July 23rd, 2010 may just be an ordinary day for many, but for others it’s the first true day of summer. That is because today is the very first day of Saratoga Race Course’s 142nd horse racing season. Over a million people are expected to visit the race track over the next six-and-a-half weeks.

According to Nick Antz at wnyt.com, an average of 25,000 people usually end up attending on the race course’s opening day. This year however, NYRA President and CEO Charlie Hayward, says that he’s hoping for a little more than that, and says he’s raising the bar to around 27,000.

With a Friday opening day, reduced club house seating and free grand stand admission, Hayward’s hopes don’t appear to be too unreachable. Hayward said that this year’s opening day is about giving back to the fans, who he claims have had to put up with a lot of pre-season uncertainty.

In fact, it is not just today that the NYRA is offering the fans plenty of incentives, but throughout the entire season – which runs for 40 days this year instead of the typical 36 days. This of course includes the usual giveaways such as umbrellas, hats and T-shirts.

Will you be visiting Saratoga Race Course this season?