NYRA/Coglianese Photo

Saratoga Highlights - Week 4

by Pat McKenna/Mark Bardack

Week #4 at Saratoga Race Course

Wednesday, July 31 - Sunday, August 4

WEEK 4 HIGHLIGHTS

• The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will celebrate the legacy and contributions of the "Queen of Saratoga" with a day named in honor of Marylou Whitney on Saturday, August 3.
• Marylou Whitney Day on Saturday, August 3 will be headlined by the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney. Gates open at 11 a.m. Post time for the Whitney is 5:46 p.m. which will be broadcast live on NBCSN beginning at 5 p.m.
• The new Turf Triple Series will make its Saratoga debut with the $750,000 Saratoga Oaks, presented by Encore Boston Harbor, on Friday, August 2; and the $1 million Saratoga Derby on Sunday, August 4. The Saratoga Oaks will be broadcast live on FS2 this Friday with programming beginning at 3:30 p.m. while the Saratoga Derby will be part of a special one-hour broadcast on FS1 this Sunday beginning at 5 p.m.
• The Fasig-Tipton Festival of Racing will return from Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 4 in celebration of the rich partnership between NYRA and Fasig-Tipton as a prelude to Fasig-Tipton's annual Saratoga sales.
• NYRA will welcome some of the greatest riders in history to Saratoga Race Course for the sixth annual Jockey Legends Day, presented by Fasig-Tipton, on Sunday, August 4.
• Fans are invited to visit the Bets Squad throughout Saratoga Race Course where they can learn more about how to read the racing program, place a bet, and the benefits of joining NYRA Bets. Fans who sign up for NYRA Bets will receive a complimentary pair of NYRA Bets sunglasses.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31

• Shine Again: The day's feature is the $100,000 Shine Again for fillies and mares at seven furlongs.
• Taste NY: Foods: NYRA will welcome racing fans to explore the wide variety of products made in New York during Taste NY: Foods at Saratoga Race Course. The Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion will feature a lively on-track market of numerous food vendors offering products made exclusively in New York State, including crackers, granola, preserves, gelato, olive oil and dessert cakes. Fans will be able to sample and purchase products from the participating vendors from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• NYRA Bets: NYRA Bets continues its $1 Million Single-Ticket Bonus for any NYRA Bets customer that hits the Late Pick 5 at Saratoga. Saratoga's Late Pick 5 is open to all horseplayers across North America, but the $1 million bonus is only eligible to NYRA Bets customers placing their bets through their NYRA Bets account. The Late Pick 5, featuring a low 15 percent takeout rate and 50 cent minimum, will be offered on every card at Saratoga Race Course. For additional information on the NYRA Late Pick 5 and eligibility details for the $1 million single-ticket bonus visit NYRABets.com. New NYRA Bets customers can earn a $200 bonus when they sign up with promo code SPA and bet $200 in the first 14 days.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1

• Birdstone: The day's feature is the $100,000 Birdstone for 3-year-olds and up at 1¾ miles.
• Taste NY: Wine & Spirits: Fans will have the opportunity to sample varietals of wine and spirits from New York State wineries and distilleries during this weekly event. Live music will accompany the tasting each Thursday from noon to 5 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion. Guests will enjoy five samples for $5. Must be 21 years or older to participate.
• Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest: Every Thursday will include the Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest, which allows aspiring handicappers the opportunity to experience the thrill of tournament play for $40, with $30 going towards live bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. Registration begins at 11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar with early entrants receiving a special NYRA Bets promotional item.
• At the Post Live with Andy Serling: Join NYRA's Andy Serling as he talks with Laffit Pincay III and Gabby Gaudet, amongst others, during At The Post Live with Andy Serling from The Parting Glass in downtown Saratoga Springs at 8 p.m. The show, which is presented by NYRA Bets, airs on ESPN Radio 104.5 FM "The Team" and features interviews with racing industry newsmakers discussing the Saratoga meet. At the Post Live can also be accessed via the Across the Board with Andy Serling podcast.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2

