Given the forecast for excessive heat, Saratoga track officials and representatives of the New York State Gaming Commission have moved post time from 7:05 p.m. to 8:05 p.m. for the Saturday (July 20) card that features the $260,000 Joe Gerrity Memorial Pace.

Officials feel that this delay in post time will allow for the heat index to drop to acceptable levels to ensure the safety and well-being of the horses and drivers competing. Acceptable heat index levels are outlined in the New York Racetrack Heat Management Protocol.

In addition to the delayed post time, track officials are taking extra precautions by bringing in an additional veterinarian as well as providing ice tubs and ice water in the paddock.

Saturday night’s 14-race program is the highlight of the harness season at Saratoga Casino Hotel with more than $600,000 in purses. The $260,000 Gerrity is carded as the seventh race of the program with half of the eight-horse field coming into the race with more than $1 million in career earnings. One of the headliners in the field is the 8-year-old McWicked who has won 35 races and more than $4 million in his career for trainer Casie Coleman.

The property is also open for simulcast wagering from tracks across the country and the casino is open from 9 a.m.-5 a.m. Parking and admission are free.

(Saratoga)