NYRA to unveil Carmen M. Barrera Horsemen’s Lounge at Saratoga Race Course

by Brian Bohl

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the completion of the Carmen M. Barrera Horsemen’s Lounge at Saratoga Race Course.

Formerly known as the Saratoga Room, the horsemen’s lounge has been renovated and renamed to honor the memory of Carmen M. Barrera, NYRA’s longtime director of horsemen’s relations who died unexpectedly on August 8, 2019.

Barrera joined NYRA in 1978, the same year that her uncle Laz Barrera campaigned Affirmed to the Triple Crown, and was a valued employee and familiar presence at all NYRA tracks since that time. Her father, Luis, was a trainer as well, campaigning Summing to victory in the 1981 Belmont Stakes. And her cousin, Juan Dominguez is NYRA's racing facilities coordinator.

“NYRA and New York’s racing community at large owe Carmen a debt of gratitude for her decades of service to our sport,” said Martin Panza, NYRA Senior Vice President of Racing Operations. “That she will now have a permanent place at Saratoga Race Course is a fitting honor for someone who cared so deeply for Saratoga.”

Located just off the Porch on the first floor of the clubhouse, the convenient drop-in facility offers assorted beverages and will be open to licensed owners and trainers.

The 40-day summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course will feature 76 stakes worth $21.5 million in total purses highlighted by the 152nd renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers on August 28 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on August 7, as the anchors of two of the most prestigious racing days in North America.

Following the four-day Runhappy Opening Weekend from Thursday, July 15 through Sunday, July 18, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, with the exception of the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day.

For more information about Saratoga Race

Course, visit NYRA.com/Saratoga.