New York Chaplaincy’s charity basketball game set for Thursday, August 3 in Saratoga
by NYRA Press Office
The 13th annual jockeys-versus-horsemen charity basketball game, which benefits the programs of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, will be played Thursday, August 3, 2023 at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 6:30 p.m., it was announced today.
The game, one of the most popular events on the Saratoga social calendar, routinely attracts more than 300 fans. Admission is free.
The jockey team will once again be coached by Hall of Fame jockey Ángel Cordero Jr., with trainer Todd Pletcher and agent Kiaran McLaughlin coaching the horsemen team. Mitch Levites of the NYRA TV department will once again serve as the announcer and provide lively commentary in his inimitable style.
John Wallace, who was a first round draft pick by the New York Knicks in the 1996 NBA draft and spent seven years in the league, will be a special guest of the NY Chaplaincy and will play with the jockeys. As a collegian, he led Syracuse University to the 1996 NCAA championship game.
“The horsemen, the jockey colony and Saratoga racing fans all eagerly anticipate this game and it never fails to be an immensely entertaining event,” said Humberto Chavez, the New York Chaplaincy lead chaplain and executive director. “Besides the display of athleticism and the fun, the game also provides critical support for the chaplaincy’s various programs serving the backstretch community. We are very grateful to the players, our sponsors and all those who attend each year.”
The Saratoga Springs Recreation Center is located at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY.
The New York Race Track Chaplaincy serves the New York backstretch and farming community with children's enrichment, teen mentoring, women’s programming, social service, recreational, and educational programming as well as non-denominational religious services.
Additional information about the New York Race Track Chaplaincy is available at www.rtcany.org.
Horsemen, individuals, or organizations who would like to sponsor the game may do so via the NY Chaplaincy website at www.rtcany.org.
Gambling Problems? The New York Racing Association encourages responsible wagering. If gambling is a problem for you or someone you care about, help is available 24 hours a day. Scan here to talk with someone now about your gambling. Or call toll-free 1-877-8-HOPE-NY.