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SARATOGA HIGHLIGHTS: WEEK 5

by Pat McKenna

Evan Shipman and Mahony: Popular New York homebred Mr. Buff returns to action in Wednesday’s $100,000 Evan Shipman Handicap, a nine-furlong test for state-bred 3-year-olds and up. The day’s card will also feature the $120,000 Mahony, a turf sprint for 3-year-olds named in honor of Patrick Mahony, the longtime senior vice president of mutuels at NYRA who retired in 2016 after more than 50 years in the racing industry.

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

2021 “Champions Talk” Premiere: The 2021 edition of “Champions Talk,” a lively roundtable discussion featuring former jockeys Ángel Cordero Jr., Chris McCarron, Richard Migliore and Jorge Velásquez, will make its premiere at 7 p.m. EDT on the New York Race Track Chaplaincy’s YouTube channel and Facebook live @race.ny. The discussion, moderated by longtime NYRA announcer Tom Durkin, includes a wide range of serious reflections and humorous anecdotes about the riding careers of the four jockeys, who together won more than 25,000 races.

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.

Saratoga Live: Saratoga Live will present daily television coverage of the 40-day summer meet on FOX Sports. For the complete Saratoga Live broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit NYRA.com/SaratogaLive.   

Halfway Mark: The 2021 meet reaches the halfway point with plenty of world-class thoroughbred racing to come, including the 152nd edition of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers on Saturday, August 28. General admission tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate on Runhappy Travers Day. Clubhouse upgrades will not be available on Runhappy Travers Day. Advance tickets are available for purchase in-person at the NYRA Box Office or online at NYRA.com/Travers.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12

Saratoga Dew: The day’s feature is the Saratoga Dew for New York-bred fillies and mares. The nine-furlong event over the main track honors the 1992 Champion 3-Year-Old filly who became the first horse bred in the Empire State to earn Eclipse Award honors.

Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest: Every Thursday features the Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest, available exclusively on-track with a buy-in of $40. Registration begins at 11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar.

Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage: The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from The Steve Candlen Band.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13

Tale of the Cat: Four-time winner Wondrwherecraigis will attempt to secure his first career stakes score in the eighth running of the $120,000 Tale of the Cat, a six-furlong sprint for 4-year-olds and up who have not won a graded race in 2021.

NYRA Hometown Hero, presented by CDPHP: NYRA will announce the next honoree in its Hometown Hero program, presented by CDPHP, which recognizes local essential workers for their service and dedication to the community during the pandemic. Each honoree receives the opportunity to present a trophy in the winner’s circle. Nominations are being accepted through August 15 at CDPHP.com/Heroes.

Cooperstown Distillery Tasting: Fans will be invited to enjoy a complimentary tasting of the Cooperstown Select Rye Manhattan from Cooperstown Distillery at the Jim Dandy Bar from noon to 4 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 The Upstate Bluegrass Band.

Piazza Italia: The Piazza Italia, located in the Saratoga Events Pavilion, near Gate A, will host live music featuring Franklin Micare from noon to 4 p.m. Fans may enjoy authentic Italian food and beverages at the Piazza Italia every day of the Saratoga meet, including paninis with Italian meats and cheeses, Fratelli Beretta cold cuts, Monti Trentini cheeses, Italian Bindi Gelato, Tiramisu and Peroni Beer.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14

Fourstardave Handicap and Saratoga Special: The headlining Grade 1, $500,000 Fourstardave for 3-year-olds and up on the turf going one mile will be accompanied by the Grade 2, $200,000 Saratoga Special, presented by Miller Lite, for 2-year-olds at 6 ½ furlongs.

Ketel One and Volcan Tequila Tastings: Fans will be invited to enjoy two complimentary tasting events: the first a sampling of the Volcan Margarita at the Volcan Tequila backyard gazebo bar, located near the Fourstardave Sports Bar, from 1 to 3 p.m. The second tasting will offer the opportunity to sample the Ketel One Saratoga Lemonade from award-winning Ketel One family made vodka at the Ketel One Longshots Bar located on the ground floor of the Grandstand from 3 to 5 p.m. Must be at least 21 years old; while supplies last.

Volcan Tequila Tasting and Summer Music Stage: The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from Big Medicine. 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15

Galway: The fifth week of racing at the Spa will conclude with the second running of the $120,000 Galway for 3-year-old fillies on the turf sprinting 5 1/2 furlongs.

Saratoga Cooler Bag Giveaway: Fans will enjoy the first giveaway of the season – a Saratoga cooler bag, presented by Saratoga Casino Hotel. The red and black cooler bag adorned with the Saratoga logo in white will be available free with paid admission, while supplies last. Quantities are limited and giveaways are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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.  

Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest: Every Sunday features the Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest, available exclusively on-track with a buy-in of $40. Registration begins at 11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar.

Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage: The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from The North and South Dakotas.   

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