Saratoga opening-day business surges

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The tornado that the National Weather Service flashed a warning about never came, so Saratoga’s 147th meet was able to storm out of the starting gates in a major way Friday.

Business on opening day was huge, with an all-sources handle figure of $17,706,202, up 18.7 percent over last year’s figure of $14,916,986. Ontrack handle – which includes money wagered at Saratoga, Aqueduct, Belmont, and through NYRA Rewards – was $5,040,927, up 19 percent compared with last year’s figure of $4,235,167.

Paid attendance was reported as 34,783, 35.8 percent higher than last year’s figure of 25,612.

Opening day began under bright, sunny skies and comfortable temperatures. But in midafternoon, as horses were in the paddock for the fifth race, skies began to darken, the wind picked up significantly, and a tornado warning was posted by the National Weather Service. Management posted warnings on the in-house televisions, and track announcer Larry Collmus gave updates on the situation.

Though it did rain briefly, the tornado never materialized, and the show went on, albeit 10 minutes late.

The fifth race was won by 55-1 shot Kelly’s Prize, under Elvis Trujillo. The $112.50 winner helped cause a pick six carryover of $36,443 into Saturday’s program.

New York Racing Association spokesman John Durso Jr. did report that a branch fell near the Morning Line concession stand on the backside, damaging two vehicles, but no one was injured.

The riding stars of the day were Jose Ortiz and Junior Alvarado, who both won two races. Ortiz swept the two maiden races for 2-year-olds, winning the second on Lemon Liqueur ($6.60) and the sixth on Just Wicked ($8.10).

Alvarado won the third on Khaleesi Kat ($9.10) and the eighth on Pulling G’s ($9.30).

The training star of the day was Chad Brown, who won two races, including the Grade 2 Lake George with Mrs McDougal ($11) and the seventh, an allowance race, with Bishop’s Pond ($12.20).

Off the Tracks pulled an 8-1 upset in the Grade 3, $150,000 Schulerville Stakes for 2-year-olds.