Gov. Kathy Hochul was met with a chorus of boos Saturday as she made an appearance at the 157th Belmont Stakes in Saratoga Springs – with one observer on hand calling the moment “awkward.”
Video obtained by The Post shows people in the crowd jeering the New York Democrat as she presented the trophy to the winning team of the race, Sovereignty.
Harry Tutunjian, a former Troy mayor who was at the race, told The Post he wasn’t surprised by the icy reception for Hochul.
“Her popularity is not good, especially in upstate New York,” said the ex-pol, who recorded the moment on his phone.
“The boos were for her, but the minute the trophy was hoisted in the air the place started cheering,” Tutunjian, a Republican, added.
“It was not because they were unhappy with the winner, or the trainer or the jockey. They were unhappy with the governor.”
An attendee, who was in the grandstand at the finish line when Hochul presented the trophy, also noticed the lack of support for the Democrat.
“When Hochul was introduced, there was a smattering of boos. I didn’t hear a single person clap,” the horse racing fan said.
“It was awkward.”
The governor’s office declined comment.
Hochul had said in a social media post it was her honor to present the winner’s trophy this year.
“The Belmont Stakes is a New York tradition, and we’re keeping that tradition going in Saratoga while the new Belmont Park is under construction,” she wrote on Saturday.
The state and New York Racing Association are currently redeveloping Belmont Park to the tune of a $455 million capital construction project.
Hochul announced last week the park in Elmont on Long Island has been selected to host the 2027 Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
