Saratoga Casino Hotel signed a deal with the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association that guarantees harness racing at Saratoga through 2025.
The deal guarantees 170 annual race dates and purse funding each yea.
“Our property is rooted to the historic foundation of Saratoga Harness racing,” said Alex Tucker, General Manager of Saratoga Casino Hotel. “We’re proud to continue our role in supporting New York’s great equine industry and continuing the rich tradition of harness racing in Saratoga Springs.”
Prior to the opening of the VLT facility at the track, purses at Saratoga Harness were $2.9 Million over a 129-day race meet. Since the introduction of gaming in 2004, over $150 Million has been directly added to purses at Saratoga Harness through VLT revenues, according to a press release.
The Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association which represents 850 owners, trainers, drivers and grooms directly involved at Saratoga Harness, cited the long-standing history with the track.
“The seven-year agreement is the result of the strong working relationship between Saratoga Casino Hotel and the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association,” said Tom McTygue, SHHA President. “This demonstrates the commitment of casino ownership and management in continuing the tradition of high-quality racing for many years to come.”
2019 marks the 78th season Saratoga Casino Hotel has been conducting harness racing on the Spa half-mile oval since opening on June 26, 1941. Saratoga Casino Hotel now employees over 600 team members property wide, the release said.
