Saratoga Race Course Reports Increase in Handle and Attendance

After its tremendous start, the Saratoga Race Course’s summer meet 2022 continues to outperform expectations. The track reported a significant increase in both handle and attendance, which has exceeded pre-unprecedented situation numbers, meaning that the track could be headed to record-setting numbers. The increase in popularity has also boosted hotel booking in the region.

This season’s edition of the historic Saratoga Race Course’s summer meet kicked off on July 14, 2022, and is on schedule to run until September 5, 2022. After its opening weekend of four-day races, the track has reported its highest first-week handle and attendance. And it seems that interest in the meet continues to build up.

Headed to a Record-Breaking Meet

According to reports from the track, for the first 20 days of the summer meet, the track has accumulated over US$431 million in handle. In comparison for the same period of last year, it was at US$402 million. This year’s numbers are a 7.3% increase from the previous ones. While attendance hit 512,683, which is also an improvement on 2021’s 502,266.

Pat McKenna, a spokesperson for the New York Racing Association, which operates the track, said that the popularity of the summer meet has hit an all-time high. He explained that this is not only demonstrated by strong handle and attendance but also in the overall energy and mood felt at the historic track. He also predicts that the track will break its all-time wagering handle for the third time in the last five years.

Mr. McKenna also added that by looking at those kinds of performance numbers, who came in the middle of two separate heatwaves are even more impressive. He stated that fan engagement, interest and enthusiasm for all things at the track are at an all-time high. Fans of the sport also believe that the betting and attendance numbers are how the track manages to stay operational for a century and a half.

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce is also enjoying the increased interest and success of the meet, which will contribute more than US$240 million to the local economy for its six-week running. President of the organization Todd Shimkus commented that this year’s numbers will most like surpass the US$240 million, as hotel bookings have also sky-rocketed.

Opening Week Highlights

And as already noted, Saratoga Race Course saw an amazing start to its summer meet this season. For the first four days, the meet collected an all-source handle of US$106,401,827, which is an 18.1% increase over the first four days a year ago with US$90,112,255. While the on-track handle is also up by 18.5% with US$17,401,827, over last year’s US$14,394,438.

Horse racing fans have plenty of exciting races to look forward to this summer meet. One of those events is the Runhappy Travers, which will return for its 153rd running and will be taking place on August 27, 2022. Its card will feature six stakes, such as the five Grade 1 events and an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup to the winner of Grade 1, US$750,000 Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer.

Source: Liberatore, Wendy “Handle, attendance up at Saratoga Race Course” TimesUnion, August 14, 2022