The Heat is on at Saratoga Race Course

It's going to be hot at Saratoga Race Course, no doubt about that. But it might not be hot enough to call off the races Aug. 4.

The National Weather Service in Albany predicts the high temperature could reach 97 degrees at the Spa with a heat index between 99 and 101. A heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The New York Racing Association has its own weather station at Saratoga Race Course and readings are taken every 15 minutes for temperature, dew point, relative humidity, and average wind gusts and direction.

If the heat index reaches 105, according to the New York State Gaming Commission, racing cannot be held. Earlier in the meet, when temperatures soared into the 90s, the heat index did not get near the threshold number.

"(Aug. 4) is going to be pretty brutal," said Joe Villani, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Albany. "Anytime the heat index is over 95, we recommend limited time outside and to stay hydrated."

According to Pat McKenna, NYRA's vice president of communications, NYRA and the New York State Gaming Commission work closely with horsemen to ensure that the state's well established heat management protocols are followed.

Also, cooling stations are located throughout the track and veterinarians continuously observe all horses as they approach the paddock, while they are in the paddock, during the warm-up, while racing, and when they leave the track after the race.

"NYRA, the NYSGC, and horsemen are deeply experienced in dealing with hot conditions at Saratoga," McKenna said.

Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas said he, of course, is concerned about how horses handle the heat. He monitors the horses in his care. As for himself, the 86-year-old Lukas offers this:

"My doctor told me that when it's close to 90 I should not be out and stay in air conditioning," Lukas said. "So, I had to change doctors."