The racing season is nearly upon Saratoga Springs.
Post time for the first race of the 2009 season is 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29. Gates will open at 11 a.m. that day and all other weekdays.
Those who simply cannot wait to get a taste of the track can come to the 29th annual open house on Sunday, July 26, however. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors will be treated to free tours of the grounds, music, games, food and handicapping seminars. The National Steeplechase Association will also present five racesfour jump races and a turf raceon Sunday. There will be no pari-mutuel wagering on these races.
Four Sunday giveaway days will be held at the track this year, Aug. 2, Aug. 16, Aug. 23 and Sept. 6. Other promotional days`including College Day, Sept. 6, when $1,000 college scholarships will be awarded at the start of every race`will run all season. For full details, visit www.nyra.com/saratogaevents.shtml.
The 141st racing season at Saratoga Race Course is set to run 36 days, highlighted by the 140th running of the $1 million Shadwell Travers on Aug. 29. Gates open at 7 a.m. on this day.
Altogether, $25 million in purses will be paid out this season, a national high. Last year’s track season was impacted by poor weather and a slumping economy, and this year NYRA’s handle is down 10 percent on other racecourses. The hope is to limit decline at Saratoga to 5 to 7 percent.
“