Tag: The Biz

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has announced plans to install a synthetic track at Belmont Park. The one-mile synthetic oval will be located to the inside of the inner turf course and will serve as the fourth Belmont racing surface to complement the existing main track and two turf courses. NYRA has also announced a commitment to construct new residential buildings at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course designed to provide additional housing options for the backstretch community.

These projects, among others, are part of NYRA's FY2023 capital budget, which was approved Wednesday by the New York State Franchise Oversight Board.

The recent completion of a vehicular tunnel accessing the 45-acre Belmont Park infield will allow for construction of the synthetic track and renovation of the inner turf course to begin following the conclusion of the 2023 Belmont Park spring/summer meet in July.

These capital improvement projects will arrive as part of NYRA's ongoing campaign to modernize Belmont Park, which will include the complete renovation of all racing surfaces and the construction of new irrigation ponds among other improvements.

“NYRA has closely studied the evolution of synthetic surfaces in recent years, and the time is right to add this option for use during both training and racing,” said Glen Kozak, NYRA Senior Vice President, Operations and Capital Projects. “The new track represents an investment in the future of Belmont Park that will enhance equine safety, support field size during inclement weather and provide horsemen with another year-round training option.”

In December, NYRA completed installation of a Tapeta Footings synthetic surface at the Belmont Park pony track. Located just to the northeast of the Belmont Training Track, the quarter-mile pony track is primarily utilized for jogging horses and has been heavily used since its opening. Importantly, the new Belmont Park pony track has yielded a wealth of information and data on the performance of a synthetic surface in overall climate and weather conditions encountered at Belmont Park.

“Working with the pony track this winter has provided us with invaluable, real-world knowledge around the art and science of properly maintaining synthetic surfaces,” added Kozak. “We look forward to applying our collective expertise to this transformational project at Belmont Park.”

NYRA expects the renovation of the inner turf and construction of the new synthetic track to be complete by spring of 2024.

The residential building projects build on NYRA's multi-year, $40 million campaign to modernize and improve backstretch housing and facilities at Belmont and Saratoga.

“These major capital improvements will reflect NYRA's unwavering commitment to the backstretch community in New York,” said NYRA President & CEO David O'Rourke. “That is why we will continue to devote the resources, time, and attention necessary to construct more new housing in the next three years than at any point in NYRA's history.”

Following design review and approval from the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, NYRA will construct a residence adjacent to the lowlands on the Oklahoma Training Track side of Saratoga Race Course. Use of the Oklahoma as a training center and base of operations has grown significantly in recent years, which necessitated the complete renovation of the facility in 2021. The new building will transform the housing stock available to the backstretch community working at the Oklahoma Training Track.

In addition to the construction of this new residence, NYRA will continue to renovate and modernize existing housing on both the Oklahoma and main track sides of Saratoga Race Course this year and in the future, with new dormitory construction planned for Saratoga in both 2024 and 2025.

When complete, these new residences will represent the most significant upgrade to backstretch housing in the history of Saratoga Race Course.

At Belmont Park, NYRA will construct a new residence to provide updated housing for the 1,000 people living and working at Belmont throughout the year. The NYRA backstretch improvement campaign has resulted in the construction of two new dormitories at Belmont since 2016 along with the renovation of the majority of the existing housing at Belmont.

NYRA will commence substantial work on these two new residential buildings in the fall of 2023 with construction to be completed in 2024.

The post NYRA Plans To Install Synthetic Course At Belmont, Construct New Residential Buildings At Belmont, Saratoga appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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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.

The post NYRA Announces Single Admission Price Policy For Saratoga Race Course appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Belterra Park Cincinnati announced Wednesday the start of its 2023 live racing season. Beginning Thursday, April 27 and running through Oct. 7, live racing will be held Wednesday through Saturday with a first post of 12:25 p.m.

