By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-978724.mp3
Albany, NY – Horse racing is back for the 143rd year at the Saratoga Race Course. The air is hot and sultry, and the heat is on in more ways than one for track operator NYRA. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
The hot humid weather left racing fans on the edge of their seats as rumors abounded that the first day of racing in the spa City might be cancelled.
The New York Racing Association's Director of Communications Dan Silver says Saratoga is ready for racing. The weather-related threat came just as NYRA is trying to shore up its racing model: NYRA reported a $17 million operating loss in 2010 and projects a more than $11 million deficit this year. New York City Off Track Betting, which closed last Dec. 8, accounted for 18 percent of NYRA's revenue stream. Last year, NYRA required a $25 million loan from the state to open Saratoga Race Course.
John Sabini is chairman of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board - he has a lot of faith in Saratoga, and in NYRA as well. He's optimistic about the young season. NYRA's Charlie Hayward says Kentucky horses are accustomed to high temperatures, and local horses have had days to acclimate to the humidity. Jack Knowlton of Sackatoga Stables says the track will do everything possible to keep the horses cool.
NYRA is feeling another kind of heat: mounting concerns about a national decline in betting, and the State Comptroller's renewed interest in the Association's operations. Tom DiNapoli says he just wants a look at NYRA's books.
Published reports indicate NYRA expects to realize $500,000 in savings after cutting the number of temporary workers for the meet by 200.
The 2011 Saratoga meet runs from July 22nd through September 5th.