SARATOGA SPRINGS -- New York Racing Association president and CEO Charlie Hayward said this afternoon that Saratoga Race Course will stay a 36-day meet in 2010.

It is expected the six-week season would begin on Wednesday, July 28 and end on Labor Day, Sept. 6.

"The dates are not set, but we're scheduled to run the same 36 days," he said.

As for 2009, Hayward felt NYRA has been pleased with the summer, despite minimal declines in attendance and handle.

"I think it's been a spectacular meet," he said. "If you look at the tracks that are struggling around the country and the general state of racing, I think Saratoga is what it's always been -- the brightest spot in all of thoroughbred racing."