Saratoga Highlights: Week 2
- WHAT: Week 2 of the Saratoga Summer Meet
- WHEN: Thursday, July 9 – Sunday, July 12
- TICKETS: Season admission passes at NYRA.com/SeasonPass; single-day tickets at NYRA.com.
Week 2 Specials:
20% off reserved picnic tables in the Pick Six Vodka Picnic Paddock; $10 savings on Paddock Suite tickets on Friday, July 10 and Sunday, July 12; Buy One, Get One Free premium reserved seats in the Michelob Ultra Stretch. Visit NYRA.com/Deals.
Cooler Policy:
Fans with regulation size coolers must ensure all ice is contained within sealed bags upon arrival. Designated inspection lanes are located at Gate B (Union and East Avenue) and Gate C (Nelson Avenue). Fans with coolers must enter through either gate.
Breakfast at Saratoga:
Offered daily from 7 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., and presented by CDTA, fans can enjoy a buffet breakfast against the backdrop of morning training. Reservations are not required.
Saratoga Live:
Produced by The New York Racing Association, Inc (NYRA) in partnership with FOX Sports, the award-winning show features daily coverage and in-depth analysis of the summer meet on the FOX Sports family of networks. For the complete broadcast schedule, visit NYRA.com/SaratogaLive.
Thursday, July 9
Admission and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Saratoga Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tours:
Presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) the weekly lineup features Old Friends at Cabin Creek on Thursdays; Old Tavern Farm on Fridays; and Sugar Plum Farm on Saturdays. The package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a horse farm, and admission to Saratoga Race Course. Tickets may be purchased at NYRA.com.
FIFA World Cup 26™ Viewing Parties, presented by Michelob Ultra and Saratoga Eagle Sales & Service:
Michelob Ultra, the official beer sponsor of FIFA World Cup 26™, will host FIFA World Cup 26™ Viewing Parties in partnership with Saratoga Eagle Sales & Service Thursday, July 9 – Saturday, July 11. Fans on-track will enjoy big-screen televisions in the Backyard Festival Tent and official giveaways from Michelob Ultra and other FIFA World Cup 26™ partners, while supplies last. Enjoy drink specials with soccer-themed décor and games. Visit NYRA.com/soccer.
Saratoga Low Roller Contest:
Held exclusively on track each Thursday during the summer meet, fans can pre-register outside the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar. There is a $40 buy-in, of which $30 will go to the player’s bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. The winner will receive a Saratoga Low Roller championship T-shirt in addition to the cash prize.
4-H Open House:
In partnership with New York State 4-H, Saratoga will host the second annual 4-H Open House. NYRA will welcome more than 200 4-H members from across New York to participate in an immersive day of learning designed to introduce young people with interests in agriculture, animal science, and equine care to the world of thoroughbred racing.
NYRA STAR Program:
The Students of Thoroughbred Racing (NYRA STAR) program gets underway for the summer meet with expanded operating days and tours of the Saratoga Paddock and Winner’s Circle Thursdays through Sundays during Races 1 through 5. Backstretch Tours will now be offered Thursdays through Sundays, beginning July 10. NYRA STAR is designed to give children ages 12 and under, and their families, insider access into the world of thoroughbred racing. Membership is free of charge. Registration can be completed online at NYRA.com/STAR or in person at the NYRA STAR booth in the Saratoga Family Zone.
Taste NY Pavilion:
Fans 21 and older will enjoy New York craft beers, cider, wines and spirits at the Taste NY Pavilion, located inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch featuring products exclusively produced in the Empire State. Operating every Thursday-Sunday of the summer meet.
Community Outreach Booth:
New York State 4-H connects youth to hands-on learning opportunities that help them grow into competent, caring, contributing members of society.
Friday, July 10
Admission and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Victory Ride:
Friday’s card is highlighted by the Grade 3, $225,000 Victory Ride for sophomore fillies.
Spa FC Soccer Jersey Giveaway, presented by Rivers Casino:
In celebration of the summer’s global soccer festivities, fans can claim a lightweight SPA FC soccer jersey presented by Rivers Casino. The jersey is emblazoned with a custom “SPA FC” crest alongside the Saratoga Race Course logo and will be available in medium, large, and extra-large sizes. Free with paid admission, while supplies last.
FIFA World Cup 26™ Viewing Parties, presented by Michelob Ultra and Saratoga Eagle Sales & Service:
Michelob Ultra, the official beer sponsor of FIFA World Cup 26™, will host FIFA World Cup 26™ Viewing Parties in partnership with Saratoga Eagle Sales & Service on Friday and Saturday. Fans on-track will enjoy big-screen televisions in the Backyard Festival Tent and official giveaways from Michelob Ultra and other FIFA World Cup 26™ partners, while supplies last. Visit NYRA.com/soccer.
Community Outreach Booth:
Operation Adopt-A-Soldier provides support to American Soldiers stationed overseas through the generous assistance of volunteers from the Greater Capital Region.
Saturday, July 11
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 12:35 p.m.
Caress and Bowling Green:
Saturday features the Grade 2, $250,000 Caress and Grade 2, $250,000 Bowling Green presented by Emerald Ecovations.
Horse Sense:
Fans can meet a retired thoroughbred on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at Horse Sense located inside Gate A.
Community Outreach Booth:
Darby Darlings aims to raise support for thoroughbred aftercare and equine education.
Sunday, July 12
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Introduction to Handicapping:
Offered every Sunday (excluding August 2) in the Paddock Suite, fans can learn betting strategies and tips from an expert handicapper. Tickets start at $95 and include admission, Post Parade program, and a table seat within the climate-controlled, shared suite overlooking the saddling area. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.
Saratoga Low Roller Contest:
Held exclusively on-track every Sunday during the summer meet, fans can pre-register outside the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar. There is a $40 buy-in, of which $30 will go to the player’s bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. The winner will receive a Saratoga Low Roller championship T-shirt in addition to the cash prize.
Family Sundays:
Family Sundays will feature a wide variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions, and educational assignments inside the Family Zone, located near Gate A.
Community Outreach Booth:
The Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation aims to raise support and awareness in advance of their annual Heartoberfest for SADS event.
All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA.
