NYRA to host annual Fabulous Fillies Day at Saratoga Race Course

by Pat McKenna and Mark Bardack

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 11 at Saratoga Race Course.

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. Additionally, all jockeys riding in the day's card will wear pink armbands to commemorate the occasion and all horses entered in the day's fourth 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 NYRA Community Outreach Booth will host Floyd Warriors, an online organization dedicated to supporting and inspiring individuals and families from the Capital Region who have been recently diagnosed with cancer. Designed to relieve the burden of day-to-day tasks and provide support to those undergoing cancer treatment, Floyd Warriors gives those battling cancer the opportunity to request help for housekeeping, meal delivery, childcare, and other daily needs.

The centerpiece of the day-long affair will be the Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon presented by ESCADA in the At the Rail Pavilion. Guests will enjoy a champagne receptionhosted by Moet & Chandon and an ESCADA boutique featuring the fall 2016 collection at 11 a.m. ESCADA will donate 20 percent of proceeds from the day's sales to BCRF. The cocktail reception will be followed by a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. featuring wine courtesy of Kendall Jackson.

This year's luncheon is in honor of Jessica Steinbrenner, president of Bay Farms Corporation and a director of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association. She is also a general partner and owner of the New York Yankees.

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.

"Now in our fourth consecutive year, we're excited to continue this tradition to benefit such a meaningful cause. We truly value our partnership with the New York Racing Association and the BCRF and look forward to next year's luncheon," said Suzanne Humbert, CEO, ESCADA of the Americas.

A limited number of tickets are currently available for the luncheon. Tickets are $175 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. The organization is committed to contributing 100% of all funds raised to its sole beneficiary, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In 2013, Play for P.I.N.K. donated $4.25 million to BCRF for a cumulative total of $34 million. For more information, visit www.playforpink.org.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) advances the world's most promising research to eradicate breast cancer in our lifetime. Founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, BCRF has raised more than $500 million to fuel discoveries in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, survivor­ship and metastasis. This year, we invested $45 million in the work of more than 200 researchers at leading medical institutions across six continents. By spending 91 cents of every dollar on research and public awareness, BCRF remains one of the nation's most fiscally responsible charities. We are the only breast cancer organization with an "A+" from CharityWatch, and have been awarded a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator 12 times since 2002. Join us at www.bcrfcure.org.

The 2016 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 5. For more information, visit www.NYRA.com.