This Sunday (February 19) will mark the beginning of Saratoga Raceway’s 76th season of live harness racing. First-race post time has been scheduled for 12:15 p.m.

The casino’s live racing product represents a unique and unparalleled entertainment offering that looks to build off its success from 2016, where record all-source pari-mutuel handle exceeded $78 million.

”We recognize the importance of delivering an exceptional harness racing product to our guests, as that entertainment option can only be offered regionally here at Saratoga Casino Hotel,” said John Matarazzo, director of racing operations at Saratoga Casino Hotel. “We look forward to welcoming back all of our racing fans as we gear up for another exciting season.”

Guests in attendance on Sunday’s opening day will receive a free commemorative long-sleeve shirt with the purchase of a racing program. Dollar deals are planned for hot dogs and select draft beers during the first three days of live racing. Additionally, for the first week of racing, a 10 per cent bonus will be added on to all winning Saratoga Harness wagers placed on any self-service kiosk with a valid SaratogaBets account. As always, parking and admission are free.

A top highlight of the upcoming racing season will include the ninth annual Joe Gerrity Jr. Memorial Pace, which will feature one dash for $260,000 on July 22. Last year’s Gerrity champion and 2015 U.S. Horse of the Year, Wiggle It Jiggleit, will receive an automatic invitation into this year’s race.

“Our horsemen are all looking forward to getting back to racing, as they will be competing for nearly $16 million in purses this season,” said Tom McTygue, president of the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association.

The 2017 racing season will also 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 track. Pre- and post-race coverage, behind the scenes looks into the paddock, and exclusive race insight from track announcer Mike Sardella are some of the highlights planned. An upcoming social media contest for Saratoga Harness fans will include the top prize of an all-expense paid trip to this year’s Kentucky Derby. Additional details will soon be announced on saratogacasino.com and all of Saratoga Casino’s social media pages.

Along with a matinee 12:15 p.m. post time for all February race dates, Thursday racing has been scheduled at an earlier 12:15 p.m. post throughout the year. The full 2017 season schedule is available now at saratogacasino.com.

(Saratoga Casino Hotel)