by Pat McKenna
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced that the recently concluded Belmont Park spring/summer meet generated $14,746,421 in average daily handle, a 9.7 percent increase over 2022.
Originally scheduled for 40 days of live racing, NYRA was forced to cancel two cards due to poor air quality caused by wildfires in Canada. All-sources handle for the 38-day spring/summer meet totaled $560,363,986, which compares to $591,250,409 in 2022 when the meet was contested over 44 days.
The blockbuster June 10 Belmont Stakes Day card, highlighted by Arcangelo’s victory in the 155th running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets, generated all-sources handle of $118,283,455, a NYRA record for a non-Triple Crown year.
Average field size for the 368 races run during the 2023 spring/summer meet was 7.60, a 3.4 percent increase over 2022 when average field size was 7.35. Of the 368 races held during the spring/summer meet, 187 were on the main track and 181 on the turf. Fourteen races were forced off the turf due to rain.
Highlighted by the 154th edition of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on August 26 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on August 5, the 2023 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course will continue through Monday, September 4.
Saratoga Live will present daily coverage and analysis of the summer meet on the networks of FOX Sports. For the complete broadcast schedule, visit NYRA.com/SaratogaLive.
Pat McKenna, Kyle Gurganious
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced a three-year partnership with Playfly Sports to serve as the sponsorship sales, premium hospitality and ticket partner for the new Belmont Park, the Long Island home of the Belmont Stakes currently undergoing a $455 million redevelopment.
Pat McKenna
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced plans for the future utilization of the all-weather Tapeta track at the new Belmont Park. Currently under construction and expected to be completed in Q2 of 2025, the one-mile oval will become the exclusive winter racing surface on the NYRA circuit when the Belmont facility re-opens in 2026.
Pat McKenna
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) joined the Elmont Parade Committee to announce the return of the Paul Sapienza Elmont/Belmont Parade, which will be held on Saturday, June 1.
Pat McKenna
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the lucrative purse schedule for the four-day 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course, slated for Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9.
Pat McKenna
On Friday, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will embark on the initial stages of the demolition of the current Belmont Park grandstand and clubhouse. And while construction activity at Belmont has been constant over the last two years, the next phase of the overall project will mark a turning point for Belmont’s overall redevelopment.
Pat McKenna
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) have extended the quarantine of Barn 15 at Belmont Park by two days due to a horse who developed a fever in that barn.