Saratoga Highlights: Alabama Week
- WHAT: Week 6 of the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course
- WHEN: Wednesday, August 13 – Sunday, August 17
- TICKETS: NYRA.com
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 9-race program beginning at 1:10 p.m.
Breakfast at Saratoga
Breakfast at Saratoga, driven by CDTA, is available for purchase on The Porch from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Fans have the opportunity to enjoy a buffet breakfast against the backdrop of morning training. Reservations are not required.
Fans can also go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour. Tram tours depart from the clubhouse entrance beginning at 7:30 a.m. with the last one leaving at 9 a.m. and running every 30 minutes. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
NYSSS Statue of Liberty Division
The week begins with the $150,000 NYSSS Statue of Liberty for eligible-sired sophomore fillies going one mile on the turf.
Saratoga Live
Saratoga Live, the critically acclaimed and award-winning show produced by NYRA in partnership with FOX Sports, celebrates its 10th season providing daily coverage and in-depth analysis of the summer meet to a nationwide audience on the FOX Sports family of networks. For the complete broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit nyra.com/tv.
Free Scoops from Stewart’s Shops
Stewart’s Shops will scoop free ice cream for fans from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., while supplies last. Complimentary scoops will be available across from the Paddock on a first-come, first-served basis. Stewart’s Shops carries NYRA Bets gift cards; Post Parade programs; and Saratoga season passes in partnership with NYRA.
National Prosecco Day
Fans 21 and older can celebrate National Prosecco Day with complimentary samples of Mionetto Prosecco at the Mionetto Gazebo from Noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last.
Community Outreach Booth
Derby Darlings provides quality treatment for thoroughbreds on and off the track. Thoroughbred aftercare, equine education and developing community involvement are at the core of their mission.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 10-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour
Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours are available every Thursday through Sunday (excluding DraftKings Travers Day). Presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), the package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a local breeding farm and admission to Saratoga Race Course. Each tour accommodates up to 52 guests. Tickets may be purchased at NYRA.com.
NYSSS Cab Calloway Division
The $150,000 NYSSS Cab Calloway highlights stakes action for eligible-sired sophomores going one mile on the turf.
Military Appreciation Day
NYRA will recognize the courage and sacrifice of all service members past and present on Military Appreciation Day presented by Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady. All veterans and service members will receive free admission with proper military identification. NYRA will make complimentary tickets available through VetTix.org, which provides tickets to events for veterans and active-duty military personnel.
The New York-based 42nd Infantry Division Brass Quintet will perform trackside during the afternoon while the West Point Parachute Team will perform one of their patented aerial demonstrations. Dozens of veterans from The Wesley Community will be honored including 98-year-old Lou Bacchi who served in World War II and will ring the ceremonial bell in the Winner’s Circle prior to the third race.
Taste NY Pavilion
New York-made food and beverages are available for sample and purchase at the Taste NY Pavilion where fans can enjoy New York craft beers, wines, spirits, food and ice cream (must be 21 and over to sample and purchase alcoholic beverages). Featured products hail from across the state as a showcase of New York’s robust food and beverage industry.
Mount Gay Rum Shack
Fans 21 and older can enjoy complimentary samples of Mount Gay, the official rum of Saratoga Race Course, at the Mount Gay Rum Shack, located outside the Paddock, from Noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last.
Community Outreach Booth
The Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center will be the featured non-profit on Military Appreciation Day. The Albany-based hospital offers timely, quality services for veterans through care and respect for their physical, psychological and spiritual health.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 10-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
Smart and Fancy
Friday’s action is highlighted by the 5 1/2-furlong Listed $150,000 Smart and Fancy for female turf sprinters.
Saratoga Race Course Runs on Dunkin’
Fans can enjoy complimentary samples of Dunkin’ Refreshers plus win prizes at the Dunkin’ kiosk located across from the Paddock. Samples and prizes will be available from Noon to 5 p.m., while supplies last.
Winemaker Joel Gott
The Joel Gott wine tasting will run from Noon to 4 p.m. with a special appearance during the afternoon by the founder of the eponymous wine who will offer complimentary samples of his varietals outside Longshots. Samples will be available for fans 21 and older at Longshots, presented by Tres Agaves, on the first floor beneath the grandstand.
