Aqueduct Racetrack — Denise Tien

Aqueduct Racetrack

Queens, NY, 2018

Aqueduct Racetrack is a “racino,” a combined casino and racetrack, and it is the only one in NYC. The racetrack opened in 1894, while the casino opened in 2011. Racing meets are usually held from late October/early November through April.

Frank was raised in Vinegar Hill in Brooklyn, New York and has been a visitor of Aqueduct Racetrack since he was a kid. He says, “Ever since the casino, it’s not the same. Many years ago, there’d be 10 to 15,000 people during the week every day ... … — Frank was raised in Vinegar Hill in Brooklyn, New York and has been a visitor of Aqueduct Racetrack since he was a kid. He says, “Ever since the casino, it’s not the same. Many years ago, there’d be 10 to 15,000 people during the week every day ... This is the track you get a lot of really—the craziest people here ... The guys selling beers I don’t mind ... Entrepreneurs, well, help them out!”

Aqueduct Racetrack guests watch television screens as a race transpires.

Rudy Baffa, 91, sometimes referred to as "The Singing Cop," has been working at Aqueduct Racetrack for 46 years as a peace officer and says that he likes his job because it allows him to meet people and because it keeps him mentally and physically a… — Rudy Baffa, 91, sometimes referred to as "The Singing Cop," has been working at Aqueduct Racetrack for 46 years as a peace officer and says that he likes his job because it allows him to meet people and because it keeps him mentally and physically alert. He says, “I never abuse my authority but I do assert my authority, if the occasion warrants it.”

Dalton Brown came in second in a race at Aqueduct Racetrack on Feb. 2, 2018. He says that racing can be dangerous, but that you can’t concentrate on that. He said, “I remember last year, I fell from a horse. The horse broke its leg just before the w… — Dalton Brown came in second in a race at Aqueduct Racetrack on Feb. 2, 2018. He says that racing can be dangerous, but that you can’t concentrate on that. He said, “I remember last year, I fell from a horse. The horse broke its leg just before the wire. I was right in position to win the race … Fortunately I was okay.”

Howard Wolliaston is a jockey and started riding horses in his hometown in Jamaica. He has been riding at Aqueduct Racetrack since 1990, though during the summer he rides elsewhere, including near the Fingerlakes.