Gov. Hochul Faces Booing at Belmont Stakes

Governor Kathy Hochul had an unwelcoming experience at the 157th Belmont Stakes in Saratoga Springs on Saturday, as evidenced by a video that captured the crowd’s reaction. It seems that some attendees expressed their disdain for the New York Democrats while they celebrated the winning team, Sovereignty.

Harry Tunzian, a former mayor of Troy who attended the event, noted that Hochul’s frosty reception didn’t come as a surprise to him. He mentioned that she’s not particularly favored, especially in upstate New York.

“The crowd was booing her, but as soon as the trophy was in the air, suddenly everyone cheered,” Tunzian remarked. It was clear to him that the boos were directed at Hochul rather than the winners of the race.

Others in the grandstand echoed Tunzian’s observations. A horse racing fan noted, “When Hochul was announced, there were scattered boos. I didn’t hear any applause at all. It was annoying.”

The governor’s office chose not to comment on the incident. However, Hochul did share her thoughts on social media, expressing her honor in presenting the trophies to this year’s victors. “The Belmont Stakes are a New York tradition, and we’re keeping that alive in Saratoga while Belmont Park is being renovated,” she stated.

Currently, Belmont Park is undergoing a significant redevelopment, part of a $455 million capital construction project. Just last week, Hochul announced that Elmont Park, located on Long Island, will host the Breeders’ Cup World Championship in 2027.