Saratoga Highlights: July 23-26
WHAT: Week 4 of the Saratoga Summer Meet
WHEN: Thursday, July 23 – Sunday, July 26
TICKETS: Season passes: NYRA.com/SeasonPass; Single-Day Tickets: NYRA.com.
Specials: 20% off reserved tables all week in the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar and Club Terrace; $15 off reserved seats in The Rail at the 1863 Club on Sunday, July 26. 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 23
Admission and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Pick 6 Carryover:
Thursday’s card will be bolstered by a Pick 6 carryover of $99,020. The Pick 6 begins in Race 4 at approximately 2:54 p.m. Eastern on a nine-race program that features the state-bred $200,000 Suzie O’Cain.
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, Sugar Plum Farm on Saturdays, and Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga every Wednesday beginning July 29. The package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a horse farm, and admission to Saratoga. Tickets may be purchased at NYRA.com.
First Responders Day:
Saratoga Race Course will pay tribute to first responders with free admission (ID required). First Responders Day will include a series of ceremonial events and feature performances from the New York State Troopers Pipes and Drums and the City of Albany Pipe Band.
Special recognition will be given to local first responders from NYRA and the Saratoga Springs Police and Fire Departments for their heroic actions during the recent barn fire at the Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track.
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.
NYRA STAR Program:
The Students of Thoroughbred Racing (NYRA STAR) program is offered Thursdays through Sundays and features tours of the Paddock and Winner’s Circle during Races 1 through 5 in addition to morning tours of the backstretch. NYRA STAR provides children ages 12 and under, and their families, with 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 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 from the Empire State. Operating every Thursday-Sunday of the meet.
Community Outreach Booth:
The Saratoga Springs Fire Department is dedicated to delivering the highest quality fire suppression and prevention, and advanced emergency medical services for the protection of those within the local community.
FRIDAY, JULY 24
Admission and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Shuvee:
Friday features the 50th anniversary running of the Grade 2, $250,000 Shuvee for older fillies and mares at nine furlongs on the main track.
“Meet me at the Spa” Pin Giveaway: Photo
The first in a series of four pin giveaways, fans can add to their collection with a “Meet Me at the Spa” enamel pin design inspired by the tradition of Saratoga Race Course.
New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day:
The sixth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day is held in conjunction with the $200,000 Rick Violette Stakes. Created by NYRA, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), NYTB, and the New York Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund (NYTBDF), the day highlights the industry’s commitment to aftercare. The Rick Violette Stakes was named in memory of the late NYTHA president who championed aftercare during his tenure at the helm of the horsemen’s association.
National Tequila Day:
Fans can celebrate National Tequila Day with complimentary samples of the Casamigos Classic Margarita at the pop-up Casamigos bar outside the Paddock, as well as the Tres Agaves Thoroughbred Margarita at the Tres Agaves VW Bus in the backyard by Ben and Jerry’s. Available from noon to 4 p.m. while supplies last, for fans 21 and older.
Community Outreach Booth:
Multiple Thoroughbred Aftercare organizations will be featured in recognition of New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day.
SATURDAY, JULY 25
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 12:35 p.m.
Coaching Club American Oaks and Alfred G. Vanderbilt:
The 110th running of the Grade 1, $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks for sophomore fillies headlines Saratoga Saturday, alongside the Grade 2, $400,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt, a six-furlong sprint for older horses.
FOX Saratoga Saturday presented by Oceania Cruises:
FOX Saratoga Saturday presented by Oceania Cruises will feature live coverage of the Grade 1, $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks on FOX from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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:
The Center for Disability Services is one of the region’s largest providers of programs and services for individuals with disabilities.
SUNDAY, JULY 26
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Honorable Miss presented by Mionetto:
Sunday’s card sparkles with the Grade 2, $250,000 Honorable Miss presented by Mionetto, a six-furlong sprint for older fillies and mares.
Horse Plushie Giveaway: Photo
The first 5,000 kids ages 12 and under will receive a complimentary horse plushie. The 8-inch stuffed plushie sporting an embroidered Saratoga logo will be distributed in the Family Zone.
NYRA STAR Kids Day:
NYRA STAR Kids Day features a full afternoon of family-friendly entertainment, interactive experiences, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access through the Students of Thoroughbred Racing (NYRA STAR) program. Kids can experience Saratoga from a unique perspective by participating in a variety of race-day traditions including the ceremonial “Riders Up” call, reading the day’s scratches and changes, serving as a paddock reporter, singing the National Anthem, presenting the trophy following a named race and, new this year, serving as a NYRA STAR Kids Day host. The second annual Mascot Race will be run on the main track while Adirondack Dreamcatcher Farm will return with free pony rides. For more information, visit NYRA.com/KidsDay.
Sunday NYRA STAR Kids Day Specials:
Saratoga’s youngest fans will enjoy a special boxed lunch available at Track Snacks and the High Noon Clubhouse Grill, featuring Uncrustables, Mott’s fruit gummies, goldfish, Rice Krispie treat, bottled water, and custom NYRA Star Kids logo cup. Frozen Italian Ice treats will also be featured as select concessions.
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.
Community Outreach Booth:
The Saratoga Therapeutic Equestrian Program (STEP) is dedicated to helping individuals achieve a maximum degree of freedom, independence and mobility through tested and innovative methods of equine assisted therapy and medical rehabilitation.
All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA
