Labour Day on Monday, September 4, 2023, marked the end of another racing season at the historic Saratoga Race Course in New York. For the occasion, fans from all over the state arrived at the track to catch one last glimpse of the 40-day summer meet at the track. The meet just ended but fans and horsepeople are already looking forward to next year’s edition.
Saratoga Race Course’s summer meet kicked off on July 13, 2023, and it was highlighted by the 96th running of the Whitney on August 5 and the 154th Travers on August 26. After a four-day opening weekend, racing at the track will move to five days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday. However, this was not the case for the last weekend of racing.
Another Successful Meet Concludes
On Monday, September 4, 2023, horse racing fans from all around the Empire State and the country flocked to the track to witness the last bit of racing at the historic track. This includes fans like GiGi Thompson who said that he is somewhat glad that the meet was coming to an end as in his words, the sport has already run its course this summer.
Meanwhile, other spectators like Kevin Lynch joked about buying the season pass for the last hundred years, and shared he missed several days of the season and the meet is something he looks forward to every year. He is now looking forward to next year’s season but admits he is hopeful that the next meet comes with an earlier start date.
Vendors at Artist Row also reminisce on the summer and are now eager the next time they will be able to open up shop at the track. Kathy Adair who has been running Nick Martinez’s booth at the track for over 10 years plans on coming back next year. She noted that people come for the meet with their children and in her words, it is great to greet and meet the community.
The last week of the meet was devoted to Fan Appreciation Week, which started on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, through Monday, September 4, 2023. Featuring a number of activities and deals to benefit the visitors. Fans were eager to join the activities on closing day, such as “Buy One, Get One Free” deals, discounted Clubhouse Box Seats, free access to the paddock suite and more.
There were plenty of events to choose from throughout the 40-day meet, all organized by the New York Racing Association. This includes the Saratoga Low Roller contest allowing horseplayers to pre-register outside the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar. As well as giveaways awarding different Saratoga track-branded items, the third annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day, and others.
New Protocols Come into Effect
However, this year’s meet was plagued by the unfortunate deaths of a number of horses. That is why the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority implemented new rules for the meet’s end. One of the new rules is to have HISA’s new Track Surface Advisory Group inspect the dirt and turf surfaces before racing resumes at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
Source: Ralls, Emma “Labor Day marks final day of 2023 racing season at Saratoga Race Course” The Saratogian, September 5, 2023
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