The Saratoga Race Track is one of America’s oldest and most beloved racetracks, and its opening day is a source of great excitement and anticipation. This year, however, the question of whether or not the track will open is still in the air due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Saratoga Race Track, its current status, and what the future may hold for this iconic racetrack.
History of Saratoga Race Track
The Saratoga Race Track has a long and storied history that goes back to 1863, when it first opened its doors. The track, which is located in Saratoga Springs, New York, is one of the oldest continuously operating thoroughbred racetracks in the United States. It has long been a popular destination for horse racing enthusiasts, and is known for its dramatic and exciting races.
Saratoga Race Track and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Just like many other businesses and venues, the Saratoga Race Track has been greatly impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The track opened for its traditional July meet in 2020, but was forced to close just weeks after its opening due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the state. As a result, the track was closed for the remainder of the 2020 season.
Fate of the 2021 Season
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the fate of the 2021 season is still uncertain. The New York Racing Association, which operates the track, has said that it is currently planning for a full season of live racing at Saratoga. However, the plan is contingent on the state’s COVID-19 protocols, which could change at any moment.
Impact of the Closure
The closure of the track has had a significant impact on the local economy. Saratoga Springs is a major tourist destination and the track is a major employer in the area. The track’s closure has resulted in millions of dollars in lost revenue, and has had a ripple effect on local businesses, hotels, restaurants and other industries that depend on the track for their livelihood.
Safety Protocols for 2021
The New York Racing Association is planning to implement a number of safety protocols for the 2021 season in order to protect patrons and staff. These protocols include reduced capacity, mandatory face coverings, temperature checks, and social distancing. The track is also planning to limit the number of people who will be allowed to attend in-person races.
Virtual Racing Events
In the absence of live racing, the Saratoga Race Track has been hosting virtual racing events. These events, which are broadcast online, feature many of the same horses, jockeys and horses that would normally be seen at the track. This virtual racing has been popular with fans, and has proven to be a great way to keep the track alive during the pandemic.
Online Wagering
In addition to virtual racing, the Saratoga Race Track has also been offering online wagering. This has allowed fans to place bets on races without having to leave their homes. The track is also offering a number of promotions and bonuses in order to attract new bettors and keep existing ones engaged.
Future of Saratoga Race Track
It is still unclear if the track will open for the 2021 season, but the New York Racing Association is hopeful that it will. The track is currently planning for a full season of live racing as long as the state’s COVID-19 protocols allow it. If the track is able to open, it will be a welcome relief for the local economy and the thousands of people who depend on the track for their livelihood.
Conclusion
The Saratoga Race Track is one of America’s oldest and most beloved racetracks, and its opening day is a source of great excitement and anticipation. This year, however, the question of whether or not the track will open is still in the air due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The track is currently planning for a full season of live racing as long as the state’s COVID-19 protocols allow it. In the meantime, the track has been offering virtual racing events and online wagering in order to keep the spirit of the track alive.