Courtesy NYRA
By R.J. DeLuke
“There’s a reason why the Hall of Fame is here,” said Tom Bellhouse, CEO of West Point Thoroughbreds, an ownership consortium, on the day before the 2018 meet began at Saratoga Race Course.
He was speaking at the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame on Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs, where the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce had organized a panel to speak about the historic race track.
“Saratoga is our mecca,” he said of the local track and its importance in the industry not only nationwide but worldwide. “This is where it really counts.”
Similar sentiments came from Tom Morley, a trainer from England that has been on the Saratoga circuit for eight years.
From opening day through Labor day, “it is game time,” he said. “There’s nothing better in America that gets our juices going. Only Saratoga does that … There’s no atmosphere like there is here.” He said the competition “is as tough as it gets.”
Another panelist, Marianne Barker, co-owner of the Impressions of Saratoga gift shop on Broadway, said. “This is our busiest season … This is our Christmas. We look forward to this every year. This is where we shine and what we really work toward all year long.”
“It’s infectious,” said Brian Straughter, president of Turf Hotels and chairman of the Chamber board of directors. “Our hotels function better when we are working hard.” The hotels during the meet surpass 90 percent occupancy at times, he noted.
Morley and Bellhouse commented on the future of the horse racing industry. Both said Saratoga is in a very strong position, but on the whole, it’s important to get young people interested in racing and do things to get them to become the fans and bettors of the future.
“I believe the future is bright,” Bellhouse said.
Opening Day at Saratoga Race Course generated all-sources handle of more than $20.2 million, the second consecutive season that wagering exceeded this milestone figure, according to the New York Racing Association that runs the race course, as well as Belmont Park and Aqueduct downstate.
On-track handle was $54 million, an increase of nearly 8 percent over 2017.
“It’s great to be back at Saratoga for another season of the best thoroughbred racing in the world supported by great fans. Opening Day is always special, and this year was made even more so with the debut of our new hospitality area called The Stretch,” said NYRA CEO and President Chris Kay after the successful opening. “The weather could not have been more perfect as we look forward to a tremendous summer meet featuring the greatest owners, trainers, jockeys and horses in the sport.”
In addition to The Stretch, capital improvements at Saratoga this season include the continuation of efforts to restore copper that historically bordered the slate-covered roof on buildings throughout the property. Copper today extends along the exterior of the Clubhouse from the Easy Goer to the Club Terrace, which is designed to help preserve and protect the building from inclement weather.
NYRA also welcomed Berkshire Bank to serve as the official partner of the Saratoga Family Zone. The Berkshire Bank Family Zone is a smoke- and alcohol-free interactive play area with an oval multi-lane running track, a miniature replica starting gate, a “selfie” photo station and educational panels designed to teach children about the life of a race horse. New features for the 2018 season include a complimentary phone charging station, courtesy of Berkshire Bank, and a giant Adirondack-style chair designed for photo opportunities.
The meet runs through Labor Day, the highlight being the Travers Stakes that will be run on Saturday, Aug. 25.