Would you be surprised if you strolled into a grocery store and walked out having just purchased an assortment of racetrack paraphernalia?

If you live in close to the Saratoga Race Course in New York and step into a Hannaford Supermarkets location this may just happen to you.

The Thoroughbred Times has reported that an arrangement has been reached between Saratoga and the grocery store chain which will see select locations offer a baseball cap, visor, travel mug and water bottle at select locations through Labour Day.

The article has quoted New York Racing Association President Charlie Hayward as sating, “NYRA is pleased to partner with Hannaford to bring racing fans their first taste of summer in 2011. By offering official Saratoga merchandise ahead of opening day, we hope to create a true sense of excitement for the return of the thoroughbreds to Saratoga Race Course this July."

(With files from the Thoroughbred Times)