Jay DiLorenzo, president of the Preservation League of New York State, said the naming of Saratoga Race Course to the list prior to 2008 was done due to the uncertainty of who will run the track for years to come.

“Saratoga is the Mecca of racing,” he said. “It is clearly worthy of protecting.”

The New York Racing Association’s contract to run Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct expires on Dec. 31 and the governor and legislature haven’t come to an agreement as of yet.

DiLorenzo said the Preservation League of New York protects and promotes historic structures that have positive impacts on the community. He said the threat is the uncertainty and it is time to be proactive.

“This is a critical point in the life of the Saratoga Race Course,” he said.

DiLorenzo said deciding on who manages the facility will have an impact on the track. He said a new franchise will have new ideas for dining, seating and racing, but doesn’t want to see the historic structures altered. Over the years, new buildings have been designed to compliment the older structures and some of the barns have been remodeled instead of tearing them down.

“This isn’t about stopping change,” he said. “But changes aren’t always good.”

DiLorenzo gave the example of the luxury boxes at Churchill Downs in Kentucky and how they now dwarf the trademark of the spired twin towers.

Saratoga Race Course covers 350 acres, more than 200 structures (some dating back to the 1840s) and is the oldest continuously-operating Thoroughbred racetrack in the country.

“Saratoga is the envy of many communities,” DiLorenzo said. “We have to make sure it is protected for years to come.”

Carrie Woerner, Executive Director Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and of the Saratoga Race Course Preservation Coalition, said there needs to be guidelines regarding any changes to the racecourse.

The four-pronged plan includes taking inventory of all resources and buildings at the track; protecting all the buildings and landscape features of Saratoga Race Course; prepare a comprehensive plan with design guidelines; and establishing an oversight process that will include state and local representatives in the decision-making process.

“The city has a strong interest in the racecourse,” Woerner said.

She said the governor and legislation needs to come to an agreement in the near future.

“Saratoga has a special character that brings people back year after year,” DiLorenzo said.