Local Businesses Left in Concern as Multiple Equine Fatalities Strike Popular Equestrian Race Track

Collateral damage is always on the table whenever an outcome for something important is to be decided. Similarly, with Saratoga’s ongoing situation, there has been a lot of debate in the equestrian community. With so many horses losing their lives, it is very important to put a ban on racing at the Saratoga racecourse for this season. Amid this chaos, the local businesses and the chain stores are left in concern.

Most of their livelihood depends on the racetrack and the racing season. And, shutting this down earlier will be a concern for them. Now, this is a debate about whether to focus on the equine fatalities or the economic boost that the horse racing industry brings in.

Economic boost faces a backlash in the equestrian community

There are multiple small businesses that are getting affected due to the Saratoga equine casualties’ situation. There are around 300 eating, drinking, and accommodation businesses that are working with licenses and permissions. All of these businesses are very scared of the losses that will be incurred upon them. According to some research, around $470 million is brought to the city of Saratoga by the racetrack.

There is nothing as major as chain stores in the city. All these small businesses mostly depend upon the racing season and shutting it down early will be very harmful for the business. According to CBS 6 Albany News, businessmen are stating that the 2023 track season is witnessing new levels, and it has reached even higher than numbers prior to Covid-19.

With around 14 deaths in Saratoga this season, questions are raised about whether this season will be wrapped up early. Already the Churchill Downs track in Kentucky discontinued the operations for public scrutiny over horse deaths. The small business owners are very anxious about what will happen next. Most of them expressed how they feel about the season going in a downward direction.

Local businessmen speak up about the loss from Saratoga 

There are certain shops in Saratoga that have stood the test of time. Impressions of Saratoga, a gift shop, has been a presence for an impressive 45 years. Over time, this gift store has flourished, a true labor of love. Moreover, Saratoga’s tea and honey company happily shares that they attract buyers from all over the country during the season, each with their own unique perspective.

The gift shop’s owner Marianne Barker expressed, “We like to call ourselves the everything Saratoga store.” Then, the Tea and Honey Company owner Kathryn Metzler expressed, “I’ve had people from Wisconsin, Oregon, Washington State, and even right down the road in Albany and Schenectady.”

Some of the local business owners say that it will have an impact on them. Each day of racing, people and tourists present there is of great importance to them. Barker states, “There are a lot of problems, as with everything. With here it’s so in front of you and it’s awful and there are things that I think need to change.”

Read more: “I’m Heartbroken”: Equestrian World Joins Dave Portnoy in Mourning the Loss of Many Horses at Saratoga

On the other hand, the President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce asserts that, in his view, businesses will not experience any losses during the final week of racing. This raises the question: Is the economic boost of greater significance than the issue of equine fatalities? This question is a matter of significant concern for the entire equestrian world.

Watch this story: Departed 85-Year-Old Equestrian ‘Mrs. G’ Leaves Equestrian Community With the Legacy of Her Inevitable Change Through Horses