NYRA to host annual Fabulous Fillies Day at Saratoga Race Course

by NYRA Press Office

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will celebrate women and their contributions to the thoroughbred industry while raising funds to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) during Fabulous Fillies Day on Thursday, August 9 at Saratoga Race Course.

As a new element to the annual event, NYRA will welcome local breast cancer survivors to the winner's circle before several races on the day's card in partnership with To Life!, a Capital Region non-profit organization which provides personalized breast cancer education and support services.

NYRA and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) will present a combined donation to the BCRF through Play for P.I.N.K. following the day's third race, which will be named in honor of the organization.

"Fabulous Fillies Day is not only a time to celebrate the role of women in equine racing, but also to raise awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer. We are also pleased this year to honor local breast cancer survivors for their courage and strength throughout the afternoon," said NYRA Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer Lynn LaRocca. "We encourage fans to join us for a celebratory day as we commemorate women for their contributions to racing and honor the work of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and To Life!"

The celebration will be highlighted on-track with decorative pink bunting and flowers. The iconic Sea Hero statue in the paddock will be draped with a pink horse blanket.

All jockeys riding in the day's card will wear pink armbands to commemorate the occasion, and all horses entered in the day's designated race, named for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation Play for P.I.N.K., will be outfitted with pink saddle cloths.

Fans are encouraged to wear pink to show their support for breast cancer awareness. Guests will have the opportunity to make monetary donations to the BCRF at numerous areas throughout the track during the day.

The Community Outreach Booth will host Floyd Warriors, an organization dedicated to supporting and inspiring individuals and families from the Capital Region who have been recently diagnosed with cancer.

NYRA to honor longtime Fabulous Fillies Day supporter and former Saratoga Hospital leader Amy Raimo

NYRA will welcome family and friends of Amy Raimo to the winner's circle for the day's first race, which will be named in honor of the Saratoga Hospital executive who died in a tragic accident this past June.

Raimo, who served as executive director of the hospital's Foundation and vice president of community engagement, was a longtime supporter of Fabulous Fillies Day and known by many in the community for her dedication to raising critical funds for Saratoga Hospital and numerous other local organizations and causes.

"Fabulous Fillies Day was a favorite of Amy's, sharing the day every season with friends throughout our community. Having a race named in her honor by The New York Racing Association is a wonderful acknowledgement of how Amy connected so many different circles of people in and beyond Saratoga," said Angelo Calbone, president and CEO of Saratoga Hospital.

"Best in Pink" fashion contest invites fans to don stylish outfits for chance to win VIP package

Fans will be invited to participate in the second annual "Best in Pink" fashion contest, presented by vineyard vines and Moet & Chandon. Fans are encouraged to wear their most fashionable outfit - prominently featuring pink - for the chance to win a special prize package.

Fans can enter to win by having their photo taken at the Jockey Silks Room Porch from 1 to 3 p.m. One woman and one man will be selected as the contest winners by a panel of judges. The winner will be announced at 3:15 p.m. Fans must be 21 years of age or older to enter.

Each winner will receive a $500 vineyard vines gift card; $500 in vineyard vines merchandise; and a 750 ml bottle of Moet & Chandon rose champagne.

Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon to benefit Breast Cancer Research Foundation

The Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon, presented by vineyard vines and Moet & Chandon, along with Saratoga Living, will take place in the At the Rail Pavilion. Guests will enjoy a champagne reception hosted by Moet & Chandon and a boutique featuring Bow River Jewelry, Lifestyles of Saratoga and TOGA Heritage beginning at 11 a.m. A portion of proceeds from boutique sales will be donated to BCRF through Play for P.I.N.K.

The champagne reception will be followed by a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. This year's luncheon is in honor of Vivien Malloy, owner of Edition Farm and secretary and treasurer of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders.

Emmy-nominated reporter and breast cancer survivor Mary Morin Carlin will emcee the event.

The luncheon will feature guest speaker Larry Norton, MD, leading the discussion Breast Cancer: How We Are Winning the Race. Currently the Deputy Physician-in-Chief for Breast Cancer Programs at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Medical Director of the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center, Dr. Norton has served as Scientific Director of BCRF since its inception in 1993.

A limited number of tickets are currently available for the luncheon. Tickets are $200 and available for purchase at www.playforpink.org/saratoga.

All proceeds from tickets sales benefit BCRF through Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New Technology, Knowledge), a grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research by creating and promoting awareness of the disease through sporting and lifestyle events. PFP's commitment is to contribute 100% of all proceeds to its sole beneficiary, BCRF, to fund the world's top researchers. In 2017, PFP donated $4.6 million to BCRF, which will support at least 18 research projects. For more information, visit www.playforpink.org.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) is dedicated to being the end of breast cancer by advancing the world's most promising research. Founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, BCRF-funded investigators have been deeply involved in every major breakthrough in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. This year, BCRF awarded $59.5 million to support the work of more than 275 scientists at leading medical and academic institutions across 15 countries, making BCRF the largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide. BCRF is the highest rated breast cancer organization in the U.S.-the only one with an "A+" from CharityWatch and Charity Navigator's highest rating of four stars. Visit www.bcrf.org to learn more.

To Life! provides education and support services for individuals who are dealing with breast cancer. With locations in Delmar and Saratoga Springs, NY, the organization serves a 10-county area including Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, Washington counties.

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