NYRA announces Cutwater Spirits as naming rights partner of The Stretch at Saratoga Race Course

by Pat McKenna; Mark Bardack

New attraction to include the La Crema Sonoma Coast Experience Jim Dandy Bar and Fourstardave Sports Bar to feature New York craft beverages

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced that Cutwater Spirits, a leader in the ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail category, will serve as the naming rights partner of The Stretch at Saratoga Race Course for the 2021 season.

The Cutwater Stretch is a private hospitality area - located at the Top of the Stretch – featuring modern and upscale amenities in a casual environment with outstanding views of the final turn. As a result of its continued popularity since first being introduced three years ago, The Cutwater Stretch will expand this summer to feature an additional 15 lounge boxes.

Ticket holders to The Cutwater Stretch enjoy exclusive access to a full-service bar, kitchen and concessions, high-definition televisions and video screens, private restrooms and a relaxed dress code.

Fans at The Cutwater Stretch will enjoy access to a wide variety of Cutwater Spirits’ ready-to-drink cocktails, including Lime Tequila Margarita, White Russian, Vodka Mule and Long Island Iced Tea.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cutwater Spirits to Saratoga Race Course,” said Kevin Quinn, NYRA Vice President, Sales and Hospitality. “Ready-to-drink cocktails are tremendously popular and we are excited to offer Cutwater Spirits’ award-winning beverages this summer. We look forward to welcoming racing fans to experience The Cutwater Stretch at Saratoga.”

Another new beverage provider at the Spa this summer will be Cooperstown Distillery, the award-winning producer of distinguished whiskeys and other handcrafted spirits. The New York craft distiller will offer popular cocktails such as its Saratoga Revolutionary Rum Runner, Fenimore Gin Cucumber Cooler and Glimmerglass Vodka Summer Mule at the Jim Dandy Bar, which is presented by Cooperstown Distillery.

Fans will have the opportunity to sample products from Cooperstown Distillery on New York Showcase Day, Friday, August 27, as well as in conjunction with the Grade 2, $200,000 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame on Friday, August 6 and the Grade 2, $600,000 Jim Dandy on Saturday, July 31.

Saratoga Race Course will once again feature an extensive lineup of beers produced by New York craft breweries, including Saranac Brewery Blueberry Blonde Ale, Saranac Brewery Legacy IPA v2.0, Druthers Brewing Company All-In IPA, Druthers Brewing Company Strawberry Dare, Druthers Brewing Company No Excuses IPA, Adirondack Lake George Cider Project, Adirondack Saratoga Lager, Brooklyn Brewery Summer Ale, Ithaca Beer Company Flower Power, Mad Jack Brewing Company Pinhead Pilsner and Lake Placid Brewery UBU Ale. The New York craft brews will be available at the Fourstardave Sports Bar and at other locations on-track.

Fans this summer will also enjoy the all-new La Crema Sonoma Coast Experience, an innovative pop-up bar designed to transport fans to California wine country, located just inside the Clubhouse gates adjacent to the paddock. The wine bar will operate all 40 days of the meet and will serve La Crema’s Sonoma Coast Sauvignon Blanc; Chardonnay; Pinot Noir; and Brut Rose.

In addition, the Woodinville Bourbon Bar will make its Saratoga debut. Located on the second floor of the Clubhouse, the Woodinville Bar will feature specialty cocktails made with Woodinville Bourbon, including the Brown Derby and Washington Lemonade. Also new on the menu and available at the Travers Bar, presented by Moët Hennessy, will be Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé and Chandon Garden Spritz supplemented by the ever-popular Moët and Chandon Brut or Rosé champagne and Chandon sparkling wine.

The Josh Cellars Wine Bar, on the second floor of the Clubhouse, will offer selections from Josh Cellars’ California collection in addition to the winery’s signature Frosé (Frozen Rosé) beverage.

The Volcan Tequila backyard gazebo bar, located near the Fourstardave Sports Bar, will feature the Volcan Margarita and Saratoga Sunset made with Volcan Blanco tequila. The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host 40 days of live music from some of the region’s favorite bands, including Soul Session, Bluz House Rockers and Doc Scanlon.

The Ketel One Clubhouse Bar and Ketel One Longshots on the first floor of the Grandstand will feature cocktails made from award-winning Ketel One family made vodka, including the Ketel One Botanical Spritz, as well as specialty cocktails from Tanqueray gin and Captain Morgan rum.

The Heineken Finish Line Bar, located on the first floor of the Grandstand, will serve a variety of refreshing Heineken beers.

Saratoga will also feature a comprehensive lineup of malt beverages from Molson Coors, including Miller Lite, Coors Light, Blue Moon, Blue Moon Light Sky and Peroni Italia, among other offerings.

The Miller Lite Picnic Paddock, a hospitality area overlooking the paddock, will offer picnic tables available for daily reservation.

Fans will not be required to provide proof of vaccination for admission to Saratoga Race Course. Non-vaccinated individuals will be required to wear a facial covering during their day at Saratoga Race Course, in accordance with federal CDC guidance.

NYRA reserves the right to amend admission protocols based on updates and adjustments by New York State. 

The 40-day summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course will feature 76 stakes worth $21.5 million in total purses highlighted by the 152nd renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers on August 28 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on August 7, as the anchors of two of the most prestigious racing days in North America.

Following the four-day opening weekend from Thursday, July 15 through Sunday, July 18, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, with the exception of the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day.

For more information about hospitality and dining areas at Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.