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​NYRA and CDPHP celebrate Hometown Heroes at Saratoga Race Course

by McKenna, Bardack

Five members of the Capital Region community will be honored for their service to their hometowns 

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), in partnership with the Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc. (CDPHP), today announced it will once again recognize a group of Hometown Heroes at Saratoga Race Course this summer. Hometown Heroes are individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to improving the quality of life for residents in their communities.

Recipients of the Hometown Heroes award, nominated by their community peers, will be honored in the Winner’s Circle at Saratoga Race Course with a race named in their honor. They will also receive complimentary tickets and hospitality courtesy of NYRA and CDPHP.

“NYRA is honored to celebrate individuals who work tirelessly and often behind the scenes for the well-being of their neighbors,” said NYRA Vice President of Communications Pat McKenna. “We are proud to team up with CDPHP for the second consecutive year to recognize local individuals who are doing good in our community. We thank CDPHP for its ongoing support and we look forward to celebrating this year’s Hometown Heroes and their selfless contributions.”

“CDPHP is excited to once again partner with NYRA to honor those making our community a better place,” said CDPHP President and CEO John D. Bennett, MD. “We look forward to the start of Saratoga racing season and celebrating those individuals who go above and beyond for the place we call ‘home.’”

 Five Hometown Heroes will be selected from a pool of Capital Region candidates nominated for their service to their community. Eligible nominees may include a teacher, first responder, healthcare worker, non-profit representative, student volunteer or anyone else who has made a meaningful contribution to improving the well-being of others.

Nominations may be submitted at CDPHP.com/hero through Friday, August 5 at 11:59 p.m. Submissions should include contact information for both the nominee and their nominator as well as a brief description (250 words or less) of why the nominee should be recognized as a CDPHP Hometown Hero. Winners will be notified by Wednesday, August 10, 2022.

Highlighted by the 153rd renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers on August 27 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on August 6, the 2022 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course will open on Thursday, July 14, and continue through Monday, September 5.

Following the four-day opening weekend, racing will be 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/Saratoga.