At a crowded public hearing last week, many Saratoga residents, groups and racing enthusiasts gathered to voice their opinions on the planned developments at Saratoga Race Course, which are expected to total as much as $110 million over the course of a decade.
After brushing up on reports from various local news sources, including WNYT, News 10, Times Union and The Saratogian, it’s easy to see a pattern; as one speaker so eloquently put it, “The devil is in the details.”
While the speakers all had different concerns over these unprecedented developments, one prevailing theme rang clear: “Make necessary upgrades, but don’t spoil what we love most about the track.”
Being the oldest thoroughbred race track in North America, Saratoga Race Course is one of the most historical venues in the city. That historical charm is seen as something that needs to be preserved, protected, cherished.
Track patrons love the nostalgia of “stepping back in time” as they enter the track gates for an experience that has remained virtually unchanged for well over a century. Many are concerned these developments could alter that experience.
News 10 writes of the changes:
“NYRA has proposed updates to the grandstand and carousel. Also, new buildings and additions could go up throughout the grounds, including the “At the Rail Building” which would serve the most distinguished guests and would be a new site near the finish line.”
The Times Union fills in more details:
“Of the proposals, the At The Rail building is the most significant, adding a proposed 500 seats on the ground level, 12 suites with a capacity for 20 people on the second floor, and three to six suites with a capacity for 20 to 50 people on the top floor. Patios would provide views to the track, paddock and horse path, which would separate the new building from the Spa’s existing clubhouse.”
Of the 19+ proposed changes, the most offensive seem to be:
- New two-story jockey headquarters (fear: it will limit or eliminate fan interaction with jockeys because it’s on the opposite side of the paddock)
- Relocation of the press box (fear: it will decrease race track visibility for media)
- Lavish At The Rail Building and other new buildings (fear: too much too fast — atmosphere and “feel” of the track will be compromised, and Saratoga will become more like Belmont and Acqueduct, losing its historic charm)
NYRA has also been criticized for neglecting to put enough focus on the horses, concerning their welfare and retirement, as most of the upgrades focus primarily on fan comforts.
Did you miss the public hearing but still want to weigh in with your opinion? The state will be taking written comments until June 15 – email Carolyn.dunderdale@ogs.ny.gov. WNYT notes: “Public comment will be included in an environmental review of the project, which needs final approval from the New York State Franchise Overview Board.”
You can also comment below to voice your thoughts or concerns publicly. What say you? Are you worried about the changes, or do you welcome change at the track?
The proposed changes re fine so long as the architecture is consistent with the existing. However, if NYRA can spend $110+M, I’d like to see them spend even 2% of that amount to improve the backstretch worker dorms, medical and rec center. The track relies on these workers, but NYRA prefers they are not seen and unheard.
Hi Mark, thanks for commenting! I read somewhere that there were upgrades planned to the backstretch as well, but I don’t remember seeing specifics anywhere as far as the extent or what that includes. I guess it’s not getting as much attention because no one is opposed to those changes. I agree with you that even a fraction of that amount of money would go a long way to improve conditions for the valuable backstretch workers, and they certainly deserve it!
A significant part of the plan calls for upgrades to dormitories and barns, as well as construction of six new dormitories for backstretch workers and four new barns.
One historical note: Saratoga is not the oldest continually running track in the country. There was no racing at Saratoga in 1911 and 1912 or during World War II.
Thank you, Teresa – there is conflicting info everywhere as far as what can actually be claimed about the historical aspect. We’ll do some fact checking and update accordingly!
NYRA is clearly on the path of catering to the very wealthy. Tradition be damned.
Most of the Press are lap dogs. I would not worry about them.
The proposed changes do not worry me that much. I went to The Masters at Augusta National this past spring and all I could think was “wow, the team from NYRA really needs to come down here to see how its done”. Saratoga is great, but let’s be honest, it could be kept up just a little better. For example, its not uncommon to see the red and white umbrella on the clubhouse have stains. In the backyard, they would do well to replace the “TV umbrellas” with new ones. These changes will be a nice facelift, so long as it maintains the same style of architecture that the clubhouse has. Lastly, what is so charming about the At the Rail Pavilion or those ugly trailers. I think the new building replacing that will only add to the charm of the track, and give us a legit air conditioning option.