With weather forecasters calling for temperatures in the low to mid 90s July 19 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., New York Racing Association officials are taking additional precautions to ensure that horses and humans remain comfortable during the opening-day race card at Saratoga Race Course.
• Multiple veterinarians will be positioned throughout the horse paths, paddock, winner's circle, and racetrack to carefully monitor all horses before and after each race.
• Extra water hoses will be operated at various junctures during the horses' travel to and from the racetrack, including at the paddock and winner's circle where horses unsaddle after a race.
• Personnel with buckets of ice will be positioned similarly around the racing facility where horses pass.
*Additional water will be provided to the jockeys' quarters to ensure that they remain well-hydrated.
• Five-pound bags of ice will be available to patrons for purchase at selected concession outlets.
"While we have every intention of running tomorrow as scheduled, we will, of course, stay in close contact with veterinarians, horsemen, riders, and state regulators tomorrow morning and throughout the day," said NYRA president Christopher Kay. "The NYRA staff is accustomed to and adept at dealing with hot weather days at Saratoga. We anticipate a normal day of racing here tomorrow."