NYRA caps Travers attendance at 50,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Regardless of whether Triple Crown winner American Pharoah runs, attendance for the Travers Stakes on Aug. 29 at Saratoga will be capped at 50,000, the New York Racing Association announced Thursday.

In reaction to bad publicity over logistical problems at the 2014 Belmont Stakes, NYRA implemented an attendance cap of 90,000 for the Belmont Stakes, and officials were happy with the results.

In a press release, NYRA said the cap “was a key component of NYRA’s success during this year’s Belmont Stakes, which resulted in a better experience for horseplayers and fans at Belmont Park.”

Since 1978, there have been five Travers Day crowds of more than 50,000, including an announced crowd of 66,122 in 2003, when the New York-bred Funny Cide was scheduled to run in the Travers but did not. Last year’s Travers attendance was 46,557.

NYRA hopes to attract American Pharoah for the Travers. Owner Ahmed Zayat has expressed interest in running his horse here. Trainer Bob Baffert wants to see how the horse trains before deciding where American Pharoah will start next.

This year’s Travers program will consist of six Grade 1 stakes – the Sword Dancer and Forego were moved to this program – and seven stakes overall.

NYRA announced that all reserved seating, dining, and clubhouse admission is sold out for Travers Day. General-admission tickets still are available for $10. There is a purchase limit of eight general-admission tickets per person.