Will the 2018 Saratoga Race Meet Be Longer Than 40 Days?

Labor Day is always a bittersweet holiday. While the long weekend is great, it also signifies the end of Summer and the Saratoga meet. But, could the meet itself get longer soon?

According to a recent Times Union article, the meet could get longer sooner than we think. There are currently no plans to increase the length of the season in 2018, but 2019 could be the year we see a longer meet. The Times Union says that renovations at Belmont in 2019 could spur NYRA to increase the length the Saratoga meet in 2019. They meet has increased several times over the years, most recently in 2010 when it went from 36 to 40 days.

Tim Wilkin, who wrote the TU article, points out more racing does have the chance to make the season less special, but more could also be great.. I think if they find the right balance they can increase the season a bit while keeping Saratoga's unique vibe.

It does feel like the meet flies by, and maybe if we just had one more week, we could get more track time in but still have that feeling of wanting a little bit more more when the season ends! I have a funny feeling no matter how long they make it, we will still be wanting more once the meet ends with the Summertime!