From Allen Gutterman, former marketing executive at NYRA:
I had the chance to attend opening day at the new Belmont Park. Although the project isn’t fully complete, what I experienced was truly impressive.
I would respectfully recommend that the New York Racing Association consider making a couple of notable changes to historic stakes races to complement the new venue.
First, it makes sense to push the Belmont Stakes back by a week, especially following Pimlico’s schedule shifts.
Second, I suggest shortening the Belmont distance to 1¼ miles. This is a more delicate proposition and certainly not an easy decision.
Obviously, not everyone will agree with these ideas. However, strong organizations like NYRA—now thriving—make bold choices that prompt others to rethink their approach. Pimlico has played a strong hand, buoyed by a governor committed to revitalizing Maryland racing, making the Preakness a formidable event again. For NYRA, a Triple Crown season means attracting 100,000 fans to a renewed Belmont Park, huge TV audiences, and a weekend where everyone celebrates New York.
Winning the Triple Crown is supposed to be incredibly tough, but it’s impossible if the Kentucky Derby winner skips the Preakness. By adding more recovery time, shortening the Belmont, ensuring healthy horses, and having motivated owners and trainers, the Triple Crown could become more attainable.
Other sports have evolved to enhance the entertainment experience—Major League Baseball is a prime example, introducing the designated hitter, pitch clocks, banning infield shifts, and allowing automated reviews of umpire calls. These changes have transformed the game for the better.
As a fan of tradition, I hold the Belmont’s 1½ mile distance in high regard, even though I don’t breed or train horses. I’m aware that only the Kentucky Derby carries more prestige than the Triple Crown. By revitalizing the Preakness and tweaking the Belmont, we might create the most eagerly anticipated and historic event of the summer.
Allen Gutterman was NYRA’s vice president of marketing during the 1990s and consulted for them in 2014. He also held marketing roles at Meadowlands, Hollywood Park, Santa Anita, and advised Arlington and Sam Houston tracks. He considers Santa Anita and Saratoga—the equivalent of Dodgers Stadium and Wrigley Field—to be the most aesthetically pleasing racetracks.
From Dr. E.C. “Pug” Hart, DVM:
John E. Salzman Sr. was an extraordinary figure in horse racing. Rising from modest origins, he earned the respect of horsemen worldwide by purchasing modestly priced horses and turning them into champions.
His most famous accomplishment was buying Xtra Heat, who became a champion and a National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame inductee. This wasn’t a one-off success; he consistently transformed so-so horses into winners. We often sent him horses we couldn’t sell due to faults like crookedness or bad X-rays, and he remarkably prepared them to win early and eventually get sold. Much of our success owes itself to John’s natural ability to maximize each horse’s potential.
We have fond memories of John and treasured our friendship. Once, when he was heading to Dubai with Xtra Heat amid the outbreak of war, he invited me to join, joking that her speed would help us escape if needed. His quick wit was legendary. I still recall a race at Pimlico where commentators hyped another horse over our “inexpensive” 2-year-old; John quipped, “It’s a damn good thing horses can’t read.” Our colt ended up winning that stake, and John’s line stuck with me ever since.
This spring, John called about a horse with soundness problems, unsure how to proceed. I suggested an old-fashioned treatment, and when I later saw John Jr. at Laurel during the Preakness, he credited the advice after their horse won. That moment was as meaningful as any victory I’ve witnessed.
Beyond training, John was a devoted family man proud of his sons Timmy and John Jr., who followed in his footsteps. On our drive from Keeneland, we learned John Jr. had won a race for his father at Charles Town. Before I could call, John Jr. reached out to share the sad news that John Sr. had passed. True to form, John Salzman’s final moments included a win. He lived life on his own terms, never trying to impress but always holding himself to his own high standards. Our condolences go out to Nancy and John Jr.
Cherishing memories and good times with John Salzman is something I will always do.
Dr. E.C. “Pug” Hart, DVM
This story was first published by Paulick Report on September 30, 2026, appearing in their News section. To add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source, click here.
Fan Take:
These reflections highlight the ongoing evolution and deep personal stories in horse racing, signaling both the sport’s rich traditions and the need for adaptation to stay relevant. Changes like adjusting stakes schedules and race distances could breathe new life into the Triple Crown chase, while remembering figures like John Salzman reminds us of the passion and dedication that fuel the sport’s heart.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
