Saratoga 2020
 

Looks like NYRA and Saratoga track have announced this year's dates. (image from PaceAdvantage)

https://i.ibb.co/Dz1NGLW/1-BEC7153-5...6-CCF7-D53.jpg

I checked a number of online resources for info on social distancing issues, admission restrictions, masks, sanitizers, food, etc, etc. Nothing so far.

I will not be attending this year (and not just because there is no official date for the Canada/US border to reopen). Just my personal POV - what could go wrong with 10s of thousands of people sharing food kiosks, bathrooms, shouting in the stands, sharing betting terminals etc :rolleyes:. I look on from my quaint and quiet corner of Ontario with amazement at how authorities and people themselves feel they can stay safe at large public gatherings with coronavirus still many times more prevalent than the early days when we were shutting everything down. And that goes not just for horse racing, but beaches, shopping emporiums, political rallies and protests (though I understand why the latter, infections be damned).

I am one of the healthiest 66 year-olds I know, but I don't like to bet on even-money favourites who have some obvious defects: I know it will end badly 60+ percent of the time.

If Saratoga turns out to be NOT open to live attendance, I'll still be there (virtually) like I have been in person the past 12 years :jump:

Good luck if you choose to go this year, and please (try to) stay safe.

Ted

Update: just called NYRA and they said they don't think there will be live attendance at Saratoga (despite what the official websites imply for Opening Day and various stakes day festivals), but they have to wait until 'he' says (upon further querying, 'he' turned out to be NY Governor Cuomo, LoL!).

Looking forward to betting in any case, but will be sorry to miss meeting with my P&C friends this year (and still advise against attending live, FWIW).

Ted

Saratoga 2020
 

I for one agree with you Ted. And this is someone with a Condo across the street from the track. I probably will visit at some point but I am avoiding crowds for the foreseeable feature. (Like I have for the last three months).

I dunno why they dont just run the Saratoga meet at Belmont.
Even without bettors/fans
Just the thought of thousands of horsemen,entourage, the DRF, other press and families invading from NYC into Saratoga potentially bringing the virus with them is frightening.
I wouldn't want them coming to my hometown.

I'll miss Saratoga and my P&C friends but these are serious times. Personally, I think it's for the best. Maybe next year.

Let me add that I think barryt makes a good point.

NYRA says that handle is much higher at Saratoga than Belmont. Plus I really think that they might allow a few customers the last couple of weeks. However, as with most tracks you are losing the uninformed money out of the betting pools (other than those who read the Saratoga Special, of course).

Of course! :D

Good one Mick, loved it. Charlie and you both are correct.


Mitch44

Maybe we can do a virtual Toga gathering for a few hours by Zoom some day(s)? I have an unlimited Zoom account.

Maybe Mick can invite some of his friends to Zoombomb us ... http://paceandcap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12487

Ted

I was wondering when that picture might reappear. :D