2015 Fourstardave Handicap Winner, Grand Arch / Susie Raisher Photo

WHAT'S HAPPENING WEEK #4 AT SARATOGA RACE COURSE

by Pat McKenna and Mark Bardack

WHAT:           Week #4 of Saratoga Race Course
WHEN:           Wednesday, August 10 - Monday, August 15, 2016
WHERE:        Saratoga Race Course and nearby locations

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10

• Birdstone: The day's feature race is the $100,000 Birdstone for 3-year-olds and up on the dirt.

• Irish-American Heritage Day: The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will celebrate the culture and traditions of the Emerald Isle during Irish-American Heritage Day at Saratoga Race Course. The day-long festivities will feature Irish music, dance, entertainment and food from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Saratoga Pavilion, presented by Time Warner Cable News. The day's second race will be named in honor of the celebration. Fans are encouraged to celebrate by wearing green and decorating their backyard picnic tables with Irish-themed décor. Traditional Irish bagpipers and step dancers from The Boland School of Irish Dance will greet guests at the grandstand and clubhouse entrances and perform trackside following the day's third race. Irish music and dance performances will take place at the Pavilion throughout the afternoon and acclaimed exhibits highlighting Irish culture, traditions and history will be on display. Culinary demonstrations and sampling of traditional Irish food will be available at the Pavilion and Irish-themed food and drink specials will be available at participating on-track concessions and restaurants throughout the day.

• Saratoga Challenge: This exciting two-day handicapping tournament gets underway Wednesday and offers one handicapper each day the opportunity to win entries into the Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge and the DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship. Second place each day gains entry into the National Handicapping Championship. Entry fee is $1000, with $600 going towards live bankroll and $400 to the prize pool. The tournament will be held in the Easy Goer. Registration is closed and no walk-up entries will be available.

• Mornings at Saratoga: Fans are invited to enjoy breakfast on The Porch of the clubhouse while the thoroughbreds train on the main track. Breakfast is held from 7 to 9:30 a.m. and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. $17.95 for adults and $9.95 for kids 12 and under. Mornings at Saratoga also welcome fans to go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour. Tram tours begin at 7:30 a.m. and depart from the clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes through 9 a.m. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length. 

• Bets Squad:  A new addition this year, the Bets Squad is available daily to educate fans about the basics of wagering. The Bets Squad is stationed in gazebos located in the upper grandstand and outside the paddock entrance and is also available for consultation in the NYRA Bets Lounge on Saturdays. Fans can schedule private sessions with Bets Squad members either in-person or online at NYRA.com/BetsSquad. 

• Saratoga LIVE: Fans can follow the action on Saratoga LIVE, the new racing program produced by NYRA TV, which is broadcast to an audience of more than 65 million viewers on Fox Sports 2 and MSG+ each day beginning at 4 p.m. Live coverage begins daily on Altitude Sports at 5 p.m. EST. The program includes a combination of racing coverage, analysis and feature items. For a complete broadcast schedule and local listings, visit NYRA.com.

• Saratoga Season Perks: All season pass and season ticket plan holders will receive discounts at most on-track concession stands, NYRA merchandise stores and Shake Shack on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and the Artist's Village on Fridays. Discount does not apply to lottery, tobacco, alcohol, restaurant dining, group sales or Dunkin' Donuts. For a complete list of participating Saratoga Season Perks partners, visit SaratogaSeasonPerks.com.

• Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in honor of its 50^th anniversary season. 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11

• NYSS Statue of Liberty: The day's feature is for 3-year-old filly New York-breds going one mile on the grass for a purse of $100,000. 

• Fabulous Fillies Day:NYRA will celebrate women and their contributions to the thoroughbred industry while raising funds to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) through Play for P.I.N.K. at Fabulous Fillies Day. The celebration will be highlighted on-track with decorative pink bunting and flowers. 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 centerpiece of the day-long affair will be theSizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon presented by ESCADA in the At the Rail Pavilion, featuring a champagne reception presented by Moet & Chandon and an exclusive ESCADA boutique offering the fall 2016 collection. This year's luncheon will honor Jessica Steinbrenner, president of Bay Farms Corporation and a director of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association. A limited number of tickets are available for purchase at www.playforpink.org/saratoga.

• Taste NY: Cider, Wine & Spirits: Taste NY: Cider, Wine & Spirits offers guests a selection of cider, wine and spirits available for sampling each Thursday of the meet in partnership with the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets. Fans will be able to sample five varietals for $5 at the Saratoga Pavilion, presented by Time Warner Cable News, from noon to 5 p.m.

• Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host Floyd Warriors, an online organization dedicated to supporting and inspiring individuals and families of the Capital Region who have been recently diagnosed with cancer. 

• "At the Post Live: Serling on Saratoga": NYRA TV broadcast analyst and nationally recognized thoroughbred racing personality Andy Serling hosts this live broadcast on ESPN Radio 104.5 "The Team" at The Parting Glass in downtown Saratoga Springs from 8 to 9 p.m. At the Post Live is presented by NYRA Bets.

• Tequila Avion & Tacos Thursdays at The Post: Racing fans are invited to continue their day at Saratoga with Tequila Avion & Tacos Thursdays at The Post, the lively bar and entertainment spot adjacent to the paddock. Each Thursday of the meet will feature Latin music, dancing, and food and drink specials at The Post following the day's final race.

• Fourstardave Sports Bar: Fans are invited to watch live simulcast racing at the Fourstardave Sports Bar, which will remain open to the public following the last race on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12

• Tale of the Cat: Saratoga's feature race is the $100,000 Tale of the Cat for 3-year-olds and up going six furlongs on the dirt.

• "Belles of the Hall" Viewing Party presented by Stonestreet Stables and Team Zenyatta: In celebration of the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, NYRA will host a "Belles of the Hall" viewing party, presented by Stonestreet Stables and Team Zenyatta, to recognize the accomplishments of 2016 thoroughbred inductees Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. The party will be held in the Saratoga Race Course backyard near Gate B from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature a live-stream of the sold-out ceremony, photo opportunities with miniature horses resembling the famed thoroughbreds, poster giveaways and family-friendly activities. The first 500 guests will receive free admission to Saratoga for the remainder of the day.
• Taste NY: Craft Beer: This weekly event offers guests a selection of New York craft beers available for sampling in partnership with the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets. Fans will be able to sample five craft beers for $5 at the Saratoga Pavilion, presented by Time Warner Cable News, from noon to 5 p.m. 

• Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host the Troy Boys & Girls Club, which has been serving the Troy community since 1903 by providing safe places and positive programs that enhance the moral, intellectual, social, and physical development of youth.

• Woodford Reserve Fridays at The Post: Racing fans are invited to continue their day at Saratoga with Woodford Reserve Fridays at The Post, the lively bar and entertainment spot adjacent to the paddock. Each Friday of the meet will feature a DJ, dancing, trivia contests and cocktail sampling at The Post following the day's final race.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13

• Fourstardave Handicap and Adirondack Stakes: The day's feature race is the Grade 1, $500,000 Fourstardave Handicap for 3-year-olds and up at a mile on the turf. The day's card will also include the Grade 2, $200,000 Adirondack for 2-year-old fillies.

• Jockey Legends Day presented by Fasig-Tipton: A number of the greatest riders in the history of thoroughbred racing will gather at Saratoga Race Course for the third annual Jockey Legends Day, presented by Fasig-Tipton. Saratoga favorites Angel Cordero, Jr., Ramon Dominguez and Richard Migliore are among the former jockeys who will sign autographs from noon to 1 p.m. outside the Jockey Silks Room with a suggested donation of $10 to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Also scheduled to appear are Cash Asmussen; Jean Cruguet; David Erb; Robbie Davis; Eddie Maple; Jean-Luc Samyn; Jose Santos; Nick Santagata; Jacinto Vasquez; and Manny Ycaza. All will be recognized in a special red-carpet ceremony on the track after the fifth race.

• NYRA Bets Lounge: Fans are invited to visit the NYRA Bets Lounge in the Saratoga Pavilion, presented by Time Warner Cable News. The NYRA Bets Lounge will offer handicapping tips and analysis from racing professionals and also features a full-service bar and Lifestyles clothing boutique. A handicapping seminar will occur from 11 a.m. to noon with Peter Fornatale and Steve Davidowitz. Guests can also get tips from NYRA's Ernie Munick at 1 p.m.

• Low Roller Challenge: Saturday will feature the Low Roller Challenge, presented by NYRA Bets, which allows aspiring handicappers the opportunity to experience the thrill of tournament play for $40, with $30 going towards live bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. at the NYRA Bets Lounge in the Saratoga Pavilion, presented by Time Warner Cable News.

• Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host AIM Services, a non-profit organization serving Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties by providing residential and community services to individuals with both developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries.

• Ketel One Party at The Post: The fun will continue each Saturday of the season with the Ketel One Party at The Post, the lively bar and entertainment spot adjacent to the paddock. Each Saturday of the meet will feature a DJ, trivia contests and prizes at The Post following the day's final race. 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14

• Saratoga Special: The day's feature race is the Grade 2, $200,000 Saratoga Special for 2-year-olds. 

• Taste NY: Food and Artisans: Taste NY: Food & Artisans is a lively on-track market filled with vendors featuring products made exclusively in New York State. Products include jams, baked goods and hand-crafted soap, amongst other items. The market is held each Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Saratoga Pavilion, presented by Time Warner Cable News. 

• Low Roller Challenge: Sunday will include the Low Roller Challenge, presented by NYRA Bets, which allows aspiring handicappers the opportunity to experience the thrill of tournament play for $40, with $30 going towards live bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. Registration begins at 11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar.

• Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host the Backstretch Employee Service Team, a non-profit organization which aids the hard-working men and women employed to take care of the horses in the barn area.

MONDAY, AUGUST 15

• Saratoga Dew (NYB): The day's feature is for 3-year-old and up New York-bred fillies and mares on the dirt for a purse of $100,000.

• Saratoga Beach Towel Giveaway: The season's penultimate premium giveaway is a Saratoga beach towel, free with paid admission, while supplies last. All season ticket plan and season pass holders will be guaranteed to receive the giveaway if they redeem the item by 3 p.m. Season pass and season ticket plan holders are required to utilize the line designated for them at each entry gate.  

• Berkshire Bank Family Mondays: Monday is highlighted by Berkshire Bank Family Mondays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Saratoga Pavilion, presented by Time Warner Cable News. All kid-friendly games and activities, including the opportunity to pet a retired thoroughbred, are free of charge, with the exception of one designated activity which carries a suggested donation to benefit a local school or PTA. The beneficiary of the fourth Monday of the season is Skano Elementary School of Clifton Park. Berkshire Bank Family Mondays is presented with support from Pediatric Dental Group of New York.

• Low Roller Challenge: Monday will include the continuation of the Low Roller Challenge, presented by NYRA Bets, which allows aspiring handicappers the opportunity to experience the thrill of tournament play for $40, with $30 going towards live bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. Registration begins at 11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar.

• Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host the Mollie Wilmot Radiation Oncology Center at Saratoga Hospital, a state-of-the-art cancer treatment facility dedicated to meeting the needs of cancer patients and their families. 

All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of the New York Racing Association.