Saratoga handles $51.3 million on Travers day program

Edited Press Release
Photo: NYRA

Saturday's 13-race Travers Day card at Saratoga generated all-sources handle of $51,381,515. 

A paid crowd of 44,507 witnessed Essential Quality secure victory in the Travers Stakes (G1) for reigning Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad Cox and jockey Luis Saez. Essential Quality, owned by Godolphin, posted a final time of 2:01.96 in the 152nd running of the$1.25 million Travers. With the Travers win, Cox becomes just the third conditioner to sweep the Whitney and Travers in the same summer with two different horses. 

On-track handle was $9,406,526.

NYRA was honored to welcome New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, where she presented the Man o’ War Cup to the connections of Essential Quality. On Tuesday, Gov. Hochul made history by becoming the first female governor in New York State history.

Click here for Saratoga entries and results

“The New York Racing Association thanks our fans for their tremendous support today and throughout the 2021 summer meet here at historic Saratoga Race Course, and we look forward to closing out the meet with fan appreciation week,” said NYRA President & CEO Dave O’Rourke.” We would also like to thank Gov. Hochul for joining us today to witness history and present the Man o’ War Cup.”

The Travers was the centerpiece of a card featuring six Grade 1s among seven stakes in total, including the Grade 1, $750,000 Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer; Grade 1, $600,000 Personal Ensign presented by Lia Infiniti; Grade 1, $500,000 Ketel One Ballerina; Grade 1, $600,000 Forego; and Grade 1, $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial. Rounding out the blockbuster card was the Grade 2, $400,000 Ballston Spa.

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