Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages (D – Lawrence) was on hand at Belmont Racetrack on Saturday, July 9 as the New York Racing Association and the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame celebrated renowned cartoonist Pierre “Peb” Bellocq as part of the Stars and Stripes Racing Festival. During the ceremony,  Solages presented a state Assembly Citation to Bellocq on behalf of Solages.
Bellocq has been commissioned by numerous racetracks to produce murals during his career – including one on the second floor of the Belmont Park Clubhouse.

His work at Belmont in particular is notable for the manner in which it accurately demonstrates the first jockeys to race professionally were African American.

“Whether in the pages of magazines or on the walls of legendary venues like Belmont Park, Pierre Bellocq’s world-famous creations capture illuminate the history of the sport of horse racing,” Solages said. “It was a pleasure to join in the celebration of a remarkable artist whose work has inspired and thrilled multiple generations.”
Photo provided by  Office of Legislator Carrié Solages