Saratoga

[Steven Mannygoat]

Backstretch gone by 2026

[GypsyDancer1]

Where did you hear this?

[ferdinand the bull]

Backstretch gone by 2026

Gone or thoroughbreds only?

[BoKnows]

I think some of the barns will be gone by 2025

[Mr.Turnpike]

     They asked for it

[Grandstand Handicapper]

I haven't heard a thing, but if true, why? Selling off the land for condos? Expansion of the casino/facility? The t-bred backstretch is like hallowed ground, LOL. I guess that is until they figure out what it's worth, LOL. I'm old school, I like the backstretch of the track. Once the Meadowlands opened, I was on the backstretch regularly, watching horses train, in the barn, in the track kitchen, etc. It was like going to work, LOL, and part of my life. Saratoga Springs has built up, and built up more, over the course of the last who knows how many years. Even when times were tough, they kept building. I wonder if this backstretch will actually disappear as well.

[Grandstand Handicapper]

Simply highest and best use. It's too bad. Reality, but too bad.

[Vince Treanor]

Track ownership’s contract with the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons’ Association expires in 2025. Management will likely try to bargain for ship-ins only or costly stall rent. With dwindling participation in harness racing, management can argue that maintaining the cost of supporting racing is not offset by the economic impact of subsidizing the sport.

[Third Over]

The stabling areas at both Saratoga harness/thoroughbred tracks are run down and pathetic.. barn improvements have needed there for 10-15yrs.. if HISA is about horse welfare and integrity they should step up and force racetrack operators to update the backstretch for safety reasons or withhold state slot payout money until it's passed inspection and accepted. What are the horsemen reps doing, nothing.!!

[Mr.Turnpike]

   Pretty bad horseman association

[jupiter]

They will sell off anything they can, they are not going to redo the barns at Saratoga either side. They'll keep part of the the T bred side for the nostalgia. Barn areas cost money, HISA isn't going to get involved with this, considering all the crap they're in now. It's like most old barn areas, fire traps. I loved the old days of traveling from track to track, Meds was a dream come true when it opened. GSP was beautiful. There are no bettors or people even interested in going to a race track.

[rainman2]

Track ownership’s contract with the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons’ Association expires in 2025. Management will likely try to bargain for ship-ins only or costly stall rent. With dwindling participation in harness racing, management can argue that maintaining the cost of supporting racing is not offset by the economic impact of subsidizing the sport.

The horseman’s association just wants to race as long of a meet as they can. It has already been extended from mid/late February until just before Christmas. The meet should go from mid March until the end of November.  This way you race for a little more money and don’t run down your horses.

I believe Batavia races in January and February for those who want to race.

[Grandstand Handicapper]

Track ownership/management has always been short-sighted. They want more race dates and more races.