Saratoga: Opening-day card a go despite high temperatures

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – “We’re running.”

Those were the words of New York Racing Association president and CEO Charles Hayward shortly before 7 a.m., regarding the status of Friday’s opening-day card at Saratoga.

Despite temperatures that are expected to be in the mid-90s and a heat index near 100, Hayward said that Friday’s 10-race show will go on. First post is 1 p.m.

Hayward said the forecast by the weather service NYRA uses is calling for a high of 93 degrees and a heat index of 100. On Thursday, it was 98 degrees in Saratoga with a heat index over 100.

“I honestly think we could have run yesterday and it was much hotter yesterday,” Hayward said.

Hayward said both he and vice president/director of racing P.J. Campo have talked to trainers, riders, veterinarians, and stewards.

"We’ve canvassed everybody and not one person has expressed concern about going to day,” Hayward said. “I think we’ll be good.”