NYRA to offer special activities for Great American Eclipse at Saratoga Race Course
by Pat Mckenna; Mark Bardack
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will welcome fans to enjoy a once in a lifetime event while witnessing the Great American Eclipse at Saratoga Race Course on Monday, August 21.
Saratoga Race Course will experience a partial eclipse from approximately 1:22 to 3:55 p.m. Track announcer Larry Collmus will make an announcement to alert fans when the eclipse reaches its peak of 66 percent at approximately 2:41 p.m. To accommodate the announcement and allow fans the opportunity to view the eclipse, post time for the day's fourth race will be moved from 2:40 to 2:45 p.m.
Eclipse Award winners Angel Cordero, Jr., Ramon Dominguez and Richard Migliore will make a special appearance in the winner's circle to watch the natural phenomenon.
Fans will be invited to view the eclipse on telescopes equipped for solar viewing at the paddock information booth, which is noted as the best viewing location on the property. Astronomer Benjamin Palmer of Queensbury, NY, who serves as a tour guide with the guest services department at Saratoga Race Course, will be available to answer questions about the eclipse.
A live feed of the solar eclipse within the path of totality will be broadcast on select video boards and televisions throughout track grounds.
Fans of all ages at Berkshire Bank Family Mondays will enjoy solar eclipse-themed arts and crafts as part of the day's festivities at the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday also marks the 2017 season's penultimate giveaway - a red and black Saratoga cooler bag. All giveaways are free with paid admission, while supplies last. Season pass and season ticket plan holders are guaranteed a Saratoga premium giveaway item on the day of the giveaway contingent on the following: Season pass or season ticket plan holders must be in attendance at Saratoga Race Course, enter through the designated season ticket and pass holder lines and redeem the giveaway by 3 p.m. Redemptions will begin when gates open to the general public.
The Great American Eclipse is taking place in the days leading up to the 148thrunning 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.
Gambling Problems? The New York Racing Association encourages responsible wagering. If gambling is a problem for you or someone you care about, help is available 24 hours a day. Scan here to talk with someone now about your gambling. Or call toll-free 1-877-8-HOPE-NY.