NYRA to aid flood recovery efforts with special race today

PHOTOGRAPHER: David Lombardo

In recognition of the one-year anniversary of the late summer flooding of 2011, Saratoga Race Course will host a special race today and the New York Racing Association will make a donation to a recovery charity.

The fourth race will be christened the “Remember Irene & Lee — The Recovery Continues.” In the winner’s circle after this one and one-sixteenth miles jaunt around the turf, NYRA will make a donation of $5,000 toward rebuilding efforts.

“Each summer upon our return to Saratoga Race Course, we receive a warm welcome from the community that reminds us why we value our surroundings as much as we do. Tropical Storms Irene and Lee left many local areas deeply devastated and still in need of our help and support one year later,” said NYRA President and COO Ellen McClain in a statement.

Additionally, patrons will get their own chance to contribute to various causes, which include the Prattsville Relief Fund, Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery, Middleburgh Village Relief Fund and Schenectady County Rebuilding Families.

Donations will be collected at the clubhouse, Union Avenue and reserved seats entrances. All contributions will be split among the charities evenly.

The late-summer flooding of 2011 narrowly missed the running of the 142nd Travers, but heavy rains resulted in canceling the next day’s races on Aug. 28, 2011. The crowd on Monday, Aug. 29, was very sparse, as people were still reeling from the weekend’s weather.

Gates open at noon today and the first post time is 2:30 p.m.