By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-846534.mp3
Saratoga Springs, NY – Upstate New York is getting ready for another season of World-class thoroughbred racing at Historic Saratoga Race Course... Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports
The New York Racing Association is meeting the sour economy head on with new attractions to draw crowds and betters and nearly 100-million dollars in planned improvements ... NYRA has already spent 400-thousand dollars developing a master plan FOR those improvements, which include installing additional air conditioning, renovations to existing structures and new hospitality facilities.
The 141st racing season begins six days LATER than last years meet, running Wednesday, July 29th through Labor Day, September 7, 2009. Officials expect the track's all-source handle to fare better than last year, when it dropped more than 10 per cent from 2007.
National trends indicate this may be the summer of "staycations" for many Americans... NYRA's Director of Communications Dan Silver says THAT bodes well for the Spa City.
NYRA is offering four giveaways this year. Alabama Stakes baseball caps, will be given away Aug. 2, followed by a short-sleeved T-shirt Aug. 16, a long-sleeved T Aug. 23 and a knit cap on Sept. 6.NYRA's annual Open House will be held this year on July 26th and the meet will top off with Final Stretch weekend downtown fromSept. 5-7.