This week, the New York Racing Association announced the schedule for Saratoga Race Course’s 2022 summer meet which is slated to run for 40 days. The schedule is slated to have 77 stakes events and a total of US$22.6 million in purses, which will be highlighted by the 153rd edition of Grade 1, US$1.25 million Runhappy Travers, and the Grade 1, US$1 million Whitney.
When the summer meet starts “Saratoga Live” tv show will also make its return for a seventh time to provide daily coverage of the races. The program is produced by NYRA in collaboration with FOX Sports, and it is broadcasted on FOX networks. In addition to being aired on FS1, FS2, and FOX, the program will be also live on SNY during designated hours.
The 2022 Summer Meet
NYRA has now confirmed that the 2022 summer meet kicks off on Thursday, July 14, and runs through Monday, September 5, 2022. It is set to have a four-day opening weekend, after which racing will continue five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, with the exception of the last week, when the season will conclude on Labor Day.
On the opening day, Saratoga Race Course will start the meet off with the Grade 3, US$175,000 Schuylerville for 2-year-old fillies, and the inaugural edition of the one-mile US$135,000 Wilton for sophomore fillies. Then on the next day, the action continues with the Grade 3, US$175,000 Forbidden Apple at one mile on turf for older horses, and the US$150,000 Coronation Cup at 5 1/2-furlongs on turf for sophomore fillies.
Then on July 16, 2022, the track hosts the first Grade 1 for the year, which will be the US$500,000 Diana for turf fillies. On July 23, 2022, the venue will have one more Grade 1 stakes and this time it will be the US$500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks for sophomore fillies. The Whitney Day on August 6, 2022, will feature three Grade 1 events, headed the Whitney at 1/8 miles for older horses.
The Runhappy Travers which returns for its 153rd edition is one of the most exciting events, and it will be taking place on August 27. Its card will feature six stakes, such as five Grade 1 events and an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup to the winner of the Grade 1, US$750,000 Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer. The full stakes program can be found on NYRA’s official website.
Remodeling Plans Approved
Previously, the association revealed its plans to redesign the famous Post Bar at the Saratoga Race Course. The plan is to upgrade the venue to a larger two-story facility, which will feature a bar and a suite experience on the second floor for a panoramic view of the horse racing oval. The association explained that wants to keep the venue as an open-air structure with a central bar and large TV screen.
Two Offers Return
In February this year, the racing association also announced that it will once more incentivize the Turf Triple series for fillies with the “New York Stakes Turf Bonus” and “Flower Bowl Bonus”. These bonuses are an incentive for horse owners to participate in the prestigious Turf Triple series for fillies at the Belmont Park and the Saratoga Race Course.
Source: McKenna, Pat “NYRA releases Saratoga Race Course stakes schedule”, News10, March 15, 2022
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