Saratoga, N.Y. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released the below statement following comments earlier this week by Governor Cuomo that the Saratoga Race Track Meet may be fully cancelled this summer due to COVID-19.
“I am concerned about comments from the Governor that Saratoga Race Track could be fully cancelled due to COVID-19. I share these concerns with my bipartisan State elected colleagues who also represent portions of Saratoga County and I believe any potential decision to cancel is premature since the races do not begin for another eleven weeks. Local Saratoga-based community organizations as well as NYRA are proposing ideas to ensure that we have a safe 2020 summer at the track given public health concerns related to COVID-19,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “The Track and the equine industry are significant economic drivers for the Saratoga County and Upstate economy and I believe we should be exploring options for the Race Course to reopen for the Meet with updated operations based on public health recommendations. I believe that the State should partner with local leaders and organizations, including the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the Saratoga County Public Health Department, Saratoga Prosperity Partnership, and the New York Racing Association, to proactively plan the best path forward that protects public health but also ensures there is a way for the Meet to move forward in a modified capacity to protect the public's health.”
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