Photo by Jessica Hallet
Live harness racing returned to Saratoga Casino Hotel for its 83rd season on Saturday, February 3. The 2024 schedule will consist of 150 racing programs running through mid-December with a total of over $17 million in purses.
2023 Leading Driver, Jim Devaux, and Leading Trainer, Brett Derue, look to defend their titles this coming season. For Devaux, that would make it four years in a row.
In addition, the track will be hosting NY Sire Stakes races starting in June featuring the best New York bred horses in the state which will race for over $1 million in purses. The premier event of the season will be the 15th Annual Joe Gerrity Jr. Memorial Pace with a $250,000 purse on Saturday, July 20.
“We are looking forward to a tremendous season of racing here at Saratoga Casino Hotel,” said Race Secretary Peter Iovino. “Our purses will attract a quality product for our racing fans.”
To kick off the season, the month of February will feature several promotions including up to 15 percent bonuses on all winning wagers on Saratoga Harness races for SaratogaBets account holders while playing on property through the SaratogaBets mobile app or any self-service betting terminal. Interested horseplayers can log on to www.saratogabets.com to sign up for a free account.
On Sunday, February 18, the first 400 customers will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt courtesy of the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association. This will be followed by another chance to spin the prize wheel to win a $25-$100 free bet on Monday, Presidents’ Day.
The winter, spring and fall schedule will include matinee racing on Sunday, Monday and select Tuesdays, post time 12 p.m., and Saturdays, post time 5 p.m. The summer live racing schedule will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with a post time of 5 p.m.
Go to www.saratogacasino.com for track announcer Mike Sardella’s race picks and biweekly column, and updates to the live race schedule.