Racing Field Features an Unprecedented Level of Competition for Memorial Pace
SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Tuesday, July 19, 2016) – Saratoga Casino Hotel is set to welcome some of America’s finest standardbred performers during the running of the eighth annual Joe Gerrity Jr. Memorial Free for All (FFA) Pace on Saturday, July 23. The first post time is scheduled for 7:05pm that evening. This year’s memorial pace boasts a $260,000 purse, and over $500,000 in total purses throughout the course of the evening.
While the pace always attracts some of the top standardbreds in the country, this year’s field offers a particularly high level of racing talent. 2015 Overall Harness Horse of the Year, Wiggle It Jiggleit, will be among the favorites running in the Gerrity Memorial Pace. The 4-year old pacer has amassed over $2.8 Million in lifetime winnings during his career. Also featured in this year’s pace is 2015 defending champion PH Supercam, who posted an impressive 1.50.1 finish in last year’s Gerrity Memorial Pace.
Racing fans in attendance will receive a coupon for a free commemorative 2016 ‘Gerrity Night’ t-shirt with the purchase of a $2 race program, while supplies last. Free Stewart’s Ice Cream cones will also be given out to the first 500 guests in attendance beginning at 6:30pm courtesy of The Agriculture & New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund. Additionally, 75 cent deals on hot dogs and sodas will be offered throughout the evening’s racing card to commemorate the track’s 75th year of racing.
Mr. Sam Grossman, AKA “Sam The Bugler” will also be present, calling the horses to post during the evening’s race card.
“We’re especially excited about the field in this year’s edition of our signature race,” said John Matarazzo, Director of Racing Operations at Saratoga Casino Hotel. “It’s only right that we raise the caliber of featured talent in the Gerrity Memorial as we also continue to celebrate our 75th year of Saratoga Harness.”
The Memorial Pace was created in 2009 as a pacing series honoring the memory of Joe Gerrity, Jr. and his many contributions. A highly respected leader, inspiration and an icon for Saratoga Raceway and the horse racing industry, he was a breeder of horses in Loudonville, a licensed harness driver and became Chairman of the Board of Saratoga Harness Racing, Inc. (now Saratoga Casino Hotel) on April 1, 1987. Mr. Gerrity later oversaw the expansion of the facility and the installation of video gaming machines, funding the project in part himself. He also served as a Director for the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State for 20 years, and also acted as Treasurer for much of that time. Mr. Gerrity passed away in October of 2005.
Saratoga Casino Hotel, located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY, features over 1,700 slots, electronic table games, Vapor, two full-service restaurants with buffets, a casual dining restaurant, three full-service bars, deli and a variety of guest services including valet parking and coat check. The all-new 117-room luxury hotel featuring Morton’s® The Steakhouse is now open. Reservations are available now at www.saratogacasino.com. Operating hours for the gaming facility are 9 a.m. to 5 a.m. every day. Simulcast races can be viewed seven days a week and live harness racing runs March through mid-December. For a full racing schedule and additional information, please visit www.saratogacasino.com or call 800-727-2990. Must be 18 years of age or older to play video gaming machines or wager on horses. Please play responsibly.
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Tom Engle
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