THE BEAUTIES OF BELMONT

In the proud tradition of the race courses of Europe, New York's Belmont Park combines natural beauty and good taste. Racegoing is a civilized experience here, where even the name of this weekend's big attraction—The Champagne Stakes—has a nostalgic Old World ring

The purple and white silks of John M. Schiff offer a vivid contrast to the dark ivy rimming the scale-room window.

On their way to the post, the horses move with ceremonious dignity past petunias and geraniums and out onto the superb mile-and-a-half track.

Under the lindens and maples of the walking ring, the field parades before a critical audience, the riders brilliant in blue, pink and emerald green.

A carnival of color dazzles the eye as three hurdlers approach Belmont's green-and-white-canopied clubhouse entrance.

FIVE PHOTOS

RICHARD MEEK