In the weeks leading up to the opening of this year’s Saratoga meeting, the New York Racing Association endured diatribes from all directions as the changes to this year’s season were gradually rolled out.

Payment for picnic tables and the Carousel came in for particular criticism, along with new policies for paying admission prices and procedures for securing seats before the meet opened. Vociferous objections were raised when locals learned that, with approval from the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, the traditional open house was cancelled.

But when the gates opened last Friday, much, if not all, it seems, was forgiven.

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