Francesca Le Donne Photo

Saratoga 2021 Highlights: Week 2

by Pat McKenna; Mark Bardack

WEDNESDAY, JULY 21

Rick Violette (NYB): The feature race of the day is the $100,000 Rick Violette, a six-furlong sprint for New York-bred juveniles, in honor of the late Richard A. Violette, Jr., the longtime NYRA horseman and former president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. 

New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day: The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) joins the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and New York Thoroughbred Breeders in hosting the inaugural New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day. The day will pay tribute to an array of organizations involved in finding new homes and careers for retired racehorses. 

Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage: The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from The Resonators. 

NYRA Bets Gift Cards: NYRA Bets Gift Cards are available for purchase at more than 150 Stewart’s Shops and can be used to deposit funds automatically into a NYRA Bets account to bet Saratoga online in addition to hundreds of racetracks nationwide.

THURSDAY, JULY 22

Smithwick: The Grade 1, $150,000 A.P. Smithwick Memorial steeplechase will be the highlighted race of the day. 

Military Appreciation Day: Saratoga Race Course will pay tribute to active military members and veterans in appreciation of their sacrifice and service to our nation. All veterans and active-duty military will receive free Grandstand admission with military ID. NYRA will welcome local service members and veterans to the winner's circle for two races named in their honor, including recognition of the New York State Military Forces for their service to the public during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Captain Morgan Tasting: Fans will be invited to enjoy a complimentary tasting of Captain Morgan specialty cocktails at the Ketel One Longshots bar on the first floor of the Grandstand from 3 to 5 p.m. Must be at least 21 years old; while supplies last.

Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage: The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from Perennial with Peter Pashoukos.

         FRIDAY, JULY 23

Lake George: The day’s feature race is the Grade 3, $150,000 Lake George for 3-year-old fillies at a mile on the turf.

Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage: The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from the Franklin Micare Band.

Piazza Italia: The Piazza Italia, located in the Saratoga Events Pavilion, near Gate A, will host live music featuring Nick Collucio from 12 to 4 p.m.

Fans may enjoy authentic Italian food and beverages at the Piazza Italia every day of the Saratoga meet, including sandwiches on Focaccia with Italian meats and cheeses, Fratelli Beretta cold cuts, Monti Trentini cheeses, Italian Bindi Gelato, Tiramisu, Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Lambrusco and Peroni Beer.

SATURDAY, JULY 24

Coaching Club American Oaks: Saturday will be highlighted by the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks, during which 3-year-old fillies will compete for a purse of $500,000 going nine furlongs. The day’s card will also include the Grade 3, $200,000 Caress for fillies and mares.

Lustgarten Foundation Day: Saratoga will honor the legacy of trainer Dominic Galluscio with a day to benefit The Lustgarten Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance scientific and medical research related to pancreatic cancer. The centerpiece of the day will be a trainer autograph session from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Jockey Silks Room Porch to benefit The Lustgarten Foundation.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Display: Fans will have the opportunity to check out the new all-electric 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, which will be on display near the Clubhouse escalator throughout the afternoon, courtesy of Upstate Ford Dealer Group.

Tanqueray and Ketel One Tastings: Fans will be invited to enjoy two complimentary tasting events on the second Saturday of the season: Tanqueray gin cocktails at the Tanqueray Bar on the second floor of the Clubhouse; and cocktails from award-winning Ketel One family made vodka at the Ketel One Clubhouse Bar. Both tastings will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Must be at least 21 years old; while supplies last.

Volcan Tequila Tasting and Summer Music Stage: Saratoga Race Course will celebrate National Tequila Day with a complimentary tasting of tequila cocktails at the Volcan Bar in the backyard near the Fourstardave Sports Bar. The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from Wyld Blue.

SUNDAY, JULY 25

Shuvee: Sunday’s card will feature the Grade 3, $200,000 Shuvee for fillies and mares going two turns on the dirt.

Brunch at The Rail at the 1863 Club: Fans are invited to enjoy a brunch buffet while experiencing The Rail at the 1863 Club, the first-floor banquet space at the 1863 Club. Tickets are $85 and include the buffet, soft drinks and Post Parade program book. Reservations are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX or online at NYRA.com/1863Club. 

Berkshire Bank Family Sundays: The popular kid-oriented weekly event will feature a wide variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions and educational activities each Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, located inside Gate A near the Saratoga Race Course Box Office.  

Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage: The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from Reflections Soul Ensemble.  

All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA.