Melissa Simser-Iovino
Harness racing has returned to Saratoga Casino Hotel for its 81st season.
The winter/spring schedule began Feb. 5 and features Saturday, Sunday and Monday racing. First race post time is 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon on Sundays and Mondays.
The summer live racing schedule will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with a post time of 6:45 p.m. Racing runs through mid-December.
“We’re very excited to start our 81st season of live harness racing here at the historic spa oval,” said John Matarazzo, director of racing. “We want to thank our loyal fans for all their support and our horsemen for all their hard work during challenging times due to the pandemic. We’re looking forward to a great 2022 with 150 exciting live racing programs.”
“This year, horsemen will be competing for over $15 million in purses, averaging $100,000 in purses per program, so we’re expecting some great racing,” said Peter Iovino, race secretary. “We’ve also increased the purse of our signature race, the Joe Gerrity Jr. Memorial Pace, to $250,000. We’re confident this race will attract a field of top pacers.”
New York State Sire Stakes action also returns in 2022, with two- and three-year-old trotters and pacers competing for over $1.5 million in purses.
Saratoga Casino Hotel, located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs, features slot machines, electronic table games, a luxury hotel, Vapor, Morton’s The Steakhouse, two full-service restaurants, a casual dining restaurant, three full-service bars, deli and a variety of guest services.
For a complete live racing schedule go to www.saratogacasino.com.