BELMONT N.Y. – Seventeen year old Emily Forge from St. George , Kansas made a wish and NYRA is helping it come true by inviting her to be our guest for the 144th running of the $1 million Belmont Stakes on June 9. As she battles a life-threatening form of Systemic Lupus, Emily asked if she could visit Belmont Park and we’re giving her a front row seat to watch I’ll Have Another attempt to become the 12th Triple Crown winner!
As a ‘Wish Kid’, Emily will not only watch this historic race live, she and her family will also take part in a trophy presentation in the Winner’s Circle later in the day. With a private tour of the Barns, the Paddock and the Grandstand, Emily’s day will be filled with exciting and exclusive access at Belmont .
Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
“NYRA loves working with organizations like Make-A-Wish and we’re committed to making sure every child’s wish come true,” says NYRA’s Director of Community Relations, Joanne K. Adams. “Everyone at NYRA is honored to help be a part of making Emily’s wish come true and we know she’ll have an unforgettable experience at Belmont .”
Make-A-Wish is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, serving children in every community in the United States , its territories and in 47 countries on five continents.
Emily and her family are excited to meet some of the best jockeys in the country including Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stake’s winner, Mario Gutierrez who will be riding I’ll Have Another in hopes of securing the first Triple Crown title since 1978. She will also get her very own Jockey Autograph Book and a chance to fill it with all of her favorite jockey’s signatures.
As a fan of horses, Emily started riding at the age 6 and lived for her weekly horse riding lessons. She rides English rather than Western and has owned several horses over the years. Her high school Senior Project involved starting and breaking a 3 year old colt. She works for a local boarding stable, and spends as much time there as she can. She wanted to come to the Belmont Stakes because she’s interested in Thoroughbreds, and someday would like to work for a breeding operation.
“This Belmont Stakes wish reflects a new and exciting relationship between The New York Racing Association and Make-A-Wish,” said David A. Williams, president and chief executive officer of Make-A-Wish America. “With their generous support, Emily and her family will be provided with a life-changing experience and memories that they can reflect on long into the future.”