​SARATOGA HIGHLIGHTS: RUNHAPPY TRAVERS WEEK

by Pat McKenna, Mark Bardack

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25

John’s Call: The 17th running of the $120,000 John’s Call, for 4-year-olds and up who have not won a graded stakes this year, will be run at 1 5/8 miles over the Mellon turf.

Runhappy Travers Day Tickets: Fans will save on Runhappy Travers Day tickets with their advance purchase. General admission tickets are $15 when purchased in advance. The walk-up price on Runhappy Travers Day is $20. Tickets may be purchased in-person at the NYRA Box Office by Gate A or online at NYRA.com/Travers (service fees apply online). A limited number of Clubhouse admission tickets are available for $25. There are no Clubhouse upgrades on Runhappy Travers Day.

Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage: The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from The McKrells. 

NYRA Bets Gift Cards: NYRA Bets Gift Cards for Runhappy Travers Day are available for purchase at more than 150 Stewart’s Shops and can be used to deposit funds automatically into a NYRA Bets account to bet Saratoga online in addition to hundreds of racetracks nationwide. 

Saratoga Live: Saratoga Live will present daily television coverage of the 40-day summer meet on FOX Sports. For the complete Saratoga Live broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit NYRA.com/SaratogaLive.  

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26

Riskaverse: Thursday’s 12th running of the $120,000 Riskaverse, a one-mile event over the inner turf for sophomore fillies, pays homage to the multiple Grade 1-winning mare who became the first horse to score back-to-back triumphs in the Grade 1 Flower Bowl [2004-05]. 

Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest: Every Thursday features the Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest, available exclusively on-track with a buy-in of $40. Registration begins at 11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar.

Ketel One Tasting: Fans will be invited to sample the Ketel One Lemonade from award-winning Ketel One family made vodka at the Ketel One Longshots Bar located on the ground floor of the Grandstand from 3 to 5 p.m. Must be at least 21 years old; while supplies last. 

Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage: The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from The John Kribs Band. 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27 

New York Showcase Day: The annual flagship event to highlight the strength and success of the New York breeding program will feature six state-bred stakes headlined by the $250,000 Albany, a nine-furlong test for sophomores. The lucrative card will include the $200,000 Fleet Indian for sophomore fillies going 1 1/8 miles; the $200,000 Funny Cide, presented by Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, for 2-year-olds sprinting 6 1/2 furlongs on the main track; the $200,000 Seeking the Ante for 2-year-old fillies at 6 1/2 furlongs; the $150,000 West Point, presented by Trustco Bank, for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles on the inner turf; and the $150,000 Yaddo, a handicap for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and up going 1 1/16 miles on the Mellon turf course.

The Knight Caps, the official glee club of the United States Military Academy at West Point, will kick off the day with a special performance of the National Anthem. 

Tiz the Law Commemorative Poster Autograph Signing: Fans will have the opportunity to celebrate New York-bred Tiz the Law, last year’s Belmont Stakes and Runhappy Travers winner, during a special autograph session with owner Jack Knowlton of Sackatoga Stables; trainer Barclay Tagg; and jockey Manny Franco. The trio will offer autographed editions of a commemorative Tiz the Law poster at the Jockey Silks Room Porch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a recommended donation to the Backstretch Employee Service Team and the New York Race Track Chaplaincy. Tiz the Law posters are free throughout the day at NYRA Bets Squad kiosks and Guest Services locations, while supplies last.

New York Craft Beer and Spirits Specials: New York Showcase Day will highlight beverages produced and distilled in the Empire State. Fans will enjoy New York craft beer, available in a 20-ounce commemorative Jockey Boot, for $10. The craft beer specials will be available at the Fourstardave Sports Bar and nearby Druthers Brewing Company Gazebo, as well as the Saranac Brewery portable bar on the second floor of the grandstand. New York-based spirits producer Cooperstown Distillery will offer complimentary samples of its Fenimore Gin Cucumber Cooler from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Jim Dandy Bar, presented by Cooperstown Distillery. The Fenimore Gin Cucumber Cooler will be the featured drink of the afternoon available at all dining areas, including The Porch, Club Terrace and Turf Terrace.

LifeWorks Community Action Food Drive: NYRA will host its annual food drive to benefit LifeWorks Community Action. Fans who donate at least three non-perishable items at the Community Outreach Booth will receive one free grandstand admission ticket for Wednesday, September 1 or Thursday, September 2. The collection will take place at the Community Outreach Booth from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

CDPHP Celebrates NYRA Hometown Heroes: NYRA will welcome the honorees of its Hometown Hero program, presented by CDPHP, to the winner’s circle for a named race in their honor. The NYRA Hometown Hero program, presented by CDPHP, recognizes local essential workers for their service and dedication to the community during the pandemic. 

Cutwater Spirits Tasting: Fans will be invited to enjoy complimentary samples of ready-to-drink cocktails from Cutwater Spirits at The Cutwater Stretch from 1 to 3 p.m. Must be at least 21 years old; while supplies last. 

Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage: The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from Sensemaya. 

Piazza Italia: The Piazza Italia, located in the Saratoga Events Pavilion, near Gate A, will host live music featuring Nick Collucio from noon to 4 p.m. Fans may enjoy authentic Italian food and beverages at the Piazza Italia every day of the Saratoga meet, including paninis with Italian meats and cheeses, Fratelli Beretta cold cuts, Monti Trentini cheeses, Italian Bindi Gelato, Tiramisu and Peroni Beer. 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 – RUNHAPPY TRAVERS DAY

Runhappy Travers Day: Led by Belmont Stakes and Jim Dandