2019 SEASON UNDERWAY
People flock to Saratoga Race Course for Opening Day on Thursday
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> Opening day of the 2019 Saratoga Race Course season got off to a flying start on Thursday and this summer racing aficionados can look forward to seven weeks, instead of the usual six.
The track gates opened for the 40-day meet earlier than usual, although at 7 a.m. people were ready to start the day with breakfast trackside where many people claim their picnic table for later by putting a cooler or tablecloth on it.
Others watched thoroughbreds put through their morning paces by their trainers while enjoying buffet-style spreads within the open air Grandstand.
Sharon LaGoy of Warrensburg plans her vacation every year at this time to come to opening day. This year, her niece, Melanie Burkitt of Sac City, Iowa, joined her.
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” LaGoy said, as they staked their claim to a picnic table in a shady spot along the path that trainers rode their horses toward the track on.
The Walk of Fame Museum showcased jockeys and trainers at memorable meets in the past.
John Mooney of Saratoga is a professional handicapper and had just made the acquaintance of Marissa and Tim McCarren on Clifton Park.
“I come as much as I can to gamble and to watch the horses,” Mooney said.
Post time for the first race on Opening Day was at 1 p.m.
“We come every year on opening day. We love the game and the horses; it’s like Christmas in July. I’ve been coming to the track as a stop on our family vacation since I was a kid,” Tim McCarren said.
NYRA CEO and President David O’Rourke was interviewed by local broadcasting media in front of the new three-story 1863 Club, the newest hospitality and event facility at the Saratoga Race Course.
Located on the Clubhouse
turn, the 1863 Club is a 36,000-square foot, threestory, climate-controlled building named in honor of the year of the first organized thoroughbred race meeting in Saratoga.
The first meet took place over the course of four days in August 1863 at the original Saratoga Trotting Course. Still in existence today, the original trotting course is near the area known as Horse Haven, located on the Oklahoma Training Track, across from Saratoga Race Course.
The first-floor is home to The Rail at the 1863 Club, a banquet space which features floor-to-ceiling windows and offers table seating for up to 500 fans.
The second-floor, presented by Encore Boston Harbor, features a group event space which accommodates up to 100 guests, and is designated Legends Hall in tribute to the numerous well-known trainers and jockeys who have made history at Saratoga.
The third-floor luxury suites, which feature sweeping views of the main track and capacities ranging from 30 to 45 guests, are each named for some of the most memorable and talented thoroughbreds to have raced at the Spa, including Rachel Alexandra, Whirlaway, Forego, Native Dancer and Lady Eli.
“The summer season at Saratoga is always special, and this year will be no exception. From the best racing in the world, including the 150th running of the Runhappy Travers and the Spa debut of the Turf Triple Series, to the much-anticipated opening of the 1863 Club, to exciting events and entertainment, Saratoga continues to offer an outstanding experience for all racing fans,” said NYRA CEO & President Dave O’Rourke.
“We look forward to welcoming back the owners, trainers, and jockeys and encourage fans to join us for what is shaping up to be a truly spectacular season,” he added.
Sports fans nationwide will have an even greater opportunity to enjoy the 2019 season with an expanded broadcast schedule for NYRA’s acclaimed television show Saratoga Live in partnership with Fox Sports. Saratoga Live will feature live coverage of the full Saratoga card on most days of the season beginning at 1 p.m. on FS2.
Fans in attendance on Opening Weekend will enjoy a series of special events designed to highlight the excitement surrounding the 2019 season, including Mariano Rivera Day on Friday, July 12; a performance by “American Idol” star Madison VanDenburg on Saturday, July 13; and the Saratoga picnic cooler giveaway, presented by NYRA Bets, on Sunday, July 14, which will also feature the 28th edition of the Hat Contest, presented by Moet & Chandon and Hat Sationa! By DEI.
Gates will open at 11 a.m. each day of the meet, including weekends, with the exception of Travers Day, Saturday, August 24.