New this year: Autograph Books available at Hannaford offer fans exclusive opportunity to win one of 20 golden tickets to meet-and-greet breakfast with jockeys in August.

One day before the gates open for the 143rd season at Saratoga Race Course, Hannaford Supermarkets will invite racing fans to meet Saratoga’s world-class jockeys and obtain their signatures to treasure for years to come. The Hannaford store at 95 Weibel Avenue in Saratoga Springs is hosting the autograph session on Thursday, July 21 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. to celebrate the official release of the popular 2011 Jockey Autograph Book.

The autograph session will feature Saratoga’s top three jockeys from 2010: John Velazquez, Javier Castellano and Ramon Dominguez. Velazquez, winner of this year’s Kentucky Derby, captured the 2010 riding title at Saratoga with 57 wins followed by Castellano with 54 wins and Dominguez with 46 victories. Several other of Saratoga’s leading riders will also be in attendance.

Following the autograph session, fans are invited to attend a family BBQ outside Hannaford’s storefront from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This first public appearance of the season for the jockeys is presented by Hannaford Supermarkets, the official sponsor of the popular 2011 Jockey Autograph Book. The autograph books will be available at the signing with a voluntary contribution to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF).

“We are thrilled to welcome racing fans of all ages to meet Saratoga’s world-class jockeys at Hannaford Supermarkets on the eve of Opening Day at Saratoga Race Course,” said Hannaford Supermarkets District Manager Dennis Martin. “The Jockey Autograph Book has become a true family tradition at Saratoga. We look forward to creating more timeless memories for racing fans young and old in 2011 while supporting the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.”

This year, there is a surprise in store for 20 lucky owners of the new Jockey Book. Hidden exclusively in the pages of the Jockey Books that will be available at Hannaford stores are a total of 20 golden tickets. Each golden ticket will entitle the holder and three companions to a complimentary breakfast with the jockeys at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, August 31.

2011 marks the first time since introducing the Jockey Autograph Book that fans will be able to pick up a copy outside of the race course. The Jockey Autograph Book will be available at the customer service desk of participating Hannaford stores with a voluntary contribution to benefit the PDJF. (Limit one per customer; while supplies last).

The colorful, 20-page book features a full page for each of the top 12 leading jockeys, listed by number of wins at Saratoga in 2010 along with photos and fun facts for each. Other popular riders, among them Channing Hill, Calvin Borel and Mike Luzzi, are also included, along with Sam the Bugler and blank pages for additional autographs.  

In addition, the Jockey Books will be distributed randomly to fans at Saratoga Race Course each Thursday of the meet and will be available at the Saratoga Style vendor tent on Thursdays where Hannaford will feature interactive games, prizes and giveaways. 

Racing fans will also have the opportunity to purchase official Saratoga Race Course merchandise at Hannaford stores. Available now through Labor Day, Hannaford will exclusively feature the following merchandise: Saratoga Race Course red and white baseball cap; Saratoga Race Course red and white visor; Saratoga Race Course stainless steel travel mug; and a Saratoga Race Course water bottle.

Hannaford Supermarkets is proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of the 31st annual Open House on Sunday, July 17. A family-oriented day with food, attractions, games, and activities designed to benefit area non-profits, the Saratoga Open House offers free admission and parking from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

For more information about Saratoga Race Course, call (518) 584-6200 or log onto www.nyra.com. For additional information about events at Saratoga Race Course, visit www.nyra.com/saratogaevents.