By Michael Fenrich
Last year during the pandemic there were no fans at Saratoga. This year fans can escape upstate to Saratoga to watch the equine athletes.
“Very excited to see all the fans returning to Saratoga for the Summer meet. Having fans in and around Saratoga is a huge part of the culture. After the year that we all had, not only is it important for us horseman, but for the city of Saratoga Springs as well,” said trainer Christophe Clement.
Please visit www.nyra.com to find out more about the summer meet.
It will be almost full capacity each racing day, and early in the morning there is the Breakfast at Saratoga program hosted by Anthony Stabile, backup track announcer for NYRA.
“Saratoga is a very special place in the world of thoroughbred racing. With fans returning this season we could very well have a record setting meet with attendance and handle. It should be very special!, said John Imbriale NYRA Track Announcer.
The meet began Thursday, July 15 and ends Monday, September 6, Labor Day.
There will be great stakes races from The Fourstardave on Saturday, August 14 to The Travers on Saturday, August 28.
“What makes Saratoga so special is the fans. The electricity you feel from them for their enthusiasm for the game is like no other. We are all excited to welcome back fans to this iconic venue and are looking forward to a successful meeting,” said Andrew Byrnes NYRA Stakes Coordinator.
Sports, especially horse racing, was an escape for people during the early days of the pandemic.
“It’s a dream come true to be back at Saratoga with fans,” said Retired Hall Of Fame Jockey and FOX Sports Horse Racing Analyst Gary Stevens.
This year with fans back at the Spa (Saratoga) it will be an upstate utopia.