NYRA launches Saratoga Showdown, a free online handicapping game every day during Saratoga Live

by NYRA Press Office

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced today the launch of a free online game, allowing fans to test their skills against each other and win prizes. The contest runs exclusively during races that are broadcast on NYRA's flagship TV show "Saratoga Live."

To play, participants must visit www.saratogashowdown.com. Saratoga Showdown features three formats that will alternate on live race days.

The first option allows fans to pick one horse each race where a mythical $5 win-place-show bet is placed. The second version is an exacta contest where contestants pick three horses that are placed in a mythical $2 exacta box. The third option asks players to pick three horses, after which a mythical $2 win bet is placed on all three, a $1 exacta box bet and a $0.50 trifecta box bet is also placed on the three selections. 

The first contest will take place on Sunday, July 23, 2017 and will feature races 7-10.

"Playing the races can be intimidating and this is a great way for fans to test their ability to pick winners without any risk, all from the comfort of their homes," said William Alempijevic, NYRA Director of Business Development, "With the chance to win prizes every day and no cost to enter, Saratoga Showdown is the ultimate win-win for thoroughbred racing fans who are watching the world-class racing on "Saratoga Live."

The player with the largest bankroll after each race will receive one entry into a sweepstakes to be conducted at the end of the Saratoga summer meet. The player with the largest total bankroll at the end of the day wins 50,000 NYRA Bets points, redeemable for play at NYRABets.com, as well as a sweepstakes entry.

The grand prize for the sweepstakes is a VIP package to the 2018 Belmont Stakes Day, which includes one $500 airfare credit, two premium seats, two programs, food and merchandise. The total value of the prize is $2,000.

The 2017 meet features expanded television broadcast coverage of NYRA's flagship TV show "Saratoga Live," presented by Claiborne Farm with supporting sponsorship from Gallery Racing and Team Runhappy. It will be available in 75 million households nationally through FOX Sports 2 and regionally through MSG+, FOX Sports Prime Ticket, FOX Sports San Diego, FOX Sports Ohio and the Altitude Sports Network.

NBC Sports Network will once again be broadcasting live from Saratoga Race Course on several occasions during the meet. On August 5, the network will broadcast the Whitney and the Longines Test from 5 to 6 p.m. EST. On August 26, NBC will broadcast the Travers, the Sword Dancer and other races from 4 to 6 p.m. EST. And on September 2 it will broadcast the Woodward and Spinaway from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. EST.

"Saratoga Live" broadcasts nearly every day of the meet from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and features a broadcast team that includes host Greg Wolf, handicapper Andy Serling, analyst Paul Lo Duca, paddock analyst Maggie Wolfendale, trainer Tom Amoss, and analyst Gabby Gaudet.

To view the TV schedule for the entire meet, please visit: goo.gl/jSHX3n