Coglianese / NYRA Photo Photo

NYRA to host premium giveaway sale at Saratoga Race Course

by Pat McKenna / Mark Bardack

Wednesday to feature Italian & Irish American Day
Ticket and discount specials available as part of Fan Appreciation Week

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will offer fans a second opportunity to secure a favorite track giveaway during a premium giveaway sale at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, August 28 and Thursday, August 29.

In addition, fans may take advantage of special discounts on tickets, food and merchandise as part of Saratoga's Fan Appreciation Week beginning Wednesday, August 28. For more information, visit NYRA.com/FanWeek.

A selection of premium Saratoga giveaways from earlier this summer as well as from prior years will be available for purchase on both Wednesday and Thursday. The premium giveaway sale will get underway when gates open at 11 a.m. in the backyard near the Big Red Spring.

Fans will be able to purchase the 2019 Saratoga picnic cooler, presented by NYRA Bets; the 2019 Saratoga baseball cap, presented by Saratoga Casino Hotel; and the 2019 Saratoga beach towel, presented by Upstate Ford Dealers. A variety of giveaways from 2018 and earlier will also be part of the selection. Items will range in price from $2 to $5. Giveaway items may be purchased with cash only and are based on availability, while supplies last. All sales are final.

The giveaway sale will precede the final premium giveaway of the 2019 season - a Saratoga zip-up hoodie sweatshirt, presented by Lia Infiniti, on Sunday, September 1. The gray hooded, zip-up sweatshirt adorned with the red Saratoga logo, will be available free with paid admission, while supplies last.

Wednesday to feature Italian & Irish American Day

Wednesday will welcome fans to enjoy the culture and traditions of both the Bel Pease and the Emerald Isle during Italian & Irish American Day. The day-long festivities will feature Italian and Irish music, dance, entertainment, crafts and food from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Italian food, including, ziti, chicken parmesan and gelato, will be available for purchase to benefit the Italian Heritage Association and Museum in Albany at the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion.

Tenor Angelo Mazzone, Jr. will begin the day by singing the National Anthem and will perform trackside during the afternoon.

The Boland School of Irish Dance will perform a traditional Irish stepdance while the Albany Dancesport Club will showcase their talents with an Italian folk dance.

The Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion will host entertainment from Irish band Drank the Gold; Italian singers Michael Clement, Rosanne Hargrave and Rafi Topalian; and Italian accordion player Ralph Brooks. Celtic jewelry, clothing and home décor items will be available for purchase from Tipperary at Tara. Fans will also enjoy Italian and Irish-themed crafts.

Racing will continue Wednesday, August 28 through Labor Day, Monday, September 2 at Saratoga Race Course. Labor Day weekend (Saturday-Monday) at Saratoga will feature a special first post time of 12:30 p.m. and a total of seven graded stakes, including the Grade 1, $750,000 Woodward presented by NYRA Bets on Saturday, August 31.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.