From left to right, cutting the ribbon for the Grand Opening of the new Saratoga Party Room at the Racing Forum in Hauppauge, are Suffolk OTB Board of Directors' members Eddie Wynn, Dominick Feeney (Chairman), Herbert Hemendinger (Vice Chairman), Suffolk County Legislator Wayne Horsley, Suffolk OTB President and CEO Jeffrey A. Casale, Suffolk OTB Vice President Marietta Seaman, Suffolk County Legislator and Deputy Presiding Officer Vivian Viloria-Fisher, former Suffolk OTB President and CEO Mea Knapp, and Catskill OTB President and CEO Donald Groth. If world renowned Hall of Fame Jockey Jerry Bailey could ride prize horses that weighed in excess of 1,000 pounds on muddy racetracks, it is no wonder that he persevered over the rain and lightening that threatened his appearance at Suffolk OTB's Racing Forum on the opening day of the Saratoga racing season. Originally scheduled to arrive at the Forum at 12:30 PM, Bailey's Albany/LaGuardia flight was delayed three times before it finally took off. Bailey arrived at the Racing Forum in Hauppauge at 2 PM to a warm welcome by Suffolk OTB's Board of Directors, President and Vice President, several Suffolk County Legislators and a full house of racing enthusiasts.

"Jerry Bailey is the premier horseracing jockey," said Suffolk OTB president and CEO Jeffrey A. Casale. "To say that he is the Michael Jordan of horseracing is understating his dominance of the sport." To extended applause, Jerry Bailey took the microphone and thanked everyone present for welcoming him to Suffolk OTB's Racing Forum. He was glad to be back in Suffolk County and he relished sharing some of his observations and handicapping tips for the day's Saratoga races. From the condition of the tracks to the posture of individual horses, Bailey touched on some of the elements he looks for when personally viewing races or calling the coverage for ESPN Sports. The all time leading jockey at Saratoga with 641 wins, Bailey is second in earnings with about $296 million. He was the regular jockey of Cigar, who tied the record for consecutive wins at 16, including an undefeated Horse of the Year season in 1995. Bailey ensured a spot in the Hall of Fame with multiple first place finishes at each Triple Crown event: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Bailey's appearance was scheduled to coincide with the Grand Opening of the newly refurbished Saratoga Party Room. "This was an opportunity to show off Suffolk OTB's new 'gem'," said Suffolk OTB Vice President Marietta Seaman. "It is a unique and centrally located venue that would be appropriate for any number of social and corporate events." The Saratoga Party Room is 752 square feet and has seating for approximately 50 people. An elegant awning sporting the red and white signature Saratoga colors crowns the interior entranceway. The video wall has one 50-inch large screen TV and twelve 32-inch TVs for viewing a variety of racing events. Those interested may call Suffolk OTB's Marketing Department at 631-853-1000, extension 3535.

Rounding out the day's special offerings was a performance by the Dixieland band, the Isotop Stompers, as well as Saratoga-style snacks, such as hot dogs, pretzels and lemonade. Patrons and Suffolk OTB employees were invited to participate in the Hats-Off to Saratoga contest, with the person sporting the most original design eligible to win a gas gift card. Also, those customers who held a non-winning Saratoga Race Track ticket had the chance to vie for catered Racing Forum parties. This year marks the 140th year of the Saratoga Racing Season in upstate New York. Suffolk OTB's Racing Forum — and all of SROTB's thirteen other branches — carry Saratoga races until the conclusion of the season on September 1st.