Jen Pottheiser Photo

What's Happening Week #7 at Saratoga Race Course

by Pat McKenna/Mark Bardack

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29

With Anticipation: The day's feature race is the Grade 3, $150,000 With Anticipation for 2-year-olds on the turf.

Fan Appreciation Week:The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will thank its fans with a series of special events and offers during the final week of the 2018 season at Saratoga Race Course. Fans will enjoy special savings on clubhouse boxes, premium reserved seats in The Stretch, and reserved seats in the clubhouse and grandstand. For more information about Fan Appreciation Week special offers, events and activities, visit nyra.com/fanappreciation.

College and Alumni Day: NYRA will invite racing fans to show their school pride during College and Alumni Day. The Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion will feature an array of special activities and giveaways for guests throughout the afternoon, including displays from the University at Albany, SUNY Schenectady County Community College, and Siena College.

Fans are encouraged to show their school spirit for the chance to win special prizes from NYRA and radio station FLY 92.3 FM at the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion. Fans must stop by the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion for the chance to win. FLY 92.3 FM will greet guests at the Pavilion from 3 to 5 p.m.

NYRA Bets Late Pick 5: The multi-race wager covers the last five races of every card of live racing at Saratoga. It features a minimum single-ticket payout of $150,000 daily and $300,000 on Saturdays to NYRA Bets customers nationwide online and on-track in New York. The offer is only available to NYRA Bets customers.

NYRA Bets Promotions: New customers who sign up for NYRA Bets using the promo code "SPA" will receive a $200 new member bonus. Visit NYRABets.com for details.

Play the trifecta in the day's feature to earn a 10 percent bonus. Look for the promotional schedule on NYRABets.com.

Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, one of the largest, private, social service agencies in the region, helping more than 80,000 people each year in the 14 counties of the Albany Diocese.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30

P.G. Johnson: The day's feature race is the $100,000 P.G. Johnson for 2-year-old fillies on the turf.

Taste NY: Cider, Wine & Spirits: Taste NY: Cider, Wine & Spirits offers guests a selection of cider, wine and spirits available for sampling in partnership with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Fans will be able to sample five varietals for $5 at the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion from noon to 5 p.m.

Aperol Thursdays at The Post: Guests have the opportunity to sample Aperol Spritz cocktails at The Post Bar from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host the Saratoga Regional YMCA, which is committed to promoting physical fitness in the community, and providing youth, teen and childcare programs.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31

Lucky Coin: The day's feature race is the $100,000 Lucky Coin for 4-year-olds and up on the turf.

Saratoga Premium Giveaway Sale: Fans will have a second chance to secure a favorite track giveaway during a premium giveaway sale at Saratoga Race Course. A selection of premium Saratoga giveaways from earlier this summer and from prior years will be available for purchase. The premium giveaway sale will get underway when gates open at 11 a.m. adjacent to the Clubhouse/Grandstand exchange. Previous giveaways from the 2018 season will be available for $5 per item. Giveaways from 2017 and earlier will be available for $2. All giveaway items are based on availability, while supplies last.

BBQ-Style Package: Fans can celebrate Labor Day weekend at Saratoga Race Course with a BBQ-style package beginning Friday through Monday. The event, hosted Friday at the luxury suites and in the At the Rail Pavilion for the remainder of the weekend, is $45 for adults and $35 for kids 12 and under. Reservations can be made by calling the NYRA Box Office at 1-844-NYRA-TIX.

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 State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Fans will be able to sample five craft beers for $5 at the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion from noon to 5 p.m.

The Last Race Showcase at The Stretch: NYRA invites fans who are in attendance to experience The Stretch for free from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Stretch is Saratoga's exclusive new hospitality area located in the Grandstand at the Top of the Stretch. There will be food and drink specials and live DJ entertainment. Fans can enjoy the new amenities at The Stretch, including a private bar, concessions, hi-def video screens and televisions, and dramatic views of the stretch run.

Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host Saratoga WarHorse, a non-profit organization that helps change the lives of veterans by creating an interactive experience with retired thoroughbreds.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

Woodward Day: The Spa will celebrate the final Saturday of the 2018 meet with four graded stakes. The Grade 1, $750,000 Woodward for 3-year-olds and up and Grade 1, $350,000 Spinaway for 2-year-old fillies will be accompanied by the Grade 3, $300,000 Saranac for 3-year-olds on turf and the Grade 3, $250,000 Glens Falls for fillies and mares on the turf.

NYRA Bets Seminar: Join Pete Fornatale at the NYRA Bets Simulcast Center for a handicapping seminar to discuss their picks for the day. Find them on the second floor of the grandstand near The Stretch. The seminar begins at 11 a.m.

Fashion Saturdays: Designed to showcase the tradition of style in thoroughbred racing, Fashion Saturdays will feature women's and men's apparel and accessories from local retailers, as well as a selection of home décor, spa care and jewelry items at the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Woodford Reserve at the Jim Dandy Bar: Guests are invited to the Jim Dandy Bar to sample Woodford Reserve Saratoga Personal Selection, crafted exclusively for racing fans at the Spa, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Ketel One Saturdays at The Post: The fun will continue with Ketel One Saturdays at The Post. Fans are invited to sample the new Ketel One Botanicals from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Guests at The Stretch will enjoy Ketel One Botanicals samples from 2 to 4 p.m.

Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host Saratoga VFW Post 420, which is located in the heart of Saratoga Springs and dedicated to aiding and supporting local veterans in need.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 - POST-TIME 12:30 P.M.

Prioress: Sunday will feature a special first post time of 12:30 p.m. The day's feature race is the Grade 2, $250,000 Prioress for 3-year-old fillies.

Saratoga Windbreaker Giveaway: Fans can take home the final premium giveaway of the 2018 season - a Saratoga windbreaker. The packable red and black windbreaker, featuring the Saratoga logo, is free with paid admission, while supplies last. Season pass and season ticket plan holders are guaranteed to receive each premium Saratoga giveaway item based on the following guidelines: Season pass or season ticket holders must be present at Saratoga Race Course on the day of the giveaway; enter through the designated season ticket holder lines; and redeem the giveaway by no later than 3 p.m. Redemptions will begin when gates open to the general public at 10:30 a.m.

Low Roller Challenge: Sunday will include the Low Roller Challenge 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.

Taste NY: Food and Artisans: Each Sunday will welcome guests to a lively on-track market of numerous food and artisan vendors featuring products made exclusively in New York State. The market will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion.

Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host Hope Soars, a non-profit organization which provides education, programs and support to improve the quality of life for the Parkinson's patient, as well as their caregivers and family.

LABOR DAY, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 - POST-TIME 12:30 P.M.

The Hopeful: Labor Day will feature a special first post time of 12:30 p.m. The traditional final feature, the 114th running of the Grade 1, $350,000 Hopeful for 2-year-olds, will afford fans a preview of potential standouts in next year's Triple Crown series, as well as the Jim Dandy and Travers. The Spa will also feature the running of the Grade 2, $250,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap for 3-year-olds and up on the turf.

Triple Crown Trophy Photo Opportunity: NYRA invites fans to take their photo with the Triple Crown trophy at the Community Outreach Booth from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. with a suggested $10 donation to benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots holiday toy campaign. All donations support the collection and purchase of new, unwrapped toys as holiday gifts for families in need during the holiday season.

Commissioned by NYRA on behalf of Triple Crown Productions and created by world-renowned sculptor Roberto Santo, the sterling silver and 14-karat gold Triple Crown trophy stands more than three feet tall and features semi-precious stones representing the colors of the three Triple Crown tracks - green, red and green - with a horse modeled after Secretariat and jockey on top.

Berkshire Bank and Hannaford Supermarkets Backpack Giveaway: The first 500 kids, ages 12 and under, to visit the Coca-Cola Saratoga will receive a free drawstring bag filled with school supplies, courtesy of Berkshire Bank and Hannaford Supermarkets. One drawstring bag per child, who must be present to receive.

Berkshire Bank Family Mondays: Monday will be highlighted by Berkshire Bank Family Mondays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion. All kid-friendly games and activities, including the opportunity to pet a retired thoroughbred, are free of charge.

All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA.