The blockbuster 14-race Whitney day program Aug. 8 at Saratoga Race Course, highlighted by Sovereignty's victory in the 99th running of the $1 million Whitney Stakes (G1), generated $46,866,128 in wagering handle from all sources.
This year's Whitney day handle figure is the second highest in history, behind the 2025 Whitney day all-time record of $49,651,341. The number is especially strong considering the New York Racing Association this year has put in new guardrails on computer-assisted wagering, which has resulted in a betting decline from those big bettors.
Paid attendance Saturday was 40,422 with on-track handle of $8,021,319.
The 1 1/8-mile Whitney for 3-year-olds and up, a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland, served as the centerpiece of a card that included four grade 1 events worth $3 million in purses.
The Whitney was telecast live on FOX as part of FOX Saratoga Saturday, which continues each of the next three Saturdays and culminates in a special Travers day episode Aug. 29.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
