Saratoga Meet
 

This is just a general question for those who are close to NYRA. Has there ever been a thought to having a meet at Saratoga in early fall? That place would be beautiful that time of year.

No.

Who cares about beauty when it comes to race tracks

go to the harness track...that is a thing of beauty....

True. If you enjoy hanging with people who haven't heard of a toothbrush or deodorent. Well, I guess it's not that bad in the spring or summer, but I went there this past winter after scouting a Spa Catholic Hoop game and it was a little strange.

Are you serious?

we are lucky to get twi -light..

To answer your question - the town of Saratoga would never go for it.

that is the main problem, i always thought, especially with nyra being how it is now, that the should open a bit longer... 4th of july- labor day would be perfect

The 'keep Saratoga open longer' suggestions fail to take into account the availability of EMPLOYEES... The vast majority of the temporary staffing is comprised of students and teachers. Also, no one can understand the intensity and demands of the 36 out of 42 day schedule as it stands now unless you were to work it. It is a physical drain that is hard to maintain. And remember that the downstate workers are away from family 6 weeks as it is..

i understand everything you are saying, and it all makes sense....
but would they not make millions of dollers more, for nyra, and for the state, with just running the meet 2-3 weeks longer ?

Short Meets
 

There is also a beauty to having shorter meets that are top class like Saratoga or Keeneland. They become even more attractive because they tend to be short in comparison to other tracks and the competition day in and day out is top tier.

The days from when Saratoga end to when it starts again sometimes seems like an enternity but that is part of what makes it special along with the quality of horses, trainers and jockeys and the beauty of the track and surrounding area.

that is another good point... a lot of ppl say a longer meet can only hurt the prestige of it

Saratoga will be opening a highrollers room this season for people with a mythical bankroll only. You cannot make any real bets in this room

great idea.....

Doubt it - track attendance goes way down the last weekend of the meet with everyone going back to school and work. . . and handle wouldn't be any different there than at Belmont during the same time period. . .

two great idea. would be fun.

it's not like they print money. they have to take the dates, equipment (starting gates, etc.), and people away from belmont.

whatever they make in saratoga diluting that meet with the extra dates they don't make in elmont.

i love the short meets. less time i have to read the inane saratoga vs. del mar comparisons.

Its tough to fight Tradition.

Take an extra 2 weeks - head over to the harness track and realize you are King. Place a $50 w bet and you will feel like you control the world as you have now made a 30-1 ML horse the 1/5 fav....

Remember the days of Jimmy Allen, JP Morel, Harold Parker...ah those where the hay days of Saratoga Harness...

My first winning bet $2wps on Crestwood Copper paid something like $45..I thought I hit life's jackpot....