2021 Saratoga Race Course Summer Meet Purses Improved

As New York State progresses from the unprecedented situation and edges closer to its normality, the New York Racing Association has announced some improvements for the upcoming live harness season. The institution has revealed that the total purse for Saratoga Race Course’s upcoming 2021 summer meet will be increased.

The summer meet at the New York State racetrack is on course to begin on July 15, and it will continue all the way through September 6. It will certainly be an exciting summer for the live harness races at the state, as previously Governor Cuomo announced that local tracks will be able to return to their full capacity of operations.

Upgraded Stakes

 

The association has officially revealed that all open stakes at the Saratoga Race Course, with previous purses of US$100,000 will receive an increase of US$20,000. Also, open maiden special weight events will also receive a hefty increase from US$90,000 to US$100,000. Additionally, New York-bred maiden special weight will receive a boost of US$5,000, making them to a total of US$85,000.

Keith Doleshel, Racing Secretary at NYRA for the 2021 summer meet stated that the team at the association is looking forward to welcoming back horsepeople from all around the country this July. According to Mr. Dolehel, the recent increase of purses for the summer events should make the season much more competitive and interesting to observe.

Horse racing fans will be glad to see the news that this year the NYRA Maiden Allowance Auction Series will be making its return for its third consecutive edition. However, all races at the series will be limited to horses that are sold or RNA’d for US$45,000 or less at their most current auction. The series will have a total of US$80,000 purse.

Additionally, the Maiden Allowance Auction Series will also feature up to US$13,920 in New York Breeding Fund open company owners awards for New York-breds finishing from first to third in the exciting series. Fans have every right to get excited as the summer meet will also include Grade 1, US$1.25 million Runhappy Travers on August 28, and Grade 1, US$1 million Whitney on August 7.

Ticket Update

This week the New York Racing Association has also announced the ticket sale dates and details for the 40-day-long Saratoga Race Course summer meet. Grandstand season passes and NYRA Bets Gift Cards will be available for purchase at over 150 Capital Region Stewart’s Shops. Also, individual day tickets for the Clubhouse, Grandstand, and the Stretch will be purchasable on Ticketmaster.com from June 23.

Job Fair

In order to prepare for the summer meet at the horse racing oval, the association has also recently hosted a job expo to recruit more manpower. The fair was hosted on June 11 and 12, and the organization was looking into hiring hundreds of seasonal and part-time workers for the 40-day-meet. The available positions varied between numerous roles such as hospitality ambassadors, guest services, cashiers, admissions attendants, and parking attendants.

Source: McKenna, Pat “NYRA announces purse increases for the 2021 Saratoga summer meet”, News10, June 22, 2021