NYRA television analyst Andy Serling’s Twitter account has been named the best in the game by the Thoroughbred Times in their “Best of 2011” year-end awards, which are decided entirely by readers through an online survey on the publication’s website. Responders also designated Saratoga Race Course the “best racetrack to bet” in this year’s poll.

Serling, who co-hosts much of NYRA’s television programming, has been active on Twitter since July, 2009, and uses the service daily to give out selections and provide analysis for the races at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga.

“I’ve been surprised at how much I’ve enjoyed using Twitter to interact with fans and I’m glad that they seem to be enjoying it also,” Serling said. “I’m honored to receive the award and really appreciate those who voted for me.”

Saratoga’s live racing meet runs from late July through Labor Day and features many of the top owners, trainers, and jockeys in the sport. The 143rd Saratoga meet that concluded this past summer boasted daily average attendance of 22,353 and a number of incredible races, including Tizway’s Whitney triumph, Royal Delta’s dominant win in the TVG Alabama, Caleb’s Posse’s nose upset over Uncle Mo in the Foxwoods King’s Bishop, Stay Thirsty’s Jim Dandy and Travers scores, and Havre de Grace’s victory over males in the Woodward.

Founded in 1955, and franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York’s three major tracks through 2033, NYRA boasts a lineage that actually stretches back almost 150 years. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of the state’s thoroughbred business which contributes more than $2 billion annually to New York State’s urban, suburban and rural economy. In 2010, more than 1.6 million people attended the live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring in nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races totals more than $8.7 million. NYRA has a vast network of websites, including www.nyra.com, www.belmontstakes.com, and www.nyragroupsales.com. You can also follow NYRA on social media platforms Facebook, Flickr, Tumblr, Twitter, and YouTube.