Francesca Le Donne Photo

NYRA invites fans to take photos with new Triple Crown trophy to benefit Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots holiday campaign

by Pat McKenna/Mark Bardack

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will offer racing fans a second opportunity to get an up-close look at the new Triple Crown trophy at Saratoga Race Course on Monday, September 3, closing day of the 2018 season.

Fans can take their photo with the Triple Crown trophy at the Community Outreach Booth from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The Community Outreach Booth is located outside the Jockey Silks Room and across from the Saratoga Walk of Fame.

Photos will be available with a suggested $10 donation to benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots holiday toy campaign. All donations support the collection and purchase of new, unwrapped toys as holiday gifts for families in need during the holiday season.

"Designed by one of the world's foremost internationally-renowned sculptors, the magnificent new Triple Crown trophy is both classic and contemporary and was specifically created to celebrate one of the greatest achievements in sports," said NYRA CEO and President Chris Kay. "NYRA is pleased to support these Marine volunteers, who have given so much to preserve and protect our nation and our freedom, and selflessly donate their time to ensure children have toys during the holiday season. We encourage fans to join us in supporting a great cause while capturing a special memory with the new Triple Crown trophy."

Commissioned by NYRA on behalf of Triple Crown Productions and created by world-renowned sculptor Roberto Santo, the sterling silver and 14-karat gold Triple Crown trophy stands more than three feet tall, weighs nearly 50 pounds and features semi-precious stones representing the colors of the three Triple Crown tracks - green, red and green - with a horse and jockey on top.

Santo's illustrious career includes commissions for multiple Olympics, including the 1984 Games in Los Angeles and the 1996 Summer Games in Atlanta. His sculptures are featured in museums, galleries and private collections around the world.

The Triple Crown trophy was awarded in its inaugural season to the connections of Justify following his successful Triple Crown campaign which culminated in a dominating win in the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park this past June.

Additionally, on Monday, the first 500 children, ages 12 and under, to visit the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion will receive a free drawstring bag filled with school supplies, courtesy of Berkshire Bank and Hannaford Supermarkets. Limit one per child, who must be present to receive. Berkshire Bank Family Mondays is held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The final day of the meet will also feature the special offer of a Family 4-Pack, which includes four grandstand reserved seats, admission, four hot dogs and four sodas for $44. The package is available for purchase by calling 1-844-NYRA-TIX.

Fans this Monday who purchase two premium reserved seats in The Stretch, or two reserved seats in the clubhouse or grandstand, will receive two complimentary seats when using promo code Buy2Get2. The reserved seat offer is available exclusively online at Ticketmaster.com. Offer not valid at the track box office or on previously purchased tickets and is subject to availability.

Labor Day will feature a special first post time of 12:30 p.m. The afternoon will be highlighted by the 114th running of the Grade 1, $350,000 Hopeful for 2-year-olds. The Spa will also feature the running of the Grade 2, $250,000 Bernard Baruch for 3-year-olds and up on the turf.

The 2018 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 3. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.