Live racing resumes at Saratoga Casino Hotel

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Following a one week break, live racing will resume at Saratoga Casino Hotel this week, beginning on Thursday, 15 September. Racing will continue to be held 4 days a week through the end of the 2016 season, which is set to conclude on 18 December. Thursdays will feature a 4:00 p.m. post, Friday and Saturday racing will begin at 6:45 p.m. and Sundays will kick off with a matinee post at 12:15 p.m.

The second half of the 2016 racing season will also feature 8 New York Sire Stakes Consolation Finals, which will offer a combined $200,000 in purses. Other highlights include The Jim Derue Memorial Trotting Series and Gary Kamal Memorial Pacing Series, both kicking off their first legs on 10 October.

"We look forward to an exciting second half of our 2016 season," said John Matarazzo, Director of Racing Operations at Saratoga Casino Hotel. "We've already seen some tremendous moments thus far, and we wish all of our horsemen the best of luck as we look to cap out the year on a high note."

Returning for fans will be weekly 'World's Finest' handicapping contests via Saratoga Bets, Saratoga Casino Hotel's interactive wagering platform. Saratoga Bets members will be able to participate in online handicapping contests featuring races from Saratoga Harness, Batavia Downs and Yonkers Raceway. The next contest is set for 24 September and will feature a $750 top prize. To join Saratoga Bets for free, fans are encouraged to visit the website.

Also set to coincide with the return of live harness racing is the re-opening of Fortunes Restaurant. Overlooking the harness track, Fortunes Restaurant offers guests the ability to watch and wager on all the races while dining. Fortunes is open for a dinner buffet on Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 5 p.m., and a Sunday Brunch Buffet starting at 11 a.m.

For more information on the return of live harness racing, visit the Saratoga Casino website.