By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-922462.mp3
Saratoga Springs, NY – After months of struggling financially to get the race track open, this Labor Day marked the end of another season of racing at Saratoga. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas takes a look back...
This has been one of the most uncertain years in the Saratoga track's 142-year history. It was touch and go from the very start, with some questioning whether the track would open at all as the sour economy threatened to take NYRA down. NYRA eventually was granted a 25-million dollar loan from the state about two months prior to opening day, but the recession made it's mark : daily average track attendance dropped along with the average daily handle. The ripple effects were felt throughout the Spa City and beyond. According to published reports, Of the $1.12 billion that was wagered on racing throughout the country in August, 32% was bet on Saratoga, nearly $353 million. NYRA has already submitted a 40-day schedule for next year.