After months of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Saratoga Race Course will open its summer meet on July 16, with the season’s biggest race, the Travers Stakes, moved from its traditional late August date to August 8.

The new date, announced Friday by the New York Racing Association, provides enough time between that race and the Kentucky Derby, which has been rescheduled for September.

The 40-day meet will feature at least one stakes race every live racing day, though they will go on without spectators.

"We're thrilled to be racing at Saratoga this summer, and we thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for his support and the support of horsemen who have worked with us to navigate the many challenges," NYRA President and CEO Dave O'Rourke said. "While this will be anything but a traditional Saratoga season, we hope to provide a semblance of normalcy for both the local community as well as racing fans across the country."

After opening weekend, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays.