Nearly 33,000 people attended Saratoga Race Course on opening day.
The official number for Friday that includes all paying customers was 32,980. Last year, in a record-breaking season boosted by American Pharoah’s Triple Crown, 34,783 headed to the Spa on opening day.
The New York Racing Association is also boasting strong wagering Friday with an all-sources handle of $17,768,443.
Officials unveiled new projects at the track Friday including a new escalator and enhancements to the “Walk of Fame” area, a new restaurant, and live television broadcasts.
The 2016 Saratoga meet runs through Labor Day.