NYRA/Coglianese Photo

NYRA to host Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council Food and Essential Goods Drive at Community Outreach Booth

by Pat McKenna/Mark Bardack

Fans who donate will receive a 2018 Saratoga baseball cap, while supplies last

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will welcome the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) to Saratoga Race Course to host its annual food and essential goods drive on Friday, August 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Fans are invited to donate non-perishable dry and canned goods as well as toiletries at the Community Outreach Booth, located on the Jockey Silks Room Porch and across from the Saratoga Walk of Fame. Suggested donation items include pasta, peanut butter, cereal, rice, soup, canned vegetables, as well as shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste.

Fans who donate three or more items will receive a 2018 Saratoga baseball cap, while supplies last.

"Saratoga County EOC is grateful for the generosity of racing fans and the New York Racing Association for their support of families in need in Saratoga County," said EOC Executive Director Jo Anne Hume. "Each year we look forward to the opportunity to share our mission and programs with the fans at the Spa on Travers Eve. The outpouring of support for our efforts and generosity from the Saratoga fans is what makes this community so special."

The day will also include the induction of four-time Eclipse Award-winning and two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert into the Saratoga Walk of Fame. Baffert will unveil his plaque and receive an emblematic Saratoga red jacket during the annual Red Jacket ceremony adjacent to the winner's circle following the day's fifth race. 

The Red Jacket ceremony coincides with New York Showcase Day, which features six stakes exclusively for New York-breds, including the $250,000 Albany for 3-year-olds and the $200,000 Funny Cide for budding New York-bred stars.

The Saratoga County EOC Food Drive and Red Jacket ceremony both take place on the eve of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers on Saturday, August 25. 

The Runhappy Travers, sponsored by champion sprinter Runhappy, will be one of six Grade 1s on Travers Day, which will also feature the $1 million Sword Dancer, the $700,000 Personal Ensign, the $600,000 Forego, the $500,000 Ketel One Ballerina, and the $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial presented by Runhappy. Rounding out the impressive card is the Grade 2, $400,000 Woodford Reserve Ballston Spa.

Travers Day Grandstand general admission tickets are available for $10 in advance at the Saratoga Race Course Box Office or online at Ticketmaster.com. Grandstand admission will be $15 at the gate on Travers Day, pending availability. There will be no Clubhouse upgrades.

Gates open at 7 a.m. on Travers Day, with a special first post time of 11:35 a.m. All guests are subject to enhanced screening upon entering the grounds and will not be permitted to run once inside the property for their safety. This policy will be strictly enforced. 

There is a strict limit of one table per person that may be reserved in the backyard. Re-selling of picnic tables is not allowed and will result in expulsion from track grounds. 

All reserved seats, dining and hospitality for Travers Day are sold out. 

Paid attendance will be capped at 50,000. Saratoga season pass holders are guaranteed admission on Travers Day.

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.