Labor agreement reached in time for Belmont Stakes

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Elmont, NY (Sports Network) - A labor agreement guaranteeing that the Belmont Stakes will go off Saturday without complications has been reached between the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and Local 3 of the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW).

"I am pleased that by coming together, NYRA and IBEW Local 3 have been able to forge a labor contract agreement that helps allow the much-anticipated Belmont Stakes to be held this weekend," New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said. "With the potential for the nation's first Triple Crown in more than three decades, this year's Belmont Stakes holds particular excitement for horse racing fans here in New York and across the globe. I applaud the negotiating units on both sides for their hard work and commitment in reaching an agreement."

The new contract runs through Feb. 28, 2014. If a strike had occurred it would have included the starting gate crew at Belmont Park.

"We are pleased to announce that after several days of intense negotiations, The New York Racing Association, Inc and IBEW Local 3 have come to an agreement for the maintenance and assistant starters bargaining units," NYRA President and COO Ellen McClain said. "Now, together, we can focus exclusively on this Saturday's Belmont Stakes and I'll Have Another's historic attempt to become the first Triple Crown champion since Affirmed in 1978."

The $1 million Belmont Stakes will be held Saturday with a field 12 three- year-olds, including Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner I'll Have Another who can become the first Triple Crown champion since Affirmed in 1978.