|08.27.202208.27.2022|7:56pm9:03pm
153rd Travers Stakes at Saratoga
Saturday’s blockbuster 13-race Runhappy Travers Day card, highlighted by Epicenter’s victory in the 153rd running of the $1.25 million Runhappy Travers (G1), generated record-setting all-sources wagering handle of $55,559,315
The 2022 figure eclipses the prior Runhappy Travers Day record of $52,129,346 in wagering from all-sources, which was established in 2019.
Paid attendance on Saturday was 49,672, which is the highest on a Runhappy Travers Day since 2015 when Triple Crown winner American Pharoah ran at Saratoga Race Course. Paid attendance in 2021 was 44,507.
On-track handle was $10,373,124, or 10.3% higher than 2021 when on-track handle was $9,406,526.
The Runhappy Travers was the centerpiece of a card featuring five Grade 1s among six stakes in total including the Grade 1, $750,000 Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer offering a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf; the Grade 1, $600,000 Personal Ensign; the Grade 1, $600,000 Forego, the Grade 1, $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial and the Grade 2, $400,000 Ballston Spa.
For the fourth consecutive year, fans nationwide watched the Runhappy Travers action unfold on FOX as part of a special 90-minute telecast. Overall, the networks of FOX Sports broadcast 7 ½ hours of live racing action from Saratoga which included all six graded stakes on Runhappy Travers Day.
Saratoga’s 2022 summer meet continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 5.
