NYRA anticipates sell-out crowd for 2016 Travers at Saratoga Race Course

by Pat Mckenna; Mark Bardack

All clubhouse general admission sold out; limited grandstand currently available with full-field expected for Travers; 
Fans strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance

With a sold-out paid crowd anticipated for one of the banner days of the summer racing season, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) strongly encourages fans to purchase tickets in advance for the 147th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, August 27. 

Based on the current pace of sales, NYRA officials predict a sell-out for Travers Day which is expected to feature the first full field for the Travers since 1977. 

Limited grandstand general admission is currently available for purchase. Tickets are $10 and available online at Ticketmaster.com, in-person at the NYRA Box Office at Saratoga Race Course, or by phone at 1-844-NYRA-TIX. There is a purchase limit of 8 general admission tickets per person. Clubhouse upgrades will not be available on Travers Day.

Clubhouse general admission, reserved seats, dining and hospitality are sold out. Travers Day attendance, as previously announced, will be capped at 50,000, similar to last year, in an effort to provide the best experience possible for guests. Saratoga season pass holders are guaranteed admission on Travers Day. 

“Last year’s Travers was historic with the presence of Triple Crown champion American Pharoah and this year’s Travers is historic in its own right with a full field of 14 starters anticipated for the first time in nearly 40 years,” said NYRA CEO and President Chris Kay. “I urge all of our fans who would like to attend to buy their tickets now so that they don’t miss out on what is shaping up to be a spectacular day of racing at Saratoga.”

The Travers field is expected to be led by Preakness and Haskell winner Exaggerator, Belmont Stakes winner Creator and the top three finishers from the Jim Dandy, the traditional Travers prep.

This year’s Travers Day will feature five other Grade 1 stakes: the $1 million Longines Sword Dancer Invitational at 1 ½ miles on the turf, the $500,000 Ballerina for filly and mare sprinters, the $700,000 Priority One Jets Forego at seven furlongs, the $750,000 Ketel One King's Bishop and the $750,000 Personal Ensign for fillies and mares going 1 1/8 miles. Rounding out the blockbuster card is the Grade 2, $400,000 Woodford Reserve Ballston Spa for turf fillies and mares. 

Gates open at 7 a.m. on Travers Day, with a special first post time of 11:35 a.m. Master Sergeant Mary Kay Messenger of the West Point United States Military Academy will perform the National Anthem. 

Additionally, cadets from the United States Military Academy Parachute Team will perform a prevision freefall demonstration on Travers Day. The cadets will parachute onto the outer turf course from a helicopter hovering approximately 3,500 feet over the Saratoga infield at approximately 4:25 p.m. (weather permitting). A practice jump will occur at approximately 10:15 a.m. The cadets will utilize a remote camera to showcase the jump on the Saratoga video boards. 

All guests on Travers Day are subject to enhanced screening upon entering the grounds and should allot extra time for arrival. Guests will not be permitted to run once inside the property for their safety. This policy will be strictly enforced. 

When saving picnic tables, there is a strict limit of one per person.  Any patron caught selling a free picnic table will be subject to expulsion from track grounds. 

Coolers are permitted on the track apron and Top of the Stretch provided they are no larger than 12 x 18 inches. Coolers are not permitted in the building or Clubhouse. Glass containers are strictly prohibited on the grounds.

There is no breakfast on the Clubhouse Porch on Travers Day and backstretch tram tours will not be available. 

Fans planning to attend the Travers can review a full list of prohibited and permitted items at NYRA.com/Travers. No storage will be provided for patrons arriving or attempting to enter the venue with prohibited items.  

Travers weekend will officially kick off on Friday, August 26 with New York Showcase Day, featuring six stakes races exclusively for New York-breds, including the $250,000 Albany for 3-year-olds. 

The day will be highlighted by the induction of prominent owner Cot Campbell of Dogwood Stables and three-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Bill Mott into the Saratoga Walk of Fame during the annual Red Jacket Ceremony. During the ceremony, both inductees will receive an emblematic Saratoga red jacket and their plaques will be formally unveiled to the public. The ceremony will take place adjacent to the Winner’s Circle following the fourth race at approximately 2:50 p.m.

The Travers is also celebrated by Travers 1864 Restaurant Week, presented by Mazzone Hospitality. Through Thursday, August 25, diners have the opportunity to indulge in a three-course meal at participating restaurants for the prix-fixe cost of $18.64, the year of the inaugural running of the Travers, the nation’s oldest major stakes race for 3-year-olds. For a full list of participating restaurants, visit NYRA.com/Travers1864.

The 2016 season at Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 5. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.