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Saratoga Race Course prepares for another season; Open House planned for today
By MADELINE FARBMAN, mfarbman@poststar.com
Sunday, July 23, 2006
SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Rows and rows of benches and seats sat unoccupied Thursday at the Saratoga Race Course, and the simulcast television showed a still-empty track. Most of the mutuel windows were empty, too, except where a batch of new clerks were being trained how to work the computers, talk to the minidealers, and always, always count the money.
But grounds crews and other workers were hard at work, preparing the track for the hordes who will shortly pour through the gates, when the 138th season kicks off Wednesday.
The six-week Saratoga season will run Wednesdays through Mondays until Labor Day, and this year offers new features and events.
There's a new slate of giveaways including a sports bag and a Todd Pletcher bobblehead, and visitors who don't want the goodies can make use of a special express lane at the gates to bypass the crowds.
Bettors can also put their money on a new wager, the "Grand Slam," according to New York Racing Association Vice President Bill Nader. In a four-race sequence, bettors must select a horse that places first, second or third for the first three races. In the fourth race, they have to pick the winner, Nader said.
And Sept. 1 will have a 3 p.m. post time, instead of the usual 1 p.m. start, for "Twilight Racing," to kick off Final Stretch Weekend.
Although NYRA's franchise is set to expire Dec. 31, 2007, Nader said it would not affect operations at the track this season.
Nor did Nader expect the simulcast being offered for the first year at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway to pull viewers away from the racecourse.
"I think that's really not for people that we would call racegoers, that are looking for the Saratoga experience," Nader said.
NYRA will allow its simulcast signal to be broadcast elsewhere in Saratoga County for the first time as part of a deal for stall space at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway.
Nader said this season holds additional promise because of the new stakes being brought in.
"It's taken the strongest stakes schedule in North America and made it stronger," he said.
Open house today
But from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, the public can get a sneak peek at the course at the free annual open house.
There will be games, handicapping seminars, tours of the backstretch, and, at 2 and 2:30 p.m., steeplechase races, with no wagering.
Participants can watch a performance by an equine drill team and the third annual Mascot Race between the Albany River Rats' "Rowdy," the Siena Saints' "St. Bernard," the Tri-City Valley Cats' "Southpaw" and the Albany Conquest's "Kid Quest."
Today is also the first day season passes will be on sale at Saratoga's Grandstand. Grandstand passes are $35, or $75 for the clubhouse. The information booth is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
IF YOU GO
The 26th Annual Open House will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at Saratoga Race Course, 267 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs.
The schedule of events is as follows:
Noon and 3 p.m. Islip Horsemen's Association Drill Team performances;
2 and 2:30 p.m. Steeplechase races;
2:45 p.m. Mascot race;
Backstretch tours start every half-hour, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Clubhouse entrance
The 138th season at Saratoga Race Course begins Wednesday and runs through Sept. 4. Racing is every day except Tuesdays. The first race post is 1 p.m. except on Travers Day, Aug. 26, when it is 12:30 p.m., and on Sept. 1, when it is 3 p.m.
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