The New York Racing Association’s future remains uncertain, but at least for this summer the nonprofit organization still runs thoroughbred racing at Saratoga Race Course.

On Monday, June 25, NYRA officials outlined the races scheduled, discussed initiatives for the upcoming season and unveiled this year’s giveaways at the annual pre-meet press conference at The Desmond Hotel in Albany. The 139th season starts Wednesday, July 25, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3.

NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward said they’re hoping to run more turf racing this year. Last year rain presented some problems and they had to call off a day of racing due to heat and humidity. Hayward believes there’s a lot for people to look forward to at the track this year.

            On July 28, the first-ever Breeders’ Cup Challenge Day, Saratoga will host the Grade 1, $750,000 Whitney Handicap, the Grade 1, $250,000 Go for Wand, the Grade 1, $500,000 Diana Handicap and the Grade 2, $250,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt. All four are important races, and the winner of each will automatically qualify for the Breeders’ Cup in October. ABC will be on hand to televise the races during a two-hour live telecast beginning at 4 p.m.

            Steeplechase racing returns to track with Steeplechase Thursdays and there will also be two Sunset Friday racing days this season, on July 27 and Aug. 31.

New this year, NYRA will offer simulcast wagering from racetracks in the United Kingdom during the mornings, except Tuesdays and Sundays. The agreement with Racing UK will expose fans to courses including Catterick, Newbury, York, Nottingham, Haydock and Salisbury.

Since last summer the race course has undergone $1.2 million worth of improvements and upgrades. Facilities Manager Charles Wheeler said they rebuilt the clubhouse floor, restored five barns originally constructed in the 1880s, installed electrical and data cabling in the top floor of the Clubhouse restaurant and put in some new copper roofing.

Wheeler previously served as director of Empire State Plaza Convention and Arts Center in Albany and executive director of the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. He replaced George Hathaway who retired last September after 32 years with NYRA.

Although Wheeler believes the improvements give the space a “fresh new look,” he said staying true to the historic design of the track was very important to him.

“Saratoga has great ambiance,” he said. “We’re faithfully trying to continue that.”

In regard to the franchise, Hayward believes Gov. Eliot Spitzer has a lot on his mind. He said he’s optimistic the issue will be resolved as quickly as possible.

“I’m hopeful there will be developments in the upcoming weeks,” Hayward said. “My biggest hope is that racing continues to be non-profit in New York.”

Saratoga Springs Mayor Valerie Keehn attended Monday’s press conference and said NYRA seemed optimistic about where they’ll be positioned for the next franchise agreement. Keehn remains skeptical about the idea of separating gaming and racing. Whatever the resolution is, she said it will need to offer open communication between gaming, racing and the city, and ensure that racing doesn’t suffer.

As for the governor’s decision, Keehn believes it shouldn’t be taken lightly.

“This is a very important and complicated situation. It should be treated with the weight it deserves,” she said.

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Give it away now

Every summer people flock to the Saratoga Race Course for their unique promotional giveaways. This year looks to be no different.

This year’s schedule:

Thursday, July 26: Angel Cordero Jr. bobblehead doll.

Sunday, July 29: a red Saratoga baseball cap with white lettering.

Sunday, Aug. 5: a white Saratoga T-shirt with red lettering.

Sunday, Aug. 12: a red Saratoga folding chair.

Sunday, Aug. 19: a full-size red and white Saratoga umbrella.

Sunday, Sept. 2: a red Saratoga cooler bag.

The majority of the Angel Cordero Jr. bobbleheads show the retired Hall of Fame jockey donning red silks, but 3,000 of them feature him in purple silks. These limited edition bobbleheads will be distributed at random.

            During his career, Cordero won 13 Saratoga riding titles and was Saratoga’s top jockey for 11 straight summers from 1976 to 1986.

All giveaways are free with each paid admission, while supplies last. Patrons who wish to skip the giveaways altogether can head to a specifically designated turnstile at the East Avenue admission gate to find fast admission to the grandstand.