The New York Racing Association to host annual Fabulous Fillies Day at Saratoga Race Course
by Pat McKenna; Mark Bardack
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will celebrate women and their contributions to the thoroughbred industry while raising funds to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) during Fabulous Fillies Day on Thursday, August 10 at Saratoga Race Course.
The celebration will be highlighted on-track with decorative pink bunting and flowers. The iconic Sea Hero statue in the paddock will be draped with a pink horse blanket.
"We invite all fans to join us for a fashionable and fun day at Saratoga Race Course on Fabulous Fillies Day," said NYRA Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer Lynn LaRocca. "This year, we've added an exciting new twist with a fashion contest that features outstanding prizes. We look forward to celebrating the role of women in equine racing while also raising awareness and funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation."
All jockeys riding in the day's card will wear pink armbands to commemorate the occasion, and all horses entered in the day's designated race, named for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation Play for P.I.N.K., will be outfitted with pink saddle cloths.
Fans are encouraged to wear pink to show their support for breast cancer awareness. Guests will have the opportunity to make monetary donations to the BCRF at numerous areas throughout the track during the day.
The Community Outreach Booth will host Floyd Warriors, an organization dedicated to supporting and inspiring individuals and families of the Capital Region who have been recently diagnosed with cancer.
"Best in Pink" fashion contest invites fans to don stylish outfits for chance to win VIP package
As a new element to this year's Fabulous Fillies Day festivities, fans will be invited to participate in the "Best in Pink" fashion contest. Fans are encouraged 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.
Stylish fans can enter to win by having their photo taken at the Jockey Silks Room Porch from 1 to 3 p.m. One woman and one man will be selected as the contest winners by a panel of judges. The winner will be announced at 3:15 p.m. at the Jockey Silks Room Porch.
Each winner will receive 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.
Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon to benefit Breast Cancer Research Foundation
The Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon, presented byvineyard vines, will take place in the At the Rail Pavilion. Guests will enjoy a champagne receptionhosted by Moet & Chandon and a vineyard vines boutique beginning at 11 a.m. A portion of proceeds from boutique sales will be donated to BCRF through Play for P.I.N.K.
Door prizes will be provided courtesy of Spa Mirbeau, The New York Racing Association and The Estee Lauder Companies.
The cocktail reception will be followed by a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. This year's luncheon is 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 will be presented with a watch by Longines.
Emmy-nominated reporter and breast cancer survivor Mary Morin Carlin will emcee the event.
The luncheon will feature 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.
A limited number of tickets are currently available for the luncheon. Tickets are $200 and available for purchase at www.playforpink.org/saratoga.
All proceeds from tickets sales 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 2017 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 4. For more information, visit www.NYRA.com/Saratoga.
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