Statement from the Stewards regarding Race 12 on Saturday at Saratoga

By Pat McKenna —-

Statement from the Stewards regarding Race 12 on Saturday at Saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Saturday’s final race at Saratoga Race Course [Race 12], which was scheduled and carded at 1 1/8-miles on the Mellon Turf Course, was instead contested at 1 1/16-miles due to an incorrect gate placement that was confirmed after the race was made official.

On Saturday, the temporary rail was set at 18 feet on the Mellon Turf Course which dictates an alternate starting location to accommodate for the change in distance around the circumference of the inner rail of the track. However, the gate was incorrectly placed at the starting location for a 1 1/16-mile race.

Following this incident, staff from The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) met with the Stewards and determined that human error caused the gate to be placed in the incorrect position. NYRA has implemented measures to ensure that racing officials and Stewards proactively acknowledge and verify the correct gate placement prior to the start of every race.

“The Stewards are responsible for overseeing the integrity of every race here on the NYRA circuit,” said NYRA Steward Victor Escobar. “We would like to apologize to the betting public, fans and racing participants for failing to meet those standards on Saturday.”

The Stewards consist of the New York State Gaming Commission Steward, the Jockey Club Steward and the NYRA Steward. Collectively, the Stewards are responsible for officiating races at Saratoga Race Course.