Saratoga Highlights: Week 3
- WHAT: Week 3 of the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course
- WHEN: Wednesday, July 23 – Sunday, July 27
- TICKETS: NYRA.com
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23
Breakfast at Saratoga
Breakfast at Saratoga, driven by CDTA, is available on The Porch from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Fans have the opportunity to enjoy a buffet breakfast against the backdrop of morning training. Reservations are not required.
Fans can also go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour. Tram tours depart from the clubhouse entrance beginning at 7:30 a.m. with the last one leaving at 9 a.m. and running every 30 minutes. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Breakfast at Saratoga and the free backstretch tram tours are available every live racing day with the exception of DraftKings Travers Day and Labor Day.
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 9-race program, preceded by steeplechase, beginning at 1:10 p.m.
A.P. Smithwick Memorial
Week three stakes action gets underway with the Grade 1, $150,000 A.P. Smithwick Memorial, a 2 3/8-mile steeplechase handicap for older horses.
Saratoga Live
Saratoga Live, the critically acclaimed and award-winning show produced by NYRA in partnership with FOX Sports, is now in its 10th season providing daily coverage and in-depth analysis of the summer meet to a nationwide audience on the FOX Sports family of networks. For the complete broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit nyra.com/tv.
Community Outreach Booth
The Saratoga City Ballet, a not-for-profit organization that provides students with professional dance instruction and opportunities to participate in quality productions, will occupy the Community Outreach Booth.
THURSDAY, JULY 24
First Responders Day presented by Albany Med Health System
NYRA will continue its tradition of honoring police officers, firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) on First Responders Day presented by Albany Med Health System. The day will feature free admission for all first responders and a named race in their honor.
Saratoga Springs first responder t-shirts commemorating the city’s police and fire departments will be available for purchase, while supplies last. Each shirt costs $20 and all net proceeds will benefit the respective organizations’ charitable foundations.
Special recognition will be given to three members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department and others who were instrumental in the rescue of “Sly,” a 22-year-old quarter horse who fell through the ice in Saratoga Springs this past February.
The New York State Troopers Pipes and Drums band will perform trackside following the third and fifth races.
Horse Sense
A special Thursday edition of Horse Sense will feature “Sly” who is now a member of the Saratoga Springs Mounted Police after being rescued by officers following his fall through the ice this past winter. Fans can meet Sly and take photos with him from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour
NYRA’s popular Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours are available every Thursday through Sunday (excluding DraftKings Travers Day and Sunday, August 10 whose tour will be offered on Wednesday, August 6). Presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), this year’s itinerary will feature Old Tavern Farm, Sugar Plum Farm and Song Hill Thoroughbreds. The package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a local breeding farm and admission to Saratoga Race Course. Each tour accommodates up to 52 guests. Tickets may be purchased at NYRA.com.
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 10-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
Curlin presented by Casamigos
Stakes action is highlighted by the Listed $135,000 Curlin presented by Casamigos, a nine-furlong test for sophomores and prep for the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers.
National Tequila Day
In celebration of National Tequila Day, Casamigos will offer samples of its classic margarita near the Travers Bar presented by Bulleit, while Tres Agaves will feature samples of the thoroughbred margarita at Longshots. Enjoy agave samples from noon to 4 p.m. for fans 21 and over, while supplies last.
Taste NY Pavilion
New York-made food and beverages are 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, food and ice cream (must be 21 and over to sample and purchase alcoholic beverages). Featured products hail from across the state as a showcase of New York’s robust food and beverage industry.
Community Outreach Booth
The Albany Police Athletic League (PAL), a non-profit dedicated to empowering and engaging Albany youth through athletic, academic, and social programs, will be in the Community Booth sharing information about their organization and accepting donations.
FRIDAY, JULY 25
Saratoga Premium Giveaway: Saratoga Blanket presented by Rivers Casino
All fans with paid admission can get a head start on their summer weekend with a Saratoga blanket, perfect for a picnic at the track. Presented by Rivers Casino, the red 50” x 60” polar fleece blanket displays a one-sided print with the Saratoga emblem, while supplies last.
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 10-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
Amsterdam presented by Albany Med Health System
Friday’s action features the Grade 2, $200,000 Amsterdam presented by Albany Med Health System, a 6 ½ furlong sprint for sophomores.
NYRA STAR
NYRA Students of Thoroughbreds and Racing (STAR) continues every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through August 31. NYRA STAR is designed to give children, ages 12 and under, and their families, insider access into the world of thoroughbred racing. Participants will experience the sport through exclusive on-track events, educational opportunities and kid-friendly communications designed to ignite their interest in horses and excitement for the sport of thoroughbred racing. Membership for NYRA STAR is free of charge. Registration can be completed online at NYRA.com/STAR or in-person at the NYRA STAR booth in the Family Zone.
Shift into NUTRL
Fans 21 and over can enjoy samples of NUTRL Vodka Seltzer at the NUTRL Gazebo from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last.
Community Outreach Booth
Saddle Up New York aims to increase recognition of the value and impact of the horse industry in New York, and to provide resources to help it flourish.
SATURDAY, JULY 26
Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund Autograph Signing and Awareness Day
Saratoga Race Course will host autograph signings and photo opportunities at the Jockey Silks Porch as part of Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) Awareness Day across America. The autograph session will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Suggested donations will benefit the PDJF.
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 12-race program getting underway at 12:35 p.m.
Jim Dandy presented by Mohegan Sun and Lake George presented by Surfside
Saturday’s card offers a pair of graded stakes, highlighted by the Grade 2, $500,000 Jim Dandy presented by Mohegan Sun for sophomores traveling nine-furlongs in the traditional Saratoga prep for the DraftKings Travers. The day also includes the Grade 3, $175,000 Lake George presented by Surfside for sophomore fillies on the turf.
FOX Saratoga Saturday
Live broadcast coverage from Saratoga Race Course returns to FOX from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. highlighted by the Grade 2, $500,000 Jim Dandy presented by Mohegan Sun.
Surfside Sampling
In celebration of the running of the Lake George presented by Surfside, fans 21 and older can enjoy complimentary samples of the popular ready to drink cocktail at the Surfside Chowder Shack from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last.
Horse Sense
Fans of all ages can pet a retired thoroughbred every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at Horse Sense. The educational exhibit includes fun facts about the life and career of a thoroughbred. The family-friendly attraction is located inside Gate A.
Community Outreach Booth
The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund will be featured in the Community Outreach Booth. The fund provides financial support to former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries, including sustained paralysis and brain injuries.
SUNDAY, JULY 27
Kids Day
Kids Day will include a variety of activities for Saratoga’s youngest fans, including shadowing NYRA staff throughout the day to announce the scratches and changes to the call of Riders Up from the Paddock.
Beloved mascots from many of the area’s most popular sports teams and businesses will roam the track and compete in a mascot race on the main track. Pony rides will also be available throughout the afternoon courtesy of One Trick Pony from Johnsonville, NY.
Kids will also be able to walk the red carpet for a photo op and enjoy commemorative photo magnets, courtesy of On-the-Spot Photos.
Kids Day Giveaway
The first 5,000 kids ages 12 and under in attendance will receive a Saratoga headband, presented by NYRA STAR, as well as a $25 gift card to Hildebrandt’s Ice Cream, located in the Taste NY Pavilion. Hildebrandt’s will feature a Kids Day special of $1 ice cream throughout the afternoon.
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 10-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
Glens Falls
Week 3 action concludes with the Grade 2, $250,000 Glens Falls, a 12-furlong turf test for older fillies and mares.
Family Sunday at the Family Fun Zone
Wrinkles the Duck will headline Family Sunday at the Family Zone which will include reptile shows at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. and feature a wide variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions, and educational activities, located near Gate A at the Top of the Stretch. Free NYRA STAR Racing Bingo cards will also be available.
Sunday Brunch at the Rail of 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 $110 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.
Community Outreach Booth
Sunday will feature Old Friends at Cabin Creek – the Bobby Frankel Division. Opened in 2009 as Saratoga County’s only thoroughbred retirement farm and one of the few that will take thoroughbred stallions, their purpose is to provide dignified retirement for all racehorses.
All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA.