Assemblywoman Woerner: Move Forward in Planning of Saratoga Meet
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, who represents the 113th Assembly District, issued a statement Thursday morning arguing against Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s “instinct to cancel” the Saratoga meet, and recommending the region prepare to move forward planning to hold the summer card at Saratoga Race Course.
The portion of the statement pertaining to Saratoga Race Course is as follows:
“I couldn’t possibly disagree more with the Governor’s instinct to cancel this year’s meet at Saratoga Race Course, even without fans. The equine industry is a core component of New York State agriculture, the largest sector of the state’s economy. Opening the rest of the economy while keeping the track closed disrupts a major economic driver and the livelihood that thousands of people rely upon.
The Governor has lumped together various forms of entertainment and referred to them as ‘attractive nuisances.’ I would like to stress that horse racing is unique and needs to be approached differently than concerts and sporting events.
We need to move forward planning to hold this year’s race meet. Maintaining the schedules and operations of the dozens of different sectors of agriculture including foaling farms, stables, hay farms, equine veterinarians, and tack shops all necessary to making a race season possible.
Our region, state and nation are continuing a trend that points to a resilient and healthier society and economy by July and August.
Cancelling now would leave us no ability to decide to race later. However, continuing to prepare for a meet will allow for a variety of potential opportunities including but not limited to social distancing, limited viewership, and personal protective equipment. “