NYRA to honor first responders at Saratoga Race Course on July 24

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will continue its tradition of honoring police officers, firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) for their dedication and service to the community on First Responders Day, Thursday, July 24, at Saratoga Race Course. First Responders Day is presented by Albany Med Health System.

The day will feature free admission for all first responders and a named race in their honor.

“It is a privilege to honor these brave individuals who respond at a moment’s notice to protect communities throughout New York State,” said David O’Rourke, NYRA President & CEO. “NYRA is proud to pay tribute to their dedicated service by hosting a day in their honor, and we thank Albany Med Health System for its support.”

Special recognition on First Responders Day will be given to three members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department and other individuals who were instrumental in the rescue of “Sly,” a 22-year-old quarter horse who fell through the ice on a pond in Saratoga Springs this past February. Officers Kyle Clinton, Kris Camarro and Dominic Martuscello will be honored during a special ceremony in the winner’s circle, in addition to Warren Cutler with the Wilton Fire Department.

Sly’s owner, Ali Ernst, will also be recognized for her subsequent “gifting” of Sly to the Saratoga Springs Police Department’s Mounted Unit, to which he was appointed on June 27. Sly will be available for fans to greet and take photos with at Horse Sense from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

In what has become a popular tradition on First Responders Day, the New York State Troopers Pipes and Drums band – the first police pipe band to organize in the U.S. – will perform trackside following the third and fifth races. The New York State Troopers Pipes and Drums will be supplemented by an appearance from the New York Police Department (NYPD) Ceremonial Unit which conducts hundreds of ceremonies each year in honor of police officers in New York and across the U.S.

Ben & Jerry’s will offer a complimentary scoop of ice cream in a Saratoga Race Course branded mini fire helmet cup to the first 500 fans, with a suggested donation to benefit the Saratoga Springs Firefighters Community Fund. The free ice cream will be available, while supplies last, at Ben & Jerry’s backyard location at Saratoga Race Course across from Horse Sense. The ice cream is provided by Ben & Jerry’s franchisee Patrick Pipino as a benefit for the Saratoga Springs Firefighters IAFF Local 343 Community Fund. The fund supports various youth sports teams in Saratoga Springs and benefits those with health complications or families who have suffered from a fire.

Saratoga Springs first responder t-shirts commemorating the city’s police and fire departments will also be available for purchase, while supplies last. Each shirt costs $20 and all net proceeds will benefit the respective organizations’ charitable foundations.

The Albany Police Athletic League (PAL), a non-profit dedicated to empowering and engaging Albany youth through athletic, academic, and social programs, will be in the Community Booth sharing information about their organization and accepting donations.

First Responders Day is presented by The Albany Med Health System which includes Albany Medical Center, Albany Medical College, Columbia Memorial Health, Glens Falls Hospital, Saratoga Hospital, and the Visiting Nurses. Saratoga Hospital operates the Saratoga Backstretch Clinic in partnership with the Backstretch Employee Service Team. The Clinic provides healthcare services to members of NYRA’s backstretch community.

“Saratoga Hospital is honored to support First Responders Day at Saratoga Race Course. This event is a special opportunity to honor the brave individuals, both in our community and within our own hospital, who dedicate themselves to protecting and caring for others,” said Saratoga Hospital President and CEO Jill VanKuren. “We’re grateful for their service and proud to help recognize their commitment.” 

The entertainment on First Responders Day will begin with a live performance of the National Anthem by William Simkins, a registered nurse at Saratoga Hospital.

A series of recruiting events will be held between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Jockey Silks Porch offering fans the opportunity to learn about the benefits of a career in public service. These events will highlight career opportunities with the Saratoga Springs Police Department; Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office; New York State University Police; and New York State Police.

In addition, members of the Saratoga Hospital Human Resources team will be on site from noon to 4 p.m., across from the Jockey Silks Porch, to provide information on job openings in health care and will distribute Albany Med Health System giveaways.

First Responders Day will feature the running of the $135,000 Curlin, presented by Casamigos. The Curlin is one of Saratoga’s primary preps for the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers.

Highlighted by the 156th renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers on Saturday, August 23 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on Saturday, August 2, the Saratoga summer meet continues through Monday, September 1. Racing is conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from closing week, when the 2025 summer meet will conclude on Labor Day.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.