Saratoga Race Track an economic engine
Sports is big business and horse racing continues to be in that league.
Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and its link to Saratoga Race Track is a prime example. The 40 racing dates that Saratoga is open for thoroughbred racing produce in excess of $237 million annually to the local economy while creating nearly 2,000 jobs.
Hotels and restaurants benefit incredibly from the eight-week meet, much like a mall benefits from the Christmas shopping season.
However, Saratoga has had a few hurdles to jump over in the first month of this season.
Extreme heat forced the cancellation of the entire card on July 20, while downpours caused an abbreviated card on July 25. Those precious lost dates cost the track millions of dollars. Hotels and restaurants were also hurt.
Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, told me that fortunately the impact was minimal. “Our hotels are reporting strong and positive results for the summer so far,” he said. “When our local hotels are doing well so is our local economy.”
Another change this sumdrawing mer is the meet stretching out to eight weeks rather than the customary six-anda-half weeks. Instead of only one dark — no racing — day per week the track is closed for racing every Monday and Tuesday.
While trainers, jockeys and track employees benefit from the back-to-back off days, businesses could be hurt by those consecutive dark days.
While racing fans love to eat, drink and sleep racing, there are other choices allowing the “Saratoga Experience” to be more wellrounded than just win, place and show.
The Saratoga Performing Arts Center is the summer home of the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Also, the center is the local venue where Live Nation concerts are held.
According to Shimkus, “The (Performing Arts Center) has been crazy busy lots of visitors to Saratoga often on Sunday and Monday nights.” This gives the hospitality industry the opportunity to fill in the gaps of the consecutive “dark” days on Monday and Tuesday.
Perhaps in another lifetime I was a travel agent. My suggestion is get to Saratoga on Monday afternoon, check into your hotel and enjoy a great meal at one of the fabulous restaurants in the area.
On Tuesday, go for a hearty breakfast then head over to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and take in all of the sights and sounds that make Saratoga so unique.
Either Monday and/or Tuesday night enjoy one of the great options at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday offer great racing opportunities without the hustle and bustle of the weekend cards. I’ve grown into the old guy who gets annoyed by big, loud crowds.
A five-day trip to Saratoga offers it all. Relaxing accommodations, superb dining choices, culture and most importantly great thoroughbred racing.