Saratoga Highlights: Week 2

by Pat McKenna, Mark Bardack

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17

A. P. Smithwick Memorial (Steeplechase) and NYSSS Statue of Liberty Division:

Wednesday will feature the Grade 1, $150,000 A. P. Smithwick Memorial for steeplechasers, as well as the $150,000 Statue of Liberty division of the New York Stallion Stakes Series, a one-mile test on the turf for eligible New York-sired sophomore fillies. First post is 1:10 p.m.

Saratoga Live:

Saratoga Live will present live coverage and analysis of the Saratoga Race Course summer meet on the networks of FOX Sports. For the complete Saratoga Live broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit NYRA.com/SaratogaLive.

Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour:

NYRA’s Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours are offered every Wednesday through Saturday (excluding Aug. 24) and select Sundays. Fans will enjoy a buffet breakfast during morning training at Saratoga Race Course before boarding a CDTA trolley to Song Hill Thoroughbreds on Wednesdays and Thursdays; Old Tavern Farm on Fridays; and Sugar Plum Farm on most Saturdays and select Sundays, where they will participate in an extended guided walking tour. General admission to the races in the afternoon is included in the package. Tickets must be reserved in advance at NYRA.com.

Community Outreach Booth:

NYRA will host the Veterans & Community Housing Coalition, which provides housing and support services to homeless military veterans and their families.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage:

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will feature Soul Session to kick off the racing week.

Special Ticket Offers:

For a limited time, fans will receive a $15 food and beverage credit with the purchase of select seating at the Cutwater Stretch, Festival Tent, and Reserved Grandstand Seating. Food and beverage credit will be eligible for redemption at select concession locations on the race day for which seating is purchased. For more information, visit NYRA.com/deals.

THURSDAY, JULY 18

NYSSS Cab Calloway Division:

Thursday’s featured race is the $150,000 Cab Calloway division of the New York Stallion Stakes Series, a one-mile inner turf test for eligible state-sired sophomores.

Taste NY Pavilion:

New York-made food and beverages will be available for sample and purchase at the Taste NY Pavilion, located inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch, where fans can enjoy New York craft beers, wines, spirits, cheese and chocolate (must be 21 and over to sample and purchase alcoholic beverages). Featured products hail from Montauk to the Finger Lakes and the Hudson Valley to the Adirondacks as a showcase of the state’s robust food and beverage industry.

Community Outreach Booth:

On Thursday, NYRA will host LifePath at the Community Outreach Booth. LifePath is dedicated to keeping our older neighbors and friends healthy and safe by providing effective programs and support to help them stay connected to our communities.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage:

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live music from The Orion Kribs Band.

FRIDAY, JULY 19

Curlin:

Friday’s feature is the $135,000 Curlin for sophomores at nine furlongs over the main track, an important prep for the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers on August 24.

Giveaway #1: Saratoga Tumbler:

The first giveaway of the season is a Saratoga-branded, 40-ounce white tumbler cup. The premium giveaway is free with paid admission, while supplies last. Season ticket and season pass holders are not guaranteed a giveaway. Fans must present a coupon at designated locations on track to redeem the item.

Union College Hockey NCAA Championship Anniversary Celebration:

Fans will have an opportunity to meet returning members of the 2014 Union College Hockey Men’s NCAA championship team at the Jockey Silks Porch from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. in recognition of the 10-year anniversary of their historic national title. The Division I Men’s national championship trophy will also be on display as players and staff from the Schenectady, N.Y.-based college gather for a championship reunion at Saratoga Race Course.

Tasting Trifecta:

Complimentary samplings will be available at the Cutwater Gazebo, Pick Six Vodka backyard bar and the Josh Cellars Wine Grove from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last. Tastings of select products are free for those 21 years of age and older with valid ID.

Berkshire Bank Horse Sense:

Fans of all ages can pet a retired thoroughbred every Friday through Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at Berkshire Bank Horse Sense. The educational exhibit also includes fun facts about the life and career of a thoroughbred. The family-friendly attraction is located inside Gate A and is presented by Berkshire Bank.

Community Outreach Booth:

NYRA will host Saratoga Automobile Museum on Friday, which celebrates the automobile by educating the general public, students and enthusiasts about the role of the vehicle in New York State and the wider world.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage:

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live music from Mark and Jill Blues.

SATURDAY, JULY 20

Coaching Club American Oaks and Lake George:

The Grade 1, $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks for sophomore fillies going nine furlongs on the main track headlines a card that also includes the Grade 3, $175,000 Lake George for sophomore fillies traveling one-mile on the grass.

FOX Saratoga Saturday:

Live broadcast coverage from Saratoga Race Course returns to FOX from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. FOX Saratoga Saturday will air for six consecutive weeks beginning July 20 and continuing through Saturday, August 24.

Tasting Exacta:

Complimentary samplings will be available of Surfside canned cocktails at The Post Bar and of Mionetto cocktails at the Mionetto Gazebo from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last. Tastings are free for those 21 years of age and older with valid ID.

Community Outreach Booth:

RISE Housing & Support Services will be at the Community Outreach Booth on Saturday. RISE programs provide safe, healthy housing and support services to people with mental health concerns, substance use and other life challenges.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage:

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live music from Diva & The Dirty Boys.

SUNDAY, JULY 21

Shuvee:

Sunday’s featured race is the Grade 2, $200,000 Shuvee for older fillies and mares at a distance of nine furlongs on the main track.

Sunday 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 start at $105 and include admission, a table seat for the day, brunch buffet, soft drinks, Post Parade program book, tax and gratuity. Reservations are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX or online at Ticketmaster.com.

Family Sundays at the Family Fun Zone:

The popular family-friendly weekly event includes a wide variety of free activities, games, attractions and educational experiences from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Family Zone, located inside Gate A near the Saratoga Race Course Box Office. This week’s theme is Christmas in July.

Community Outreach Booth:

Christie’s Heartoberfest will close out the week at the Community Outreach Booth. Christie’s Heartoberfest is dedicated to the memory of Christie Tolosky by raising funds and awareness for Long QT Syndrome, a rare and potentially fatal heart condition.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage:

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live music from Big Fez & the Surfmatics.

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