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NYRA announces special events schedule for 2024 summer meet

by Pat McKenna, Mark Bardack

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced post times and the lineup of attractions, entertainment and events for the 2024 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course.

Highlighted by the 155th edition of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers on Saturday, August 24 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on Saturday, August 3, Saratoga will open on Thursday, July 11 and run through Monday, September 2.

Following the four-day opening week, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day.

First post will be 1:10 p.m. EDT every day except Saturdays, when first post will be 12:35 p.m. DraftKings Travers Day will feature a special first post of 11:40 a.m.

Admission gates will open for live racing at 11 a.m. for all but DraftKings Travers Day when gates will open at 9 a.m.

Breakfast at Saratoga, driven by CDTA, will get underway daily at 7 a.m. through 9:30 a.m., excluding DraftKings Travers Day and Labor Day. Fans will have the opportunity to enjoy a buffet breakfast against the backdrop of morning training as well as claim the free picnic tables in the Rivers Casino Backyard.

The Ticketmaster Box Office at Saratoga Race Course will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Saturday, July 6 through Sunday, July 14. The box office, located at Gate A on Union Avenue, will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during all live racing days of the summer meet (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).

The 2024 summer meet will feature the following events lineup:

OPENING WEEKEND:

Thursday, July 11 to Sunday, July 14

The 2024 Saratoga summer meet will get underway on Thursday, July 11 with the traditional running of the Schuylerville for 2-year-old fillies, followed by the first Grade 1 of the season, the Diana, on Saturday, July 13. The four-day annual celebration will be highlighted by live musical entertainment.

TASTE NY PAVILION:

Every Thursday to Sunday beginning July 11

New York-made food and beverages will be available for sample and purchase at the Taste NY Pavilion, located inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch, where fans can enjoy New York craft beers, wines, spirits, cheese and chocolate (must be 21 and over to sample and purchase alcoholic beverages). Featured products hail from Montauk to the Finger Lakes and the Hudson Valley to the Adirondacks as a showcase of the state’s robust food and beverage industry.

SARATOGA BREAKFAST AND BREEDING FARM TOUR:

Every Wednesday to Saturday and select Sundays, beginning July 12

The popular Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours, which were first introduced in 2022, will be expanded this summer to meet growing demand. The program will be offered Wednesday through Saturday (excludes July 13, Aug. 24), plus select Sundays, beginning Friday, July 12 through Saturday, August 31. This year will feature newcomer Sugar Plum Farm to supplement incumbents Song Hill Thoroughbreds and Old Tavern Farm.

Fans will enjoy a buffet breakfast during morning training at Saratoga Race Course before boarding a CDTA trolley to that day’s breeding farm before returning to the Spa for the afternoon’s races.

Tickets must be reserved in advance at NYRA.com. Each tour accommodates up to 52 guests. Admission to Saratoga Race Course is included in the package.

BERKSHIRE BANK HORSE SENSE:

Every Friday to Sunday beginning July 12

Fans of all ages can pet a retired thoroughbred every Friday through Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at Berkshire Bank Horse Sense. The educational exhibit also includes fun facts about the life and career of a thoroughbred. The family-friendly attraction is located inside Gate A and is presented by Berkshire Bank.

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE RAIL OF THE 1863 CLUB:

Every Sunday beginning July 14

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 $105 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.

HANDICAPPING SEMINAR AND MEET-AND-GREET:

Every Sunday beginning July 14

Enjoy your Sunday at the races in the Paddock Suite, learning betting strategies and tips from expert handicappers. Tickets start at $75 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. Fans will also be treated to a meet-and-greet with Saratoga Race Course’s track announcer Frank Mirahmadi. Tickets can be purchased online through Fevo.

FAMILY SUNDAYS AT THE FAMILY FUN ZONE:

Every Sunday beginning July 14

Family Sundays will 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. Each week will feature a different theme, including Beach Day, Christmas in July, Day at the Zoo, Summer Olympics, Carnival, the Wild, Wild West and NYRA mascot Gallop’s Birthday on August 18.

