2014 Spa Meet Feautres Record Purses

Saratoga’s 146th season concluded Monday after offering a record $17.45-million in stakes purses. 

“With our guests treated to top quality thoroughbred racing, 40 days of special events and new capital improvements to enhance the on-track experience, the 2014 Saratoga meet was a success,” said New York Racing Association CEO and President Chris Kay. “On behalf of the men and women of the New York Racing Association, I want to thank all of our guests for attending our 2014 summer meet, and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2015. I would also like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the horsemen, jockeys, stakeholders, the host Saratoga community and Capital Region as a whole.” 

Over $2 million in capital improvements were made at the Spa this year, including the addition of 750 new HD televisions, enhanced Wi-Fi, Trakus and a better sound sytem. Childrens play areas were expanded and a new exhibit called “Horse Sense” was added to inform guests on the importance of outriders. 

With attendance at 972,018 for the meet, on-track handle totaled $150,387,442 and all-source handle was $571,163,484. In order to improve the quality of racing, Saratoga ran fewer races in 2014 than 2013. Due to bad weather, 16 more races were taken off the turf this year, resulting in a total of 193 turf races in 2014 compared to 209 last season. 

New York racing will return at Belmont Park Sept. 5.