Francesca Le Donne Photo

Oklahoma Training Track at Saratoga Race Course to open for 2022 season

by Pat McKenna

The Oklahoma Training Track at Saratoga Race Course will open for training on Saturday, April 16, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced today. The barn area at the Oklahoma will open to licensed trainers and staff beginning Friday, April 15.

Prior to the opening of the 2022 summer meet on July 14, the Whitney Viewing Stand will be open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays beginning Friday, April 29 from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. The Whitney Viewing Stand is accessible through Gate 21 on East Avenue and is free of charge.

NYRA completed a major renovation of the Oklahoma Training Track in 2021. The project included a complete reconstruction of the track surface along with the installation of a limestone base and modernized drainage system.

The training track was also widened by 10-to-14 feet in most areas to address the increasing population of horses training over the Oklahoma annually from April to November. Additionally, to enhance safety for exercise riders and jockeys, the inner rail at the Oklahoma was replaced with a rider protection system.

Highlighted by 77 stakes worth $22.6 million in total purses, the 2022 summer meet begins on Thursday, July 14 and will conclude on Monday, Sept. 5. With a focus on the New York-bred program and certain categories of stakes races, the 2022 summer meet will feature a purse increase of more than $1.1 million over 2021.

For additional information about Saratoga Race Course, and to view the complete stakes schedule, visit NYRA.com/Saratoga.