NYRA closes Saratoga Race Course on Friday due to severe weather

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The New York Racing Association, NYRA, closed the Saratoga Race Course on Friday due to heavy rain and strong winds associated with Tropical Storm Debby. According to NYRA. the 10-race card was planned to take place Friday and feature $125,000 Evan Shipman and $125,000 Union Avenue will be rescheduled.

The severe weather, however, did not stop those hoping to go to the racetrack from making the most of their time in Saratoga. Businesses on Broadway in downtown Saratoga saw a jump in sales and significantly more people downtown as the race was closed.

"Especially since the rain stopped, yes, today over a normal Friday its up about a good 20 to 30 percent," said James Kommer, owner of James and Sons Tobacconists.

Kommer is not the only business owner downtown who saw more people out today, Heidi West, owner of Lifestyles of Saratoga, said downtown was the place to be after the race was cancelled.

"It has been a cr...