Saratoga: Steward halts betting early by mistake

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Wagering was halted several minutes before Saratoga’s ninth race on Monday when the New York State Racing and Wagering Board steward mistakenly hit the button that closes wagering.

Carmine Donofrio, the racing board steward, said he walked into the office where a bank of televisions show the races and he saw a field of horses breaking from the gate. Believing it was the ninth race at Saratoga, he hit the button that closed wagering even there were still at least two minutes to post.

Bettors both at the track and at simulcast outlets around the country were unable to place a bet for the final two minutes before the race.