The Saratoga Race Track is one of the oldest and most beloved horse racing tracks in the United States, having been open since 1863. But with the ongoing pandemic, is the Saratoga Race Track open for the 2020 season?
Overview of the Saratoga Race Track
The Saratoga Race Track is located in Saratoga Springs, New York and is part of the New York Racing Association (NYRA). It is often referred to as the “Graveyard of Champions” due to its long history of thoroughbred racing and its many illustrious winners over the years.
The track is home to many of the world’s most prestigious races, including the Travers Stakes, the Whitney Stakes, and the Woodward Stakes. The Saratoga Race Course is also host to the Saratoga meet, which typically begins in mid-July and runs through Labor Day.
Will the Saratoga Race Track Be Open in 2020?
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Saratoga Race Track is not open for the 2020 season. The NYRA decided to cancel the 2020 meet due to health and safety concerns for the horses, jockeys, and other personnel involved in the races.
The NYRA announced the cancellation in April of 2020, citing the “uncertainty and potential disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic” as the primary reason for their decision.
Alternatives to Visiting the Saratoga Race Track
Although the Saratoga Race Track is not open for the 2020 season, there are still ways for horse racing fans to get their fix. The NYRA has launched an online streaming platform, NYRA Now, that allows viewers to watch and bet on live races from tracks across the country.
The platform also offers a library of archived races from Saratoga and other NYRA tracks, allowing viewers to relive the excitement of past races.
Impact of the Saratoga Race Track Closure on the Local Economy
The Saratoga Race Track is a major contributor to the local economy of Saratoga Springs, and its closure has had a significant impact on the area. The closure has meant a loss of jobs for many people, including jockeys, trainers, and other personnel involved in the races.
The track also generates a large amount of revenue for the city through taxes and tourism. With the cancellation of the 2020 meet, the city is expected to lose out on millions of dollars in revenue.
The Future of the Saratoga Race Track
Although the Saratoga Race Track is not open for the 2020 season, the future of the track is still uncertain. The NYRA is hopeful that the track will be able to reopen for the 2021 season, but this will depend on the progress of the pandemic.
The NYRA is also planning to implement additional safety measures for the 2021 season, such as limiting attendance and requiring face masks for all personnel and visitors.
Saratoga Race Track Events
The Saratoga Race Track is home to many prestigious races and events each year, and the cancellation of the 2020 season has meant a loss of these events as well.
The track typically hosts the Travers Stakes, the Whitney Stakes, and the Woodward Stakes. It is also home to the Saratoga meet, which typically runs from mid-July to Labor Day and features a variety of races and events, including the popular Saratoga Beer Summit and Saratoga Wine & Food Festival.
Future of Horse Racing in Saratoga
The closure of the Saratoga Race Track for the 2020 season has raised questions about the future of horse racing in Saratoga.
The NYRA is committed to maintaining the track and ensuring the safety of all personnel and visitors, but the future of horse racing in Saratoga will depend on the progress of the pandemic.
Supporting the Saratoga Race Track
Despite the closure of the track for the 2020 season, there are still ways to support the Saratoga Race Track.
- Donate: The NYRA has set up a fund to help support the track and its personnel. Donations can be made online through the NYRA website.
- Attend Races in 2021: The NYRA is planning to reopen the track for the 2021 season, so attending races next year is a great way to show your support for the track.
- Spread the Word: Spreading the word about the Saratoga Race Track is a great way to support the track and help keep it alive. Share your love of the track on social media, write reviews, and tell your friends and family about the track.
Conclusion
The Saratoga Race Track is a beloved and historic institution that has been a part of Saratoga Springs for over 150 years. The track is not open for the 2020 season, but there are still ways to support the track and help ensure its future.
The NYRA is hopeful that the track will be able to reopen for the 2021 season, but this will depend on the progress of the pandemic. In the meantime, fans can still enjoy horse racing through the NYRA Now streaming platform and support the track by donating, attending races in 2021, and spreading the word.