The New York Racing Association hosts annual Fabulous Fillies Day at Saratoga

by Pat McKenna; Mark Bardack

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today celebrated women and their contributions to the thoroughbred industry while raising funds to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) during Fabulous Fillies Day at Saratoga Race Course.

The celebration was highlighted by the inaugural "Best in Pink" fashion contest, which invited fans to wear their most fashionable outfit - prominently featuring pink, the day's signature hue - for the chance to win a special prize package valued at approximately $2,000.

Christine Schneider of Greenlawn, NY, was declared the winner of the women's category, while Bev Hendry of Ocala, FL, was the victor among men. Both received a special Travers Day VIP prize package, featuring four clubhouse reserved seats, trackside parking, programs and a concession voucher for the 148th edition of the Travers Stakes, presented by NYRA Bets; $500 gift certificate to Prime at Saratoga National; vineyard vines merchandise; $500 vineyard vines gift card; and other Saratoga Race Course merchandise.

"Fabulous Fillies Day is always such a fashionable and fun day at Saratoga Race Course, and we were excited to add a new twist to this year's event with the Best in Pink fashion contest. We're thrilled by the fan response and congratulate Christine and Bev on their win today," said NYRA Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer Lynn LaRocca. "We are pleased to celebrate the role of women in equine racing while also raising awareness and funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation."

NYRA and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) presented a check in the amount of $10,600 to the BCRF through Play for P.I.N.K. following the day's sixth race which was named in honor of the organization. All horses entered in the race were outfitted with pink saddle cloths. All jockeys riding in the day's card wore pink armbands throughout the afternoon to commemorate the occasion.

The day included the Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon, presented by vineyard vines. Guests enjoyed a champagne reception hosted by Moet & Chandon and a vineyard vines boutique. A portion of proceeds from boutique sales were donated to BCRF through Play for P.I.N.K. Door prizes were provided courtesy of Spa Mirbeau, The New York Racing Association and The Estee Lauder Companies.

The cocktail reception was followed by a luncheon. This year's luncheon was in honor of Sheila Rosenblum, owner of Lady Sheila Stable. Rosenblum's stable is best known for having campaigned champion female sprinter La Verdad, winner of the 2015 Eclipse Award. Rosenblum was presented with a watch by Longines. 

Emmy-nominated reporter and breast cancer survivor Mary Morin Carlin emceed the event.

The luncheon featured guest speaker Larry Norton, MD, leading the discussion Breast Cancer: How We Are Winning the Race. Currently the Deputy Physician-in-Chief for Breast Cancer Programs at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Medical Director of the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center, Dr. Norton has served as Scientific Director of BCRF since its inception in 1993.

All proceeds from luncheon tickets sales benefitted BCRF through Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New Technology, Knowledge), a grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research by creating and promoting awareness of the disease through sporting and lifestyle events. The organization is committed to contributing 100% of all funds raised to its sole beneficiary, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In 2013, Play for P.I.N.K. donated $4.25 million to BCRF for a cumulative total of $34 million. For more information, visit www.playforpink.org.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) advances the world's most promising research to eradicate breast cancer in our lifetime. Founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, BCRF has raised more than $500 million to fuel discoveries in tumor biology, genetics, prevention, treatment, survivor­ship and metastasis. This year, we invested $45 million in the work of more than 200 researchers at leading medical institutions across six continents. By spending 91 cents of every dollar on research and public awareness, BCRF remains one of the nation's most fiscally responsible charities. We are the only breast cancer organization with an "A+" from CharityWatch, and have been awarded a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator 12 times since 2002. Join us at www.bcrfcure.org.

The 2017 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 4. For more information, visit www.NYRA.com/Saratoga.