The New York Racing Association released the stakes schedule today for the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course with some major races sliding around the calendar due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Runhappy Travers, typically run at the end of August, will now be run on Saturday, August 8th. The "Mid-Summer Derby" will still be run at the distance of 1 1/4 miles for three-year-olds.
Whitney Day is set for Saturday, August 1st. The Whitney is one of three Grade 1 races on the first Saturday of August, and the Whitney winner receives an automatic berth to the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Saratoga Race Course will open on Thursday, July 16th without any fans in attendance.
"We're thrilled to be racing at Saratoga this summer, and we thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for his support and the support of horsemen who have worked with us to navigate the many challenges," NYRA President and CEO Dave O'Rourke said. "While this will be anything but a traditional Saratoga season, we hope to provide a semblance of normalcy for both the local community as well as racing fans across the country."
After opening weekend, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays.
The meet ends on Monday, September 7th with the running of the Runhappy Hopeful for two-year-olds.