Saratoga 2020

[Ted Craven]

Looks like NYRA and Saratoga track have announced this year's dates. (image from PaceAdvantage)



I checked a number of online resources for info on social distancing issues, admission restrictions, masks, sanitizers, food, etc, etc. Nothing so far.

I will not be attending this year (and not just because there is no official date for the Canada/US border to reopen). Just my personal POV - what could go wrong with 10s of thousands of people sharing food kiosks, bathrooms, shouting in the stands, sharing betting terminals etc . I look on from my quaint and quiet corner of Ontario with amazement at how authorities and people themselves feel they can stay safe at large public gatherings with coronavirus still many times more prevalent than the early days when we were shutting everything down. And that goes not just for horse racing, but beaches, shopping emporiums, political rallies and protests (though I understand why the latter, infections be damned).

I am one of the healthiest 66 year-olds I know, but I don't like to bet on even-money favourites who have some obvious defects: I know it will end badly 60+ percent of the time.

If Saratoga turns out to be NOT open to live attendance, I'll still be there (virtually) like I have been in person the past 12 years

Good luck if you choose to go this year, and please (try to) stay safe.

Ted