America’s Track– Saratoga Race Course announced Wednesday that the track would open all sections at 100 percent capacity when its elite summer meet begins on Thursday, July 15th.

With 70 percent of adult New Yorkers now vaccinated against COVID-19, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on Tuesday declared the immediate removal of COVID-19 protocols and restrictions for nearly all activities and industries, including outdoor sports and entertainment venues.

Accordingly, the New York Racing Association announced full admission to Saratoga, as well as for the remainder of the Belmont Park meet, beginning Thursday, June 24th.

The lifting of all COVID-19 protocols, including the requirement for fans to provide vaccination status, applies to all hospitality areas and venues within the facility, including the popular Saratoga Backyard, 1863 Club and The Stretch.

Season admission passes, which provide access to the backyard, will be available for purchase and use without the prior requirement that fans provide proof of vaccination status.

Said NYRA President and CEO Dave O’Rourke: “This season will be a celebration like no other in Saratoga’s long and storied history and we are thrilled to open the gates to the best fans in racing in just a few short weeks.”

The 40-day summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course will feature 76 Stakes races worth $21.5 million dollars in total purses.

This year’s meet (as always) is highlighted by the 152nd renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes on August 28th and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney Stakes on August 7th.

These two contests are the anchor races of two of the most prestigious racing days in North America.

Following the four-day opening weekend from Thursday, July 15th through Sunday, July 18th, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, with the exception of the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day.

Welcome back to The Spaaa.