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Saratoga Highlights: Opening Weekend

by Pat McKenna

THURSDAY, JULY 13 (Opening Day)

Schuylerville:

Opening Day gets underway with the traditional Grade 3, $175,000 Schuylerville for 2-year-old fillies sprinting six furlongs on the main track at Saratoga Race Course. The Schuylerville, slated for Race 9 on Thursday’s 10-race card, kicks off stakes action on Opening Day of the 40-day summer meet at Saratoga, which features 71 stakes worth $20.8 million. First post is 1:10 p.m. Eastern. 

Saratoga Live: 

Saratoga Live presents daily coverage and analysis of the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course on the networks of FOX Sports. For the complete Saratoga Live broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit NYRA.com/SaratogaLive. 

Taste NY Pavilion: 

The Taste NY Pavilion, located inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch, features New York-made food and beverages, available for sample and purchase. Race fans can visit the pavilion Thursdays through Sundays, from noon to 5 p.m., to enjoy New York craft beer, hard cider, wine, spirits, cheese, chocolate and gelato (must be 21 and over to sample and purchase alcoholic beverages). In honor of the 10-year anniversary of Taste NY, NYRA has expanded the offerings to include two dozen featured products, from Long Island to the Adirondacks and the Capital Region to Western New York, as a showcase of the state’s robust food and beverage industry.

Community Outreach Booth:

As part of NYRA’s season-long commitment to spreading awareness of local non-profits, NYRA will again host one organization each day in the Community Outreach Booth, located adjacent to the Jockey Silks Room, inside Gate B. On Opening Day, NYRA will host Jewish War Veterans Post 36 – Saratoga Springs, a leading Veterans Service Organization that supports and advocates for all uniformed service members, veterans and their families.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage: 

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live musical performances each afternoon of the season from popular local and regional bands. Opening Day will get underway with live music from Family Tree. 

FRIDAY, JULY 14

Coronation Cup and Wilton:

Opening Weekend continues with the $135,000 Wilton for sophomore fillies to be contested at one mile starting from the Wilson Chute and the $150,000 Coronation Cup, a turf sprint for sophomore fillies.

Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour presented by CDTA:

Following a sold-out inaugural season, NYRA’s Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour will be offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays throughout this year’s meet beginning Friday, July 14, and concluding on Friday, September 1. Fans will enjoy a buffet breakfast during morning training at Saratoga Race Course before boarding a CDTA trolley to Song Hill Thoroughbreds on Wednesdays or Old Tavern Farm on Thursdays and Fridays, where they will participate in a 60- to 90-minute guided walking tour. Admission to the races in the afternoon is included in the package. Tickets, which are $85 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under, must be reserved in advance at NYRA.com. Inventory is limited.

Community Outreach Booth:

NYRA will host Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga on Friday, which rescues retired racehorses to facilitate therapeutic wellness by matching humans in need with horses that provide healing.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage: 

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live music from Twangbusters. 

SATURDAY, JULY 15 

Diana, Kelso and Sanford:

Opening Weekend is highlighted by the first Grade 1 of the Saratoga season in the $500,000 Diana for turf fillies and mares on Saturday. The day’s card will also include the Grade 3, $175,000 Sanford for 2-year-olds on the main track; and the Grade 3, $175,000 Kelso, formerly the Forbidden Apple, at one mile on turf for older horses.

Islip Horsemen’s Association Drill Team Performance:

The Islip Horsemen’s Association Drill Team will perform for fans on Saturday afternoon. Six riders and their horses will show off their pattern riding skills while moving in different formations to a variety of music. The Islip, NY-based team has performed across the state, including at the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.

Sampling Trifecta: 

Fans will have the opportunity to sample wine and spirits during the inaugural Saturday of the season including: Cutwater Ready to Drink cocktails at the Cutwater Gazebo, across from Guest Services; Josh Cellars wines at the Josh Cellars Wine Bar inside Gates C & D; and the Pony Punch featuring award-winning Casa Noble tequila just outside The Porch. Samples will be available from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last, to guests 21 and older, with valid ID.

Community Outreach Booth:

United Way of the Greater Capital Region will be at the Community Outreach Booth on the first Saturday of the summer meet. United Way is a recognized leader in the development and investment of philanthropic and volunteer resources through programs and initiatives that improve the quality of life for children, families, elders and people in need. 

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage: 

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live music from Diva & The Dirty Boys. 

SUNDAY, JULY 16

Quick Call:

The Grade 3, $175,000 Quick Call, presented by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, a sophomore turf sprint, closes out Opening Weekend on Sunday.

Saratoga Low Roller Contest:

Horseplayers can enjoy the Saratoga Low Roller Contest held exclusively on-track every Sunday and Thursday at Saratoga Race Course. Fans can pre-register on contest days outside the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar. There is a $40 buy-in, of which $30 will go to the player’s bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. The winner will receive a Saratoga Low Roller championship T-shirt in addition to the cash prize.

Sunday Brunch at The Rail at 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 $100 and include admission, a table seat for the day, brunch buffet, soft drinks, two mimosa or Bloody Mary drink tickets per person, 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.

Berkshire Bank Family Sundays: 

The popular family-friendly weekly event features a wide variety of free activities, games, attractions and educational experiences from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, located inside Gate A near the Saratoga Race Course Box Office. This week’s theme is Beach Day and will feature a DIY craft station, surf simulator, a steel drum performer and more.

Community Outreach Booth:

Operation Adopt a Soldier will close out Opening Week at the Community Outreach Booth. The nonprofit provides a sense of home to U.S. soldiers through care packages, gifts, letters, phone cards and more.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage: 

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live music from Get Up Jack.

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