NY Horse Track Deals With Moose on the Loose

And it's Bullwinkle by a nose -- a really big nose -- at Saratoga Race Course.

A large moose wandered onto the grounds of the historic upstate New York racetrack where the likes of Man o' War and Secretariat once ran.

Saratoga Springs police said the moose was first reported walking through the city's downtown business district shortly before 4 a.m. Monday. The animal was later spotted near the track, prompting police to call track security and request that they open the gate in order to lure the moose out of harm's way.

The animal attracted several dozen onlookers, who were kept away from the animal by police.

Officials said a state wildlife officer from the Adirondacks later arrived to tranquilize the moose and remove it from the area.

Employees of the New York Racing Association say while Saratoga Race Course is a 350-acre urban park, they do not recall ever before seeing a moose on the property.

The track opens its six-week season July 29.