2015 Racing Season begins on March 1^st with a $16 Million Purse Structure and a Refined Wagering Experience

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (February 26, 2015) – Looking to continue the trend that has shown increases in all-source handle over each of the last 5 years, Saratoga Casino and Raceway opens its 74^th harness racing season on Sunday, March 1 at 12:45pm.

Saratoga Casino and Raceway’s spring schedule will consist of live racing Fridays and Saturdays at 6:45pm and Sunday matinees starting at 12:45pm.  New for 2015, the Thursday card has been moved to a 4pm twilight post, and in March, will feature a ‘happy hour’ with $1 hot dogs and draft beers from 4-7pm. The full 2015 season schedule is available at www.saratogacasino.com.

A complimentary long sleeve t-shirt will be provided to patrons who purchase a live racing program during this Sunday’s matinee card. Programs are available for $2. As always, parking and admission are free.

Simulcast of the Saratoga Harness signal continues to increase in popularity, reaching an all-time record handle of $35 million dollars in 2014.  Over 150 different venues throughout the world will carry the signal in 2015.

“The product on the Saratoga Harness track has never been better,” said John Matarazzo, Director of Racing Operations at Saratoga Casino and Raceway. “With the rollout of our ‘One Card’ program and introduction of our Thursday Happy Hours, we’ve got something for casual and hardcore fans alike. The Horsemen will be competing for purses exceeding $16 million with average purses of $93,000 every night.”

This year, the historic harness racing venue’s exclusive wagering platform SaratogaBets is set to unveil a new ‘One Card’ functionality system. The new program is designed to streamline the on-property pari-mutuel experience and allow visitors to earn rewards both on and off property throughout 2015 and beyond. Complimentary WiFi, mobile betting tablets and a race replay kiosk are also some of the new benefits for horseplayers who visit Saratoga Casino and Raceway’s facilities. Fridays in March, all SaratogaBets members are also encouraged to participate in weekly Saratoga Harness handicapping contests for a chance to win a $750 wagering credit.

For 2015, the seventh annual Joe Gerrity, Jr. Memorial Pace will consist of one dash for $275,000 on July 25. The 2014 Gerrity Memorial featured Dancin’ Yankee, who set the world record for an older pacer and shattered the track record with an impressive 1:48.4 finish. This year’s event will once again draw the best pacers in the Northeast.  The popular New York Sire Stakes program will return on Thursday, June 4, and the annual Back to the Track event will also be returning this summer.

The 2015 racing season will continue to build on an increased social media presence. Fans are encouraged to follow @SaratogaCasino on Twitter and Instagram as well as to use #SaratogaHarness to share photos and videos of their experiences at the harness track. Pre and post-race coverage, behind the scenes looks into the paddock, and exclusive race insight from track announcer Mike Sardella are just some of the highlights planned. Direct links to Twitter and Instagram pages can be found at twitter.com/saratogacasino and Instagram.com/@saratogaCasino.

Guests are encouraged to sign up for SaratogaBets, the exclusive online wagering platform, at SaratogaBets.com, by calling 855-445-4414 or by visiting the mezzanine at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.

Saratoga Casino and Raceway, located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY, features over 1,700 slots, electronic table games, Vapor, two full-service restaurants with buffets, a casual dining restaurant, three full-service bars, deli and a variety of guest services including valet parking and coat check. Operating hours for the gaming facility are 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. every day. Simulcast races can be viewed seven days a week and live harness racing runs March through mid-December. For a full racing schedule and additional information, please visit www.saratogacasino.com or call 800-727-2990. Must be 18 years of age or older to play video gaming machines or wager on horses.  Please play responsibly.