During the 93-day meet, Belterra Park will host ten Ohio stakes races worth $750,000. The “Best of Ohio” championship racing series will be held on Friday, June 2, with five Ohio-bred stakes worth $500,0000. In addition, the revival of the “Cradle Stakes,” an American flat Thoroughbred horse race, is planned for Friday, September 1.

The family-friendly track offers free admission and parking daily. Guests may also enjoy the races from the River Downs Club, which features over 40 HDTVs, 16 self-service betting stations and seven teller stations to place your bets.

Belterra Park will run live race cards for Kentucky Derby Day on May 6, Preakness Stakes on May 20 and Belmont Day on June 10. The full 2023 calendar of events and promotions is available at www.belterrapark.com.

Stall applications may be found online at www.belterrapark.com/race/horsemen as the backside will be open for horsemen on Friday, April 14. For stabling, entries and stakes information, please contact the racing office at 513-354-8443.

About Belterra Park Cincinnati

Belterra Park Cincinnati, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation, provides a best-in-market entertainment destination featuring an over 56,000 square-foot gaming floor that includes a state-of-the-art FanDuel Sportsbook, more than 1,000 games, three dynamic restaurants, VIP Lounge, complimentary self and covered parking and more. Live thoroughbred racing runs seasonally on a one-mile dirt track and the only turf track in Ohio. Pari-mutuel wagering and a simulcast clubhouse called the River Downs Club are open year-round. For more information, visit www.belterrapark.com and connect on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Founded in 1975, Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD) is a leading geographically diversified operator of 28 gaming entertainment properties in 10 states, and manager of a tribal casino in northern California. The Company is also a strategic partner and 5% equity owner of FanDuel Group, the nation's leading sports-betting operator.

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The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation will be hosting the first Fashionable Fillies Luncheon in Florida at The Flamingo Room at Gulfstream Park on Friday, March 31, ahead of The Curlin Florida Derby.

The luncheon will honor Beverly Jochynek, senior executive vice president of Client Management, Xpressbet, and will offer wines by Notorious Wines, Florida-inspired food stations and passed hors d'oeuvres, and the opportunity to shop from vendors such as equestrian artist Alaura Allen, Christine A. Moore Millinery, and a virtual pop-up shop by Kent Stetson Handbags. Live music will be provided by Joanna Holstein, a Swedish singer/songwriter and keyboardist fusing pop, soul, and jazz.

“We are so excited to bring Fashionable Fillies to Florida, an area known for sunshine, bright fashion, and delicious food. We have partnered with the team at 1/ST before at Santa Anita Park, and they have amazing hospitality offerings at their racetracks, so we couldn't think of a better place than Gulfstream Park to host this event,” said Shannon Kelly, executive director of The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation. “Beverly has been a great supporter of the event in its multiple locations. She is a smiling face, always willing to lend us a hand.”

All proceeds from the event will be earmarked by the foundation to benefit the backstretch, farm, and training center communities in Florida, and local chaplains' and horsemen's organizations will help ensure the funds are distributed to those most in need.

“The Fashionable Fillies Luncheon has been a successful fundraiser in Saratoga, Kentucky, and California,” said Kelly. “We hope that this event will follow suit. Safety Net assists those most in need in horse racing, and this fundraiser is crucial to our efforts because for many we are one of their few resources.”

Tickets ($150) and sponsorship opportunities are available at tinyurl.com/FFGP23.

The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation is a charitable trust that provides, on a confidential basis, financial relief to needy members of the Thoroughbred industry and their families. Recipients of the Safety Net Foundation's support represent virtually every facet of the Thoroughbred industry, from jockeys, trainers, exercise riders, and grooms to office personnel and other employees of racetracks, racing organizations, and breeding farms. Assistance can come in any number of forms, including financial aid for basic living expenses such as rent and household bills, and for medication, surgical, and hospital costs. Since 1985, The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation has provided more than $16 million in assistance.

The post Fashionable Fillies Luncheon To Be Held At Gulfstream Ahead Of Florida Derby appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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