Belmont soiree to honor Hirsch

Joe Hirsch, who retired in November as the Daily Racing Form's longtime executive columnist, will be honored at a charity event on June 4 hosted by Belmont Park in conjunction with the Belmont Stakes, the New York Racing Association and The Jockey Club announced on Friday.

Hirsch, the recipient of the 1989 Jockey Club Medal and the 1992 Eclipse Award of Merit, worked for the Racing Form for 50 years before retiring in November 2003.

Proceeds from the event, which will be held in Belmont Park's Marquee Tent adjacent to the paddock, will benefit the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, which funds equine research. Tickets are $275 each. The Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown, will be held the next day, on June 5.