Brightview on New Canaan Hosts Its Own Belmont Stakes Race

Brightview on New Canaan held a makeshift Belmont Horse Race on Thursday, June 18, to bring excitement and smiles to the residents who have been in quarantine. The senior living community's Directors and Associates competed as jockeys in the race using stick horses.

Prior to the race, the residents had the opportunity to “bet” on their horses by selecting the horse on their ticket. Associates collected tickets from the residents beforehand and tallied up the votes. Residents sat under umbrellas and tents to stay cool and enjoyed traditional foods eaten at Belmont Stakes Horse race: NY mini cheesecakes, mini hot dogs, pizza sliders, and Belmont Jewels to drink.

Associates volunteered to participate as the Jockeys in the race and wore their #BrightviewStrong T-shirts while the Directors chose to race while dressed to the nines. Participants rode on their “horses” after each being introduced by the Commentator.

A trumpet was played to commence to race and a commentator called the race as the “horses” ran around the track in front of the building. A balloon arch marked the start and finish line. The winner was draped with a white carnation scarf in lieu of the traditional blanket of white carnations.