The start of the Whitney. (Chelsea Durand)
NYRA Press Office
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced Saturday’s blockbuster 13-race Whitney Day program at Saratoga Race Course, highlighted by Sierra Leone’s victory in the 98th running of the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney, generated record wagering handle of $49,651,341.
The Whitney Day handle figure represents a 22.7 percent increase over the prior Whitney Day record of $40,461,888, which was established in 2022.
Paid attendance on Saturday was 42,316, with on-track handle of $8,551,067.
The 1 1/8-mile Whitney for 4-year-olds and up, a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic November 1 at Del Mar, served as the centerpiece of a card that included five graded-stakes worth $3.2 million in purses.
The Whitney was the highlight of a three-hour live broadcast on FOX as part of FOX Saratoga Saturday, which continues each of the next three Saturdays and culminates in a special DraftKings Travers Day episode on August 23.
The 2025 summer meet runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 1. For additional information, visit NYRA.com.
