SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (February 16, 2017) –Sunday, February 19th will mark the beginning of Saratoga Raceway’s 76th season of live harness racing. The first post time is scheduled for 12:15pm. The casino’s live racing product represents a unique and unparalleled entertainment offering that looks to build off their success from 2016, where record all-source pari-mutuel handle exceeded $78 Million.
”We recognize the importance of delivering an exceptional harness racing product to our guests, as that entertainment option can only be offered regionally here at Saratoga Casino Hotel ,” said John Matarazzo, Director of Racing Operations at Saratoga Casino Hotel. “We look forward to welcoming back all of our racing fans as we gear up for another exciting season.”
Guests in attendance on Sunday’s opening day will receive a free commemorative long-sleeve shirt with the purchase of a racing program. Dollar deals are planned for hot dogs and select draft beers during the first three days of live racing. Additionally, for the first week of racing, a 10% bonus will be added on to all winning Saratoga Harness wagers placed on any self-service kiosk with a valid SaratogaBets account. As always, parking and admission are free.
A top highlight of the upcoming racing season will include the ninth annual Joe Gerrity, Jr. Memorial Pace, which will feature one dash for $260,000 on July 22. Last year’s Gerrity Champion and 2016 ‘Harness Horse of the Year,’ Wiggle It JiggleIt will receive an automatic invitation into this year’s race.
“Our Horsemen are all looking forward to getting back to racing, as they will be competing for nearly $16 Million in purses this season,” said Tom McTygue, President of the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association.
The 2017 racing season will also continue to build on an increased social media presence. Fans are encouraged to follow @SaratogaCasino on Twitter and Instagram, as well as to use #SaratogaHarness to share photos and videos of their experiences at the track. Pre- and post-race coverage, behind the scenes looks into the paddock, and exclusive race insight from track announcer Mike Sardella are some of the highlights planned. An upcoming social media contest for Saratoga Harness fans will include the top prize of an all-expense paid trip to this year’s Kentucky Derby. Additional details will soon be announced on SaratogaCasino.com and all of Saratoga Casino’s social media pages.
Along with a matinee 12:15pm post time for all February race dates, Thursday racing has been scheduled at an earlier 12:15pm post throughout the year. The full 2017 season schedule is available now at www.SaratogaCasino.com.
About Saratoga Casino Hotel
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 February 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.
Media Contacts:
Tom Engle
Media Specialist
(518) 581-5730
Alex Savage
Racing Development and Simulcast Manager
(518) 581-5743
