Media Advisory NYRA accepting 2021 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival media credential applications

by Pat McKenna

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) formally invites members of the media to apply for credentials to cover the 2021 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and the 153rd running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes on June 5.

All credential requests should be submitted no later than Monday, May 17. Applications received after that date will not be accepted. To access the 2021 media credential application, visit http://credentials.nyra.com.

Due to space constraints and the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, media credentials will be limited in number with preference given to major news organizations and members of the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters Association.

Media will be required to provide proof of complete vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken in New York State within 72 hours prior to collecting your Belmont Stakes Racing Festival credential. Facial coverings and social distancing are mandatory at all times at Belmont Park.

According to current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance, individuals are considered fully vaccinated 14 days or more after receiving the second dose in a two dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or 14 days or more after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson / Janssen). NYRA will adhere to the current CDC guidance regarding COVID-19 vaccination standards.

A headshot is required for each applicant, as well as a letter of assignment from the assigning editor or editor-in-chief. Proof of insurance, where applicable, will also be required.

Applying for press credentials does not guarantee, imply, or conclude that any individual or organization will receive press credentials from NYRA. Additionally, applicants who apply for, and are granted press credentials agree to adhere to all policies set forth by NYRA.

Media members who possess a yearly NYRA credential are required to apply for a Belmont Stakes Racing Festival credential.

Approved credentials will be distributed from the Belmont Park press office beginning Sunday, May 30.

The application window for the 2021 Saratoga meet will be announced following the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. Saratoga applications will not be accepted prior to that date.