GIVEAWAY #1: SARATOGA TUMBLER:

Friday, July 19

The first giveaway of the season is a Saratoga-branded, 40-ounce white tumbler cup. The premium giveaway is free with paid admission, while supplies last. Season ticket and season pass holders are not guaranteed a giveaway. Fans must present an admission coupon at designated locations on track to redeem the item.

UNION COLLEGE HOCKEY NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION:

Friday, July 19

Fans will have an opportunity to meet returning members of the 2014 Union College Hockey Men’s championship team in recognition of the 10-year anniversary of their historic national title. The Division I Men’s national championship trophy will also be on display as players and staff from the Schenectady, N.Y.-based college gather for a championship reunion at Saratoga Race Course.

FIRST RESPONDERS DAY PRESENTED BY ALBANY MED:

Thursday, July 25

Saratoga Race Course will pay tribute to all first responders with free admission (proper ID required). The afternoon will honor local first responders and will feature the New York Police Department Ceremonial Unit and performances by the New York State Troopers Pipes and Drums. The day will also include a pair of recruitment events for those interested in learning about first responder career opportunities, including one presented by Albany Med.

PERMANENTLY DISABLED JOCKEYS’ FUND AWARENESS DAY:

Saturday, July 27

Joining racetracks across the country on Jim Dandy Day, Saratoga Race Course will host autograph signings and photo opportunities at the Jockey Silks Porch as part of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund (PDJF) Awareness Day across America. Suggested donations will benefit the PDJF.

GIVEAWAY #2: SARATOGA BASEBALL JERSEY PRESENTED BY RIVERS CASINO:

Friday, August 2

Fans can step up to the plate for the start of Whitney weekend by claiming the second premium giveaway of the season: a Saratoga baseball jersey, free with paid admission while supplies last. The stylish jersey is white with red piping and a red Saratoga logo emblazoned across the front. Presented by Rivers Casino, the jersey will be available in two adult sizes: medium and extra-large. Season ticket and season pass holders are not guaranteed a giveaway. Fans must present an admission coupon at designated locations on track to redeem the item.

WHITNEY DAY:

Saturday, August 3

One of Saratoga’s most celebrated days will culminate in the 97th renewal of the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney, which offers an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar. Whitney Day will also feature the Grade 1, $500,000 Test, presented by Ticketmaster, and Grade 1, $600,000 Saratoga Derby Invitational.

Saratoga Race Course will host a Best in Pink fashion photo contest from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jockey Silks Porch and will honor local breast cancer survivors in partnership with To Life! The nonprofit organization provides personalized breast cancer education and support services to survivors in Saratoga and across the Capital Region.

ADIRONDACK DAY:

Wednesday, August 14

Presented by the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council, the afternoon will include interactive exhibits highlighting the seven New York counties that comprise the Adirondacks, supplemented by craft beverage tastings, cheese samples, apples, reenactors, live music and more as the attractions of the Adirondacks fill the Taste NY Pavilion.

STEWART’S SHOPS DAY AT THE RACES:

Wednesday, August 14

Stewart’s Shops will celebrate its longstanding partnership with Saratoga Race Course by providing free ice cream for horse racing fans, while supplies last. Fans can currently stop by more than 100 Capital Region Stewart’s Shops to purchase their Saratoga Race Course season pass at a $5 savings off the regular price, valid through Opening Weekend. Fans can also purchase NYRA Bets Gift Cards at Stewart’s Shops, which are preloaded with $50 to bet online with NYRA Bets, available through September 1.

NEW YORK THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE DAY:

Thursday, August 15

NYRA will partner with the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) and New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB) in hosting the fourth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day. The day will pay tribute to an array of organizations involved in finding new homes and careers for retired racehorses. The featured race will be the Rick Violette, named for the late NYTHA President who was a founding member of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA).