• Turf Triple Series featuring the Turf Tiara: The Fasig-Tipton Festival of Racing will kick-off with a new addition to the summer racing calendar: the second leg of the Turf Triple Series. The three-race series showcases the best 3-year-old turf runners in the country and offers $5.25 million in purse money. Friday will feature the middle jewel of the Turf Tiara - the inaugural $750,000 Saratoga Oaks Invitational, presented by Encore Boston Harbor. The day's card will also include the Grade 2, $200,000 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame and the $100,000 Alydar. The racing action will be broadcast on FS2 as part of a special three-hour edition of Saratoga Live beginning at 3:30 p.m.
• Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will officially welcome its 2019 class of inductees during its annual induction ceremony at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony is open to the public and free to attend. This year's inductees include Mrs. Marylou Whitney.
• Taste NY: Craft Beer & Cider: The Friday edition of the popular weekly tasting event will offer guests the opportunity to sample craft beers and ciders produced exclusively in New York State. Live music will accompany the tasting each Friday from noon to 5 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion. Guests will enjoy five samples for $5. Must be 21 years or older to participate.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3 - MARYLOU WHITNEY DAY

• Marylou Whitney Day: The Spa will honor the legacy of owner, breeder and philanthropist Marylou Whitney with a day in her honor in conjunction with the 92nd running of the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney. The afternoon will include a special video tribute to the "Queen of Saratoga." Additionally, fans are encouraged to wear pink in celebration of Mrs. Whitney and her signature hue.
• The Marylou Whitney Day card will also feature the Grade 1, $500,000 Longines Test; the Grade 3, $200,000 Troy; the $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Lure; and the $100,000 Fasig-Tipton De La Rose.
• Gates open at 11 a.m. on Marylou Whitney Day. The Whitney will be run as the ninth race with a scheduled 5:46 p.m. post and will be broadcast live on NBCSN from 5 to 6 p.m. Saratoga Live will air on FS2 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.
• Fashion Saturdays: Designed to showcase the tradition of style in thoroughbred racing, the weekly event will feature women's and men's fashion apparel from local retailers, as well as a selection of home décor and jewelry items. The event will be held each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion. 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4

• Turf Triple Series featuring the Saratoga Derby: The Turf Triple Series will continue with the Spa debut of the $1 million Saratoga Derby, the second leg of the Turf Trinity. The Saratoga Derby will be the centerpiece of a special one-hour Saratoga Live broadcast on FS1 beginning at 5 p.m. The day's card will also feature the Grade 2, $200,000 Adirondack and Grade 3, $200,000 Fasig-Tipton Waya. The racing action will get underway on FS2 beginning at 3:30 p.m.
• Jockey Legends Day, presented by Fasig-Tipton: Some of the greatest riders in the history of thoroughbred racing will gather at Saratoga Race Course for the sixth annual Jockey Legends Day. The day's activities will include an autograph signing at the Jockey Silks Porch from noon to 1 p.m. featuring legendary jockeys Angel Cordero, Jr., Robbie Davis, Ramon Dominguez, David Erb, Earlie Fires, Sandy Hawley, Richard Migliore, Laffit Pincay, Jr., Nick Santagata, Jose Santos, Gary Stevens and Jorge Velasquez. Autographs will be available with a suggested donation to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund. Additionally, the jockeys will be honored with a special video tribute and ceremony in the winner's circle following races four, five and six.
• Berkshire Bank Family Adventure 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. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion. The theme for this week's event is "Sports Camp," featuring Olympic-style games including jousting, basketball, soccer and relays.
• Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest: Every Sunday will include the Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest, which allows aspiring handicappers the opportunity to experience the thrill of tournament play for $40, with $30 going towards live bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. Registration begins at 11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar with early entrants receiving a special NYRA Bets promotional item.

For more information about upcoming special events at Saratoga Race Course, visit https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/tickets/events.

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