Racing opens at Saratoga amid scrutiny, tumult
July 19, 2012SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) - Racing opens at the storied Saratoga Race Course as congressional scrutiny about horse doping and a state takeover of the New York Racing Association loom in the background.
The 144th season at the nation's oldest thoroughbred track won't see the stars of the Triple Crown series during the 40-day stand that starts Friday.
I'll Have Another won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness but retired with an injury before the Belmont Stakes. He was going for the first Triple Crown since 1978.
The state will take over racing for three years following years of mismanagement by the NYRA. It was recently revealed that $8.5 million was kept from bettors.
The meet will offer daily purses nearing $1 million, the largest ever at an extended race meeting. It closes on Labor Day.