GIVEAWAY #3: SARATOGA TRUCKER HAT:

Friday, August 16

Alabama weekend gets off to a festive start with a red and white Saratoga Trucker hat premium giveaway, free with paid admission while supplies last. This one-size-fits-all cap features a white Saratoga logo embroidered on a red patch above a red brim, with a white mesh wrap around the back. Season ticket and season pass holders are not guaranteed a giveaway. Fans must present an admission coupon at designated locations on track to redeem the item.

LUSTGARTEN FOUNDATION AND ALABAMA DAY:

Saturday, August 17

Saratoga Race Course will honor the legacy of beloved trainer Dominic Galluscio with a day to benefit the Lustgarten Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance scientific and medical research related to pancreatic cancer. Many of the sport’s most popular trainers will sign autographs for fans with suggested donations to benefit the Lustgarten Foundation in Galluscio’s memory.

Lustgarten Day also coincides with the meet’s premier race for 3-year-old fillies, the Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama presented by Keeneland Sales.

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY PRESENTED BY RIVERS CASINO:

Thursday, August 22

NYRA will pay tribute to active military members and veterans in appreciation of their sacrifice and service to our nation. All veterans and active-duty military will be honored with a special ceremony in the Winner’s Circle and receive free admission with military ID.

DRAFTKINGS TRAVERS DAY: Special first post time of 11:40 a.m.

Saturday, August 24

The 155th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers is the centerpiece of a blockbuster card that will include the Grade 1, $750,000 Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer; the Grade 1, $500,000 Forego; the Grade 1, $500,000 Ballerina; and the Grade 1, $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial.

NEW YORK SHOWCASE DAY:

Sunday, August 25

New York-breds take center stage in a day featuring six stakes worth a combined $1.25 million and headlined by the $250,000 Albany. Also featured are five $200,000 stakes including the Fleet Indian; the West Point presented by Trustco Bank; the Yaddo Handicap; the Funny Cide presented by Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital; and the Seeking the Ante.

FAN APPRECIATION WEEK:

Wednesday, August 28 to Monday, September 2

NYRA will thank its fans with special offers on tickets, food and beverage, and hospitality during the final week of the season at Saratoga Race Course.

GIVEAWAY #4: SARATOGA WINDBREAKER PRESENTED BY NYRA BETS:

Sunday, September 1

Labor Day weekend ushers in the season’s final premium giveaway on the final Sunday of the meet with a Saratoga windbreaker, free with paid admission while supplies last. Presented by NYRA Bets, fans can keep warm with this jacket available in two adult sizes: medium and extra-large. The black jacket features a white Saratoga logo embroidered on the upper left side and a white NYRA Bets logo on the right wrist. Season ticket and season pass holders are not guaranteed a giveaway. Fans must present an admission coupon at designated locations on track to redeem the item.

CLOSING WEEKEND:

Saturday, August 31 to Monday, September 2

Closing Weekend will feature a pair of Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” events, including the Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup on Sunday, Sept. 1 for an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. The 2024 summer meet will come to a close on Labor Day with the traditional final feature: the Grade 1, $300,000 Hopeful for 2-year-olds, which affords racing fans a preview of potential standouts in next year's Triple Crown series and DraftKings Travers.

Season-long daily events and activities include:

BREAKFAST AT SARATOGA, DRIVEN BY CDTA:

Breakfast at Saratoga welcomes guests to enjoy a morning buffet at The Porch with a view of the thoroughbreds training on the main track. Breakfast is available every live racing day from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., excluding DraftKings Travers Day and Labor Day.

Fans can also go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour, driven by CDTA. Tram tours run from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and depart from the clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length. Tours are available every live racing day with the exception of DraftKings Travers Day and Labor Day.

PURDY’S SUMMER MUSIC STAGE:

The Purdy’s Summer Music Stage will host live musical performances each afternoon of the season from popular local and regional bands. This year’s summer music stage is presented by Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor in Saratoga Springs.

For additional information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com/Saratoga.

All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA.