NYRA highlights DraftKings Travers Day Policies and Post Times

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today reminded fans of updated policies in effect for DraftKings Travers Day, Saturday, August 23, at historic Saratoga Race Course.

First post for the 14-race program is at 11:10 a.m. with the DraftKings Travers scheduled for 6:14 p.m. 

Admission gates open at a special time of 9 a.m. when fans will be able to claim the free picnic tables in the backyard. There will be no access to track grounds prior to 9 a.m. on DraftKings Travers Day. Both trackside and Oklahoma parking lots open at 7 a.m.

The 1863 Club will open at 9 a.m. with dining rooms available for seating beginning at 10 a.m.

Admission is $25 in advance and $30 on DraftKings Travers Day. Tickets may be purchased in-person at the NYRA Box Office by Gate A or online at NYRA.com/Travers (service fees apply online).*

Breakfast at Saratoga is not offered on Saturday nor are backstretch tram tours and Breakfast and Breeding farm tours. Breakfast fare will be available at the Finish Line Grill concession through 11 a.m.

A special DraftKings Travers Day edition of Saratoga Live will air on FS2 beginning at noon. FOX Saratoga Saturday will present live coverage and analysis of the DraftKings Travers Day stakes action from 3 to 6:30 p.m.

Godolphin's dual Classic-winner Sovereignty will look to provide Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott with his first victory in Saturday’s 156th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers, a 1 1/4-mile test for sophomores. Sovereignty will also look to become just the fourth thoroughbred ever to sweep the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Travers, and the first since Thunder Gulch accomplished the feat exactly 30 years ago.

The DraftKings Travers is one of five Grade 1s scheduled for Saturday’s lucrative 14-race program. The others include the $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial in Race 10 and three top-level Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” qualifiers with the Forego [Dirt Mile] in Race 12, Resorts World Casino Ballerina [Filly and Mare Sprint] in Race 11 and the Personal Ensign [Distaff] in Race 9. The card is supported by the Grade 2, $400,000 Lake Placid in Race 7.

Fans will enjoy complimentary souvenir photo magnets, courtesy of On The Spot Photos, at the Jockey Silks Porch from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Horse Sense, a popular family-friendly weekend attraction, offers fans the opportunity to meet and pet a retired thoroughbred from noon to 2 p.m.

Complimentary samples of Bulleit will be available at the Bulleit Woody adjacent to the Bulleit Bourbon Backyard Gazebo, while Tres Agaves will serve its organic tequila out of a vintage VW van. Samples will be available from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last, for those 21 and older.

The Community Outreach Booth will showcase the work of the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.), which is devoted to providing health and wellness services to the backstretch community at New York thoroughbred tracks.

The summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 1. Racing is conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course visit NYRA.com.

* Ticketmaster fees apply when purchasing tickets online. There are no additional fees when purchasing tickets by phone at (844) 697-2849 or at the Saratoga Race Course Box Office.