Racing fans attend Opening Day 2024 at Saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Opening Day for the 2024 Summer Meet took place Thursday at the Saratoga Race Course. Gates officially opened at 11 a.m. and First Post was at 1:10 p.m.

At 7 a.m. on Thursday, racing fans came in through the gates and then it was the mad dash for picnic tables. Some racing fans lined up the night before to secure the spot they wanted.

John Murray, an East Greenbush resident, is a regular on Opening Day. He got in town the night before, but because of weather waited to get in line until Thursday around 3:15 a.m. to secure the spot he likes every year.

For some Opening Day is a tradition that dates back to their childhood. Some travel from far away to be here, but for one local woman the commute was short. She walked to the track Thursday morning. For almost 4 decades, Lori Ercolini, has been bringing a group of her friends and family with her to enjoy Opening Day.

Abi, a racing fan, celebrated her 10th birthday at the track on Thursday. Her family was in town from New Jersey and attended Opening Day last year as well.

Mike, a racing fan from Massachusetts, joined NEWS10's Cassie Hudson Thursday evening to share a slice of pizza. The backyard area of the track is known for its sense of community.