rif2aykhhh0hcgdkaodgukojhcubua3-pmw6fpbnavbdbdkjdhowpzcotuw9vdggow3c1ztksvznaakhuj5hckse99_uvzoslcenjtv0ccod2auymiqzexyvfe4nq7q.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The grandstands at Aqueduct offer an open area for 20,000 seats, with an additional 10,000 seats located in a clubhouse with the Equestris restaurant. The venue\u2019s parking accommodates up to 5,000 cars, and the stable area houses 547 horses. The racetrack also has an on-site hospital with 11 beds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aqueduct is part of the New York Racing Association (NYRA), a non-profit corporation managing New York State\u2019s three major thoroughbred horse racetracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Closure_Attempts\"><\/span>Closure Attempts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In May 2007, then-Governor Eliot Spitzer considered closing Aqueduct and selling the racetrack and its 400-stall stables. Assembly member Audrey Pfeffer opposed the closure, citing the track&#8217;s importance to the local community. Ultimately, the state of New York and the NYRA reached an agreement. The NYRA sold 30,200 square meters of undeveloped land near Aqueduct, which consisted of residential lots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In January 2012, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced plans to build a new convention center at Aqueduct, replacing the aging Javits Center. This was intended to be the nation\u2019s largest convention center, complete with hotels, restaurants, and extensive gambling facilities. Additional land would have been needed for parking, either from a nearby airport or racetrack. However, in June of the same year, Governor Cuomo announced that the convention center plans had been canceled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-queens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2024\/04\/17124151\/cqfrgdneyz9hjrmo1h-_wq3iy-ock-wv6nlha-9onhpedxikll6zw8fhjqeyzuakwhfc61yj9wgtm5h-5xmtxvtmuzsao_jsxi_zgxctmpuhpq-pjewkyx-gw4cvgjofvyb2injtyuaa9cudkgxjc8k.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In early 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the state would allocate $455 million to renovate Aqueduct. By 2026, all races are expected to be moved to Belmont Park, a renowned racetrack located just east of New York City. Belmont Park, one of the most famous racetracks in the United States, typically holds races from late April to mid-July and again from mid-September to the end of October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Popular_Events\"><\/span>Popular Events<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aqueduct hosts the Wood Memorial Stakes, a race for three-year-old thoroughbreds held annually in April. This race precedes the Kentucky Derby in Kentucky. Wood Memorial Stakes is named after New York State politician and horse racing enthusiast Eugene Wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-queens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2024\/04\/17124150\/yz1fvk8z8cd3hu-cwl_cimgxprfsld7padikdc4pv2he5zeqfylnmialajjkjsqveyjud8b7y93wrl1ca1lp44wasg2w50r2tgnkwj9ioo2u6jyzzz6bnjvutxejdsafoh8ievo5z9w_t0z_slirnfw.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aqueduct\u2019s track was the first on the East Coast to host the Breeders&#8217; Cup Championship, an annual series of Grade I thoroughbred horse races. From 1963 to 1967, it also hosted the Belmont Stakes, a Grade I race for three-year-old thoroughbreds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Legendary_Casino\"><\/span>The Legendary Casino<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2001, the New York State Legislature legalized video gaming machines at racetracks. Video lottery terminals, similar to slot machines, were approved in five locations, including Aqueduct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2011, the first and second levels of Aqueduct&#8217;s grandstand were converted into the multi-level Resorts World New York City Casino. The casino features over 6,500 games, including electronic blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and video poker. Guests can also enjoy a variety of fine dining options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.i-queens.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/50\/2024\/04\/17124149\/usnb_iymt0qifsn34zljq62lan2jdshc8bvvliqmaskaxtcwzuisouqzizh2kkr5i0vkoipeaw_oupll1fjhkvgkmwpmczix3c3zmvzywgk50ryp6q5rwuaybfajjebsbsjrpw2564si-vkvbfuoy9s.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This venue provides an unforgettable gaming experience and has revitalized the surrounding community by creating over 1,700 jobs. The casino\u2019s slot machines and electronic table games attract over 10 million visitors annually, with a portion of the casino&#8217;s revenue supporting New York State&#8217;s education system. In 2012, the casino generated a record income of nearly $700 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pop_Culture\"><\/span>Pop Culture<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aqueduct Racetrack has made appearances in several films, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lucky Number Slevin (2006): A crime drama starring Josh Hartnett, Bruce Willis, and Morgan Freeman. The film follows Slevin Kelevra, who loses his job, home, and girlfriend. Moving to his friend Nick\u2019s apartment in New York, he gets involved with Lindsey and soon finds himself tangled in the plans of a crime boss called &#8220;The Boss,&#8221; who wants revenge on a rival for his son\u2019s death. Slevin\u2019s friend Nick goes missing, leading Slevin into a series of unexpected troubles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A Bronx Tale (1993): Directed by Robert De Niro, this crime drama tells the story of nine-year-old Calogero, who witnesses mobster Sonny kill a man for no reason. Sonny takes Calogero under his wing, much to the dismay of Calogero\u2019s honest, hardworking father. As Calogero grows up, the initial murder becomes a faint memory amid the horrors orchestrated by the mob boss.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#8220;Pie-O-My&#8221; episode in The Sopranos (1999\u20132007): A crime and psychological drama series about a fictional Italian-American mob family in northern New Jersey. The central character, mob boss Tony Soprano, juggles two families \u2013 his traditional family with a wife, two children, and an elderly mother, and his crime family. The series became a cultural phenomenon, renowned for its raw portrayal of mafia life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#8220;Felix the Horse Player&#8221; episode in The Odd Couple (1970\u20131975): This sitcom features two divorced men, Oscar and Felix, who share an apartment in Manhattan. Their polar-opposite personalities inevitably lead to conflicts and humorous situations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a metropolis like New York, you\u2019ll find its very own racetrack. Located in Queens, Aqueduct hosts thoroughbred horse races from late October through early April, conveniently situated next to Resorts World New York City Casino. Read more about this popular gathering spot for equestrian enthusiasts on i-queens.\u00a0 The Most Advanced Complex of the 20th [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":480,"featured_media":13403,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4820],"tags":[6250,6247,6258,6253,6260,6251,6249,6257,6248,6259,6255,6256,6252,6219,6254],"moimportance":[35],"motype":[4825],"moformat":[83],"class_list":["post-13864","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sporty","tag-aqueduct-racetrack-history","tag-aqueduct-racetrack-movies","tag-belmont-stakes-races","tag-breeders-cup-championship","tag-casino-at-aqueduct","tag-famous-american-racetracks","tag-horse-racing-east-coast","tag-horse-racing-in-film","tag-iconic-racetracks-usa","tag-new-york-racetrack-renovations","tag-new-york-racing-association-events","tag-resorts-world-new-york-casino","tag-resorts-world-ny-entertainment","tag-thoroughbred-racing-events","tag-wood-memorial-stakes-history","moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory","motype-eternal","moformat-longread-short"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13864","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/480"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13864"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13864\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13865,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13864\/revisions\/13865"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13403"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13864"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13864"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=13864"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=13864"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/i-queens.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=13864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}