NYRA Announces Single Admission Price Policy For Saratoga Race Course

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced Wednesday that Saratoga Race Course will feature one admission price for all fans beginning with the 2023 summer meet, thereby eliminating the traditional two-tiered structure of Clubhouse and Grandstand admission. For the first time, a single admission rate will provide fans with access to both the Clubhouse and Grandstand.

Admission will be $7 daily when purchased at least 24-hours in advance, a savings from last season's Clubhouse price of $10. Admission to Saratoga Race Course on the day of the event will be $10. Admission does not include reserved seating. Since 2019, daily Clubhouse admission has stood at $10 and Grandstand admission at $7.

The elimination of the Clubhouse and Grandstand exchanges means that fans will now have universal access to amenities and attractions such as the historic Jim Dandy Bar and the portion of the apron by the Finish Line that had previously been limited to those with Clubhouse admission. The popular track restaurants, including the Turf Terrace and Porch, are also located within the Clubhouse (admission plus seating charges apply).

“Our new single admission policy is designed to improve the overall experience for our fans by providing access to all areas of Saratoga Race Course,” said NYRA Vice President, Sales and Hospitality, Kevin Quinn. “Not only does this change create a seamless, simplified experience, but it will provide all fans with access to previously unavailable amenities, like upper concourse bars and concession stands located in the Clubhouse.”

Fans will be able to purchase their daily admission to Saratoga Race Course beginning Thursday, June 1, 2023, at NYRA.com/Saratoga.

Season admission passes, which provide admission at a deep discount for all 40 days of the summer meet, will go on sale in April.

Travers Day general admission will be available for $25 in advance and $30 day-of, while supplies last.

Opening Day of the 2023 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course is Thursday, July 13. Live racing will be conducted five days per week, Wednesdays through Sundays, with the exception of Opening Week and Closing Week which will conclude on Labor Day, Monday, September 4. The 154th edition of the Travers will take place on Saturday, August 26 and the 96th renewal of the Whitney will be run on Saturday, August 5.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com/Saratoga.

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Johnston Named HISA Rider Safety and Welfare Manager

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has named Jockeys' Guild veteran Jeff Johnston its Rider Safety and Welfare Manager, effective Mar. 17. Johnston will work with jockeys and other riders to ensure compliance with the Racetrack Safety Program, support continuing education programs, provide uniform first responder training, work with providers to improve safety equipment, and increase communication with local medical facilities.

Johnston will also closely support the new jockey mental wellness initiative HISA announced this week in partnership with the Jockeys' Guild and will work alongside Dr. Peter Hester, HISA's National Medical Director, to enhance rider access to mental health support and resources.

Johnston will report to HISA's Director of Racetrack Safety Ann McGovern.

“We are pleased to have Jeff join us to lead our efforts to work collaboratively with jockeys and riders to ensure their health, safety and overall well-being through our Racetrack Safety Program,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “Jeff's many years of experience with the Jockeys' Guild and his perspective as a jockey himself will be invaluable to HISA as we continue to increase communications and collaboration with racing participants across the country.”

Johnston began racing as a jockey in 1985, competing in more than 11,000 Thoroughbred races and amassing 1,375 victories before transitioning to a career with the Jockeys' Guild in 2006, where he most recently served as Regional Manager.

“As a longtime advocate for rider safety, I am eager to get to work advancing HISA's goal of improving safety for riders nationwide,” said Johnston. “I look forward to using my experience to help ensure that riders are safe on and off the track, that they are familiar with HISA's rules and how these changes affect them, and that they are outfitted with the best safety equipment possible.”

Accredited as a steward by the Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP), Johnston also previously served as Chairman of the Jockey Club's Rider and Driver Safety Committee. He is a graduate of the University of Louisville's Equine Industry Program.

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Plusvital Extends Sponsorship at Naas

Irish equine science company Plusvital will continue their sponsorship of the Listed Plusvital Devoy S. on the opening weekend of the Irish Flat racing season at Naas Mar. 26.

In addition to the €500 breeder prize they provided last season, Plusvital will also provide a new additional prize for the trainer of the winning horse, who will be awarded €500 worth of Plusvital products. Additionally, to acknowledge their contribution to the industry, all the winning 'Best Turned Out' grooms of each of the races on the day will be recognised with a Plusvital equine care pack.

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Thursday’s Racing Insights: McPeek Duo Back in Action at Oaklawn

8th-OP, $106K, OC 50k/N2X, 4yo/up, 1 1/8m, 5:22 p.m.

The Ken McPeek-trained duo of 'TDN Rising Star' SMILE HAPPY (Runhappy) and CREATIVE MINISTER (Creative Cause) kick off their 4-year-old seasons at Oaklawn Park Thursday.

Smile Happy, winner of the GII Kentucky Jockey Club S. at two and runner-up as the favorite in last year's GI Toyota Blue Grass S., makes his first start since finishing eighth in the GI Kentucky Derby. The 2-1 morning-line favorite gets first-time Lasix while facing seven rivals here.

Creative Minister, a respectable third in last year's GI Preakness S., came within a nose of recording a career high in Churchill's Bourbon Trail S. Sept. 24. He was a well-beaten eighth in an optional claimer at Keeneland when last seen in the fall. TJCIS PPs

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