Home / Sports / Horse Player Builds Belmont Park He Once Bet On
Horse Player Builds Belmont Park He Once Bet On
22 Sep
Summary
- A lifelong horse racing fan helped rebuild Belmont Park.
- He won $430,000 in horseplayer contests.
- He worked weekdays at Belmont Park for two years.
Roger Cettina, a seasoned construction executive and lifelong horse racing enthusiast, played a pivotal role in the reconstruction of Belmont Park. Cettina's journey with the iconic racetrack began as a teenager placing small bets. His passion for the sport evolved, leading him to compete in national horseplayer contests, where he achieved remarkable success.
Over the years, Cettina secured substantial winnings from these competitions, notably finishing as a runner-up twice and netting approximately $430,000. This financial success, coupled with his extensive construction experience on major projects, set the stage for an extraordinary opportunity. In 2024, Cettina joined the AECOM Tishman team tasked with rebuilding Belmont Park from the ground up, blending his career with his lifelong passion for horse racing.
To facilitate his work on the Nassau County venue, Cettina maintained a demanding schedule for two years. He commuted from his home on the Jersey Shore, spending weekdays at the racetrack and returning home on weekends. This dedication allowed him to contribute significantly to the transformation of a place he had loved since his youth.
