An international delegation from 20 countries visited Saratoga Springs on March 10, 2026, to hear from local horse racing professionals about the industry's economic contributions. The panel discussion, hosted in City Hall, focused on the Belmont Stakes and broader regional benefits. Participants discussed jobs, visitor spending, and the unique appeal of the Saratoga Race Course.
On March 10, 2026, individuals from 20 countries gathered in the Saratoga Springs City Hall Council chambers for a panel discussion on the horse racing industry's economic impact. The event was part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, with delegates from Bolivia, Canada, the Czech Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Hong Kong S.A.R., Israel, Jamaica, Jordan, Liberia, Libya, Morocco, the Palestinian Territories, Paraguay, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Uganda, and Vietnam. Locally hosted by the International Center of the Capital Region, the program included stops in places like Lake Placid and Washington.
Spa City Mayor John Safford welcomed the group. The panel featured Najja Thompson of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, Greg Connors of the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation, Tina Bond of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Dhianna Yezzi of Integrated Staffing, and Daryll Leggieri of Discover Saratoga.
Discussion centered on the Belmont Stakes, hosted at Saratoga Race Course for the third and final time this year before returning to Elmont. Connors highlighted the meet's significance: “The economic impact of those 51 days, in addition to the Belmont racing festival, does not just benefit the city of Saratoga Springs; it benefits the entire capital region, all of Saratoga County.” He cited a report estimating $9 million in daily impact, totaling nearly half a billion dollars over 51 days.
Bond emphasized Saratoga's uniqueness: “It’s ‘health, history of horses,’ and it’s so unique because you have a city that acts like a small community, but the city embraces the horses and the industry.” A handout provided 2021 figures: the race course created 2,937 jobs, generated $157,857,604 in employee earnings, and $371,067,040 in sales.
Yezzi noted employment details: “We hire about 1200 people here for the Saratoga Race Course and the Belmont racing festival,” with local spending and social media influencers boosting the economy.
In Q&A, Leggieri addressed lodging: about 3,000 hotel rooms and 1,200 short-term rentals fill up, spilling benefits to Albany, Lake George, and beyond, with a three-hour drive market from New York City to Boston.
Afterward, Safford said, “I think once we got started, it went really well.” The program aims to explore U.S. hosting of major events like the Olympics and FIFA World Cup.
