Belmont Horse race: Who sang "NEW YORK NEW YORK"?

[Frumpy_Jones]

Hey everyone. Quick Question from my side: A co-worker has been going on and on about this chick that sang New York, New York at the Horse race over the weekend, but didn’t get her name. I missed it, but I want to shut him up.

Any help would be appricated. Thanks

[WSLer]

I’d like to say Liza Minneli, but I’m not sure about that.

[Ruffian]

It was sung by a Broadway star who’s regularly performed New York at the Belmont for the last few years: Linda Eder.

From Belmont Park’s official website:

Ms. Eder will serenade the celebrity ridden crowd with Sinatra’s, “New York, New York,” just prior to the Belmont Stakes post parade…

Earlier in the day, Ms. Eder, who has recorded six critically acclaimed solo albums, including her newest release, GOLD on Atlantic Records, will deliver a stirring rendition of God Bless America - flanked by members of the New York City Police and Fire Departments - as the Mohawk Valley Skydiving Team in Scotia, N.Y., performs a breathtaking flag-jump over Belmont Park. Eder, well known for her work as the leading actress in Jekyll & Hyde, has recently been touring with the most prestigious symphony orchestras and conductors in the country, including Marvin Hamlisch and Keith Lockhart."

A bit of trivia: For the first 120+ runnings of this race, the song was “The Sidewalks of New York.” I’m unsure exactly when the switch was made, but I believe in was within the last decade.