Saratoga Springs, NY – The New York Racing Association Inc. (NYRA) on Wednesday (June 17) announced a charitable campaign to support the trainers, staff and backstretch workers impacted by Tuesday morning’s devastating barn fire at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track.
The dual initiative will first include a $50,000 charitable contribution made by NYRA to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association to assist those affected by the tragedy.
In addition, NYRA will host a fundraiser at Saratoga Race Course beginning on Friday, July 3, Opening Day of the summer meet. Fans in attendance will have an opportunity to purchase a specially designed T-shirt to support those impacted by the fire. The shirt will be available on-track in the Official NYRA Store and online at https://shop.nyra.com/home beginning Friday, June 19.
NYRA will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from all T-shirt sales to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association.
The shirts will be available for purchase at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track during its Sunset Saturday Series from July 11 to Aug. 29.
The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) also announced it will contribute $10,000 to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association to support these efforts.
“The New York horse racing community is united by a shared commitment to the horses and the people who care for them,” said David O’Rourke, NYRA President and CEO. “NYRA extends its deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragic event. We are proud to partner with the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association to provide meaningful support to our neighbors at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track during this difficult time.”
“We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary support shown by our community in the aftermath of the recent barn fire,” said Sam Gerrity, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Casino Hotel. “We extend our sincere appreciation to NYRA for their assistance on the day of the incident and, in particular, for their generous contribution to support the horsemen most directly impacted by this tragedy. This contribution is a meaningful demonstration of the solidarity that defines our racing community, and we are thankful for NYRA’s continued support during this difficult period.”
Henry Westbrook Jr., President of the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association, thanked NYRA and the racing community for their support.
“This is a devastating loss for everyone involved, and the outpouring of support from across the racing industry means a great deal to those affected,” Westbrook said. “The assistance provided through this effort will help our trainers, caretakers and staff as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy. On behalf of the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association, I want to thank NYRA, NYTHA and racing fans for standing with our community.”
“When heartbreak strikes our neighbors, the entire New York racing family responds,” said NYTHA President Tina Marie Bond. “NYTHA is proud to contribute to this collective effort, and we stand fully alongside the harness community as they begin the difficult process of recovery.”
For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com/Saratoga.