For many, just going to the races at Saratoga Race Course is reward enough. It is, after all, the world’s greatest race meeting, steeped in tradition, mythology and plain old good times.         
  
But there are many ways to enjoy Saratoga Race Course, and when the 36-day 2008 meet opens on Wednesday, July 23, fans will be delighted with new options afforded them by the New York Racing Association.     
      
Traditionally, fans could dress up to see and be seen in the world famous clubhouse, or sit back with a cooler and some friends in the backyard and enjoy the park setting under the famed elms and maple trees.        
   
Now consider this major addition.   
        
This year, NYRA will offer Saratoga Restaurant Row, which highlights some of Saratoga Springs’ favorite restaurants right on track! Located in the courtyard near the Executive Offices, fans will be able to take a break from the day’s betting fun by feasting on special house items, ranging from $4 - $7.  
         
“NYRA is happy to be working with the local area to promote some of its more popular restaurants on track,” said Gavin Landry, NYRA Senior Vice President of Sales and Market Development. “As a gesture to the Saratoga community, NYRA waived its profits and paid for certain infrastructure in order to accomplish this. NYRA’s food and beverage concessionaire, Centerplate, was also a significant partner with these quality restaurants that are part of the attraction of Saratoga.”
           
The restaurants featured in the inaugural Restaurant Row this meet are:

• HATTIE’S: The landmark Saratoga restaurant, whose fried chicken beat out celebrity chef Bobby Flay’s in a Food Channel “Throwdown” here a few years ago.

• BRINDISI’S: Top Italian food that is served in a 1930’s bistro atmosphere. Specialty dishes named for friends and family adorn a menu that features everything from fried calamari, spaghetti and meatballs and grilled veal chops to veal osso bucco and seafood fra diavolo.   

• GREY GELDING: A fairly new restaurant that quickly became a hit with such diverse offerings as Native Dancer filet mignon, Bahamian Salmon, Pasta Roables and Voo Doo Pork Chops. 

• PANZA’S: For nearly 70 years, a Saratoga staple for outstanding Italian fare, topped by lobster ravioli and homemade pizza.

• 1 CAROLINE STREET BISTRO/MOUZON HOUSE: American favorites and French Quarter cuisine from New Orleans.

Back again this year is the Saratoga Preferred Access (SPA) program. The brainchild of Landry, the SPA program was an instant success in its debut last year, selling out in two days. With input and cooperation from Jim Rossi of the Saratoga Polo Association, the SPA program provides credentialed admission, dedicated 24-hour concierge service, preferred parking with golf-cart pick-up and a private VIP hospitality area in the clubhouse with enhanced food and beverage service. Additionally, SPA guests have prearranged, escorted access to the paddock and the winner’s circle several times during the meet.             

Every racing fan will note that there is a relaxed dress code policy this year, and that air conditioning has been added to the tents at the rail and the paddock in order to provide all-weather comfort. In response to intense demand, additional seating capacity for groups has also been added with a second tent at the top of the stretch and a fifth luxury suite.           

Finally, for the first time in its history, Saratoga will offer special packages and seating available through Ticketmaster. Fans can find out more information by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com