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

by Pat McKenna and 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) duringFabulous Fillies Day at Saratoga Race Course.

In recognition of the celebration, officials from NYRA and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association joined representatives from the BCRF in the winner's circle to present a combined donation of $10,600 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation Play for P.I.N.K. The presentation took place following the day's fourth race, which was named for the non-profit organization. 

All jockeys riding in the day's card wore pink armbands to commemorate the occasion and all horses entered in the day's fourth race were outfitted with pink saddle cloths. 

The centerpiece of the day-long affair was the Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon presented by ESCADA in the At the Rail Pavilion. This year's luncheon was in honor of Jessica Steinbrenner, president of Bay Farms Corporation and a director of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association. She is also a general partner and owner of the New York Yankees. 

The luncheon also 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. 

Guests enjoyed a champagne reception hosted by Moet & Chandon and an ESCADA boutique featuring the fall 2016 collection. ESCADA donated 20 percent of proceeds from the day's sales to BCRF. The cocktail reception was followed by a luncheon featuring wine courtesy of Kendall Jackson.

All proceeds from the luncheon benefit 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 2016 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 5. For more information, visit www.NYRA.com.

*For photos of today's event, please click on the following links: 

**BCRF Race Presentation**

**Jessica Steinbrenner Race Presentation**

**The Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon**