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 2017 Saratoga baseball cap

The New York Racing Association 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 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Fans are invited to donate canned or non-perishable goods 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.

In return for their generosity, fans will receive a 2017 Saratoga baseball cap, while supplies last.

“All of us at the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council are thrilled to once again return to Saratoga Race Course for an important initiative that benefits so many individuals within our community. The fans at Saratoga are always generous and we thank them for their continued support of our efforts,” said Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council Executive Director Jo Anne Hume. “We sincerely thank the New York Racing Association for this opportunity to share our mission and promote our efforts with the thousands of racing fans who will be at the Spa on Travers Eve.”

The day will also include the induction of three-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey Ramon Dominguez into the Saratoga Walk of Fame. Dominguez will unveil his plaque and receive an emblematic Saratoga red jacket during the annual Red Jacket Ceremony adjacent to the winner’s circle. 

The Saratoga Walk of Fame, which opened in 2015, honors and showcases the achievements of those who have made significant contributions to the sport of thoroughbred racing and the advancement of the Saratoga Race Course. The covered structure, featuring the traditional Saratoga turrets, houses commemorative plaques and videos honoring various industry leaders, including owners, trainers and jockeys, who have made an indelible mark on thoroughbred racing. 

The Red Jacket Ceremony coincides with New York Showcase Day, which features six stakes races worth more than $1.1 million in purses exclusively for New York-breds, including the West Point, presented by Trustco Bank; the Albany, Fleet Indian, Funny Cide, Seeking the Ante, and the Yaddo.

Both events take place on the day leading up to the 148th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers, presented by NYRA Bets, on Saturday, August 26. The Travers will be one of six Grade 1 races on the afternoon, which will also feature the $1 million Sword Dancer Invitational, the $500,000 Ketel One Ballerina, the $600,000 Forego, the $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial and the $700,000 Personal Ensign. The blockbuster day also includes the Grade 2, $400,000 Woodford Reserve Ballston Spa.

Fans who purchase Travers Day grandstand admission tickets in advance will save $5 off the price of admission the day of the event. Advance grandstand admission tickets are $10. Pending availability, grandstand admission on Travers Day will be $15. 

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

A limited number of clubhouse admission tickets are available for $25. Clubhouse upgrades will not be available on Travers Day. 

Travers Day grandstand and clubhouse admission tickets may be purchased online at www.Ticketmaster.com, on the NYRA XP app, or in-person at the NYRA Box Office at Saratoga Race Course.

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

The 2017 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 4. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.