(Newswire.net— June 24, 2021) — With a global pandemic still possessing a vice-like grip on the sporting world, horse racing has certainly felt the pinch on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and due to this, racecourse owners have taken a considerable hit in the past year or so.
Although punters have the ability to place bets online via the many sportsbooks that are available today, there is something to be said for going to the racetrack and backing either a favorite or a long shot.
Something that has certainly been missing as of late and with not a lot in the way of footfall, those traditional oddsmakers who make their revenue on the day and in person, have been crying out for racecourses to open once again.
This is why the recent announcement coming out of New York is such a positive one and it is news that comes out of Saratoga, as they are now permitted for the return of spectators in just a few weeks from now.
July 15 is the exact date on which racegoers will be accepted through the turnstiles once more and although the initial fear was that it would only be open to a limited capacity, that will thankfully not be the case.
And we’re off at Saratogaaaaaaa! Post times for the summer meet are set #YourSummerPlace https://t.co/toUQr4uGuc
— NYRA (🌳) (@TheNYRA) June 18, 2021
An announcement which will put a smile on many punters’ faces, as a day out at the track awaits, and for those who will look to place a bet or two before they set off, their first port of call will likely be the online sportsbooks.
Of course, there are so many to choose from these days, that an element of care is also required and the best way to avoid betting with someone less scrupulous, is to always read their reviews before placing a bet.
That way, you do not see your hard-earned money go somewhere it should not and more importantly, it means your enjoyment of watching some top-tier thoroughbreds is not lessened in any shape or form.
While there will certainly be a great deal of enjoyment when Saratoga opens its gates next month and although there is usually a grand dash on the track itself, there is also a race for spectators to earn themselves the best vantage point to see it all unfold.
With more than 70% of adult New York residents now vaccinated against the effects of COVID-19, it has meant the removal of any previous protocols regarding the staging and participation of live sporting events.
With this removal, it will mean two months of racing at the famous location and with 76 stakes being run from July 15 through to September, it also means that there is an overall prize pot of $21.5million to be won.
Of course, the sporting world is not out of the woods just yet when it comes to all things COVID and although seating preference will be provided to those who are vaccinated, there will be measures for those who have not or decide not to.
A plan, which is ultimately a microcosm of the world we all live in today and although there, will be an element of segregation in a sense, it is one that is carried out with the best intention in mind. That intention being a full attendance at Saratoga.
On the announcement of such good news, Governor Andrew Cuomo had this to say:
“The historic Saratoga Race Course is one of the Capital Region’s most storied attractions, drawing over a million New Yorkers and visitors to Saratoga Springs each summer.”
“The racing season is quickly approaching, and this year we are excited to welcome fans back to the course with free admission on Opening Day for any individual who shows proof of vaccination. This is all part of New York’s rebirth and resurgence as we continue to build back better and stronger from this pandemic.”
This means a summer of spectacular racing will certainly be in store and with the 2021 edition of the legendary Triple Crown being recently run, this will allow fans of the sport the next opportunity to cheer on their favorites.
At the same time, this new normal we find ourselves in could also allow new fans to embrace the world of horse racing and once you get the bug of this fantastic sporting discipline, it is incredibly hard to then get rid of it.