Horsemen Services

The Saratoga Horsemen's Relations office is located in the racing building near the paddock. Horsemen’s Relations works a racing schedule of Wednesday through Sunday and Labor Day, opening at 9 a.m.

Alysse Jacobs, Horsemen's Relations Supervisor

Alysse began working in NYRA's Horsemen's Relations department under Carmen Barrera in 2009. She assumed the head position of the department in 2019.  

[email protected]  

(718) 659-2206 

Horsemen and family members may receive free admission upon presentation of a current NYRA ID badge. Passes are unable to be left for guests.

Named after NYRA’s longtime director of Horsemen’s Relations, the Carmen M. Barrera Horsemen’s Lounge is located on the ground level of the clubhouse behind the Porch dining room. It is available every racing day from gate opening until after the last race’s completion. A current NYRA ID badge is required for entry. Shorts (including rompers), jeans, or abbreviated wear are not permitted as part of the dress code.

Complimentary box seating is available to horsemen based on availability. Priority is given to horsepeople in stakes followed by the undercard races. Contact Horsemen’s Relations to request seating.

Tables are held for horsepeople in the Turf Terrace (3rd floor, clubhouse) and Porch (ground floor, clubhouse) dining rooms. Priority is given to horsepeople in stakes, followed by the undercard races. Seating fees are complimentary for owners in stakes races. Reservations must be made in advance through the Horsemen’s Relations department.

Paddock access is granted through a current NYRA Horsemen ID or daily paddock pass sticker. Key races during the meet will require special paddock passes limited to entrants in the race. Please see Horsemen’s Relations for passes if needed.

Horsepeople NYRA ID badges are distributed through the Horsemen Credentials, located in the racing building by the paddock next to the shoe shine. You may contact Paulette Reyes at [email protected] or by phone at (718) 659-2236 for assistance. Please note that Lew Kobel has retired.

In 2024, all NYSGC licensed owners and trainers who have obtained their NYRA ID will be able to park throughout the entirety of the season by presenting a valid NYRA ID to the parking attendant upon entrance. You must have a valid NYRA ID to be admitted to the Complimentary Parking Area.

All complimentary parking will be first come, first serve in the Trackside Silver Parking Lot (please enter from Union Ave). If Trackside Parking overfills, owners and trainers will be directed to alternative parking areas.

Based on potential parking demand, NYRA reserves the right to restrict complimentary parking on Whitney Day and Travers Day to participants that have horses entered on that race day. A final determination about plans for these days will be determined.

NYRA has a working relationship with some area hotels. Please contact the office for more information. Rooms are limited.

Managing owners can sign up to receive a text message or email alert when their horse is entered. The message will include entries as well as information to easily reach the Horsemen’s Relations department to facilitate making race day arrangements. Please contact Horsemen’s Relations for more information.

Did you know: There is a program to provide health insurance for eligible trainers racing at the NYRA racetracks?

• Provides health insurance to eligible trainers, their spouses and their dependents
• To meet eligibility requirements, trainers need to have 43 starts at a NYRA track during the previous calendar year, and at least 60% of their total starts need to be at a NYRA track
• Supplemental plans for Medicare are also covered

To learn more, or to enroll, contact NYTHA Membership Services Coordinator Abigail Klima at [email protected], or call the NYTHA Office at (718) 848-5045.

• Licensing | The New York State Gaming Commission handles all licensing required to participate in New York racing. Their Saratoga office is located in the backyard, to the left of Dunkin'. They can be reached at (518) 584-3236. More info can be found here.
• Bookkeeper | The Aqueduct Horsemen’s Bookkeeper office is located in the backyard, near the Jockey’s Room. The department can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (917) 599-9155.
• Horseperson Credentials | NYRA ID badges, family badges, and horseperson parking are processed by the ID Office. The office is located in the Racing Building near the paddock. Paulette Reyes can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (718) 659-2236.
• Jockey Club | The Jockey Club office handles the registration of silks, stable names, and authorized agents. Their Saratoga office is located in the Administration Building in the backyard. Audrey Harding can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (718) 296-5146.
• Ownership Registry | Ownership Registry handles bill of sale transactions and is located in the racing office. Kelly Gecewicz can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (718) 659-2234.
• Photographer | The track photographer’s office is located in the backyard, to the left of Dunkin'. Adam Coglianese can by reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (718) 659-2292. Photos are available for purchase online here.