Pat McKenna and Mark Bardack Photo

NYRA to celebrate first responders at Saratoga Race Course

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The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will honor police officers, firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) for their dedication and service to the community on First Responders Day, Thursday, July 28.

The day will feature free grandstand admission for all first responders with proper identification.

“The New York Racing Association is honored to recognize the brave men and women who answer the call of duty to protect our communities,” said NYRA President and CEO Dave O’Rourke. “We hope our first responders will enjoy a relaxing and stress-free day at Saratoga as we thank them for their dedicated service.”

First responders recognized at the track will include members of the New York State Police, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department, Saratoga Springs Police Department and Saratoga Springs Fire Department. Festivities and events will mark the day and include a race named in their honor and special recognition in the Winner’s Circle.

One of the many highlights will include an appearance by the New York State Police Pipes and Drums who will perform on the track apron following the second and third races of the afternoon. There will also be a trackside demonstration by a New York State Police K-9 unit. A vintage New York State Police car will be on display by the main entrance to Saratoga Race Course at Gate B; as well as a modern-day fire engine featured in the backyard, courtesy of the Saratoga Springs Fire Department which will offer fire safety information and kids activities.

Several first responder agencies will host a recruiting event on track between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Jockey Silks Room Porch. Among the participants will include the New York State Police, Saratoga Springs Police Department, State University of New York Police, and Department of Environmental Conservation Police and Forest Rangers. Representatives from each first responder agency will be available to discuss the benefits of a career in public service.

NYRA will donate partial proceeds to the Saratoga Springs Fire Department from all sales on track of the limited-edition, Josh Cellars Reserve Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine will be available in dining areas and at the Josh Cellars gazebo exclusively on First Responders Day in honor of Joseph Carr’s father, who was a volunteer firefighter from Rensselaer County. A native of the Capital Region, Joe Carr is the founder of Josh Cellars wines.

In addition, Carr will host a wine tasting inside the new Paddock Suite at Saratoga Race Course. The 50-person event is sold out and will feature samples from the Josh Cellars collection, in addition to the opportunity to learn more about the winemaker and his highly popular brand which is one of the country’s best-selling labels.

Highlighted by the 153rd renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers on August 27 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on August 6, the 2022 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course continues through Monday, September 5. Racing is conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day.

For additional information, visit NYRA.com.