by Pat Mckenna
A blockbuster Travers Day card, highlighted by Catholic Boy's victory in the 149th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers, generated all-sources handle of $52,086,597, shattering the previous record set in 2015 by 4.9 percent.
All-sources handle, which exceeded the $50 million mark on Travers Day for the first time ever, surpassed the 2017 all-sources number by 8.8 percent.
On-track handle was $11,466,264, an increase of 5.6 percent over 2017, and just shy of 2015's $11,472,451.
A paid crowd of 49,418 witnessed Catholic Boy put away European invader Mendelssohn in the stretch to draw clear for a four-length victory in the Runhappy Travers, giving Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano his record sixth victory in the race.
The Runhappy Travers was one of six Grade 1 stakes on Travers Day, which also featured the Grade 1, $1 million Sword Dancer, the Grade 1, $700,000 Personal Ensign, the Grade 1, $600,000 Forego, the Grade 1, $500,000 Ketel One Ballerina and the Grade 1 $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens presented by Runhappy. The Travers Day card was rounded out by the Grade 2, $400,000 Woodford Reserve Ballston Spa.
The 2018 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 3. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.
2018 Travers Day
August 25, 2018
All-sources: $52,086,597
On-track: $11,466,264
2017 Travers Day
August 26, 2017
All-sources: $47,870,987
On-track: $10,862,095
2016 Travers Day
August 27, 2016
All-sources: $45,596,367
On-track: $10,778,993
2015 Travers Day
August 29, 2015
All-sources: $49,668,754
On-track: $11,472,451
Pat McKenna, Mark Bardack
Week #3 at Saratoga Race Course Wednesday, July 24 – Sunday, July 28
Keith McCalmont
Saturday’s card at Saratoga Race Course will be bolstered by a Pick 6 carryover of $154,728 after the multi-race wager went unsolved on Friday’s 10-race card.
Pat McKenna, Mark Bardack
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will welcome players and staff from the 2014 Union College Hockey men’s national championship team to Saratoga Race Course on Friday, July 19 in celebration of the 10th anniversary of their historic achievement. A meet-and-greet with team members will coincide with the first premium giveaway of the summer.
Pat McKenna, Mark Bardack
Week #2 at Saratoga Race Course Wednesday, July 17 – Sunday, July 21
Christian Abdo
Friday’s card at Saratoga Race Course will be bolstered by a Pick 6 carryover of $116,881 after the multi-race wager went unsolved during Thursday’s 11-race Opening Day program.
Pat McKenna, Mark Bardack
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the launch of the NYRA Students of Thoroughbreds and Racing (STAR), which will begin July 27 at Saratoga Race Course and continue on Saturdays and Sundays through September 1.