Saratoga Race Course Ends With Tribute To ‘Irene’ and ‘Lee’

As summer slips away, it's hard to believe that the last week of racing at Saratoga Race Course is upon us.  After a very exciting Travers race, NYRA has announced that Friday, August 31, 2012 will be a special day to give back to the community and remember the devastation of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

NYRA will mark the anniversary of Irene and Lee with a donation and on-track collection efforts to assist the ongoing recovery efforts of local communities impacted by the storms.

Track patrons will be invited to make monetary donations to benefit the Prattsville Relief Fund; Schoharie Area Long Term (SALT) Recovery; Schenectady County Rebuilding Families; and Middleburgh Village Relief Fund. Donations will be collected throughout the day at the Clubhouse, Union Avenue and Reserved Seats entrances and will be split evenly among the four community relief organizations.

Additionally, NYRA will make a $5,000 donation to assist with rebuilding efforts during a ceremony in the winner’s circle following the day’s third race, which will be named “Remembering Irene & Lee – The Recovery Continues”.

The final Friday of the racing season will get underway with its traditional 2:30 p.m. first post time; gates open at noon.  The final day of racing is Labor Day, Monday, September 3, 2012.

Hurricane Irene hit New York on Aug. 28, 2011 and Tropical Storm Lee reached the state Sept. 7, 2011.