Spirits Sampling
The Mount Gay Rum Shack will feature samples of Mount Gay-based cocktails while complimentary offerings of NUTRL Vodka Seltzer will be available at the NUTRL Gazebo. Samples are for fans 21 and older from Noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last.
NYRA STAR
NYRA Students of Thoroughbreds and Racing (STAR) continues every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through August 31. NYRA STAR is designed to give children, ages 12 and under, and their families, insider access into the world of thoroughbred racing. Membership for NYRA STAR is free of charge. Registration can be completed online at NYRA.com/STAR or in-person at the NYRA STAR booth in the Family Zone.
Community Outreach Booth
Saratoga Bridges empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families by helping them to identify and pursue their life goals through knowledge, collaboration and experience.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16 – ALABAMA DAY
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 12-race program getting underway at 12:35 p.m.
Alabama presented by Keeneland Sales
Alabama Day is headlined by the historic Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama presented by Keeneland Sales at the classic distance of 1 1/4 miles for sophomore fillies, and will be supplemented by the 5 1/2-furlong $150,000 Skidmore for juvenile turf sprinters.
FOX Saratoga Saturday
Live broadcast coverage from Saratoga Race Course returns to FOX from 4 to 6 p.m. highlighted by the Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama presented by Keeneland Sales.
Lustgarten Day
NYRA will honor the legacy of longtime trainer Dominic Galluscio with a day to benefit the Lustgarten Foundation, whose mission is to advance research related to the diagnosis, treatment, cure and prevention of pancreatic cancer. The day will feature a trainer autograph session from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Jockey Silks Porch with suggested donations to benefit the Lustgarten Foundation.
Horse Sense
Fans of all ages can pet a retired thoroughbred every Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 2 p.m. at Horse Sense. The educational exhibit includes fun facts about the life and career of a thoroughbred. The family-friendly attraction is located inside Gate A.
National Rum Day
Saratoga will celebrate National Rum Day with complimentary samples of Mount Gay, the official rum of Saratoga Race Course, at the Mount Gay Rum Shack, located outside the Paddock, from Noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last.
Saratoga Race Course Runs on Dunkin’
The Dunkin’ kiosk returns for a second consecutive day where fans can enjoy complimentary samples of Dunkin’ Refreshers plus win prizes from Noon to 5 p.m., while supplies last.
Community Outreach Booth
The Lustgarten Foundation advances the research related to the diagnosis, treatment, cure and prevention of pancreatic cancer while raising public awareness and providing support for patients and their families.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 17
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 10-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
Sara-yoga
Fans are invited to enjoy yoga on the apron outside of the 1863 Club during morning training from 7:15 a.m. to 8 a.m., courtesy of Yoga Mandali. There is no fee nor pre-registration required, but participants are asked to bring their own mats. The event is weather permitting.
Bolton Landing
Week 6 action concludes with juvenile fillies sprinting on the lawn in the 5 1/2-furlong Listed $150,000 Bolton Landing.
Saratoga Sundays Specials
Saratoga Race Course will feature special pricing on select items at designated concessions each Sunday for the remainder of the summer meet including: classic ($6.50) and premium beers ($7); High Noon and Surfside Ready to Drink cocktails ($7); Coca-Cola products and bottled water ($3); and hot dogs, soft pretzels and Saratoga Chips & Dip ($3).
Family Sunday at the Family Zone
Family Sundays feature a wide variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions, and educational activities each Sunday inside the Family Zone, located near Gate A at the Top of the Stretch.
Sunday Brunch at the Rail of the 1863 Club
Fans are invited to enjoy a brunch buffet while experiencing The Rail at the 1863 Club, the first-floor banquet space at the 1863 Club. Tickets start at $110 and include admission, a table seat for the day, brunch buffet, soft drinks, Post Parade program book, tax, and gratuity. Reservations are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX or online at Ticketmaster.com.
Introduction to Handicapping
Offered every Sunday in the Paddock Suite, fans can learn betting strategies and tips from an expert handicapper. Tickets start at $85 and include admission, Post Parade program book, and a table seat for the day within the climate-controlled, shared suite overlooking the historic saddling area. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.
Community Outreach Booth
Saddle UP NY! works to accelerate the success and growth of the New York State equine industry through educational activities and materials that strengthen the existing industry and launch efforts to reach new audiences and markets.
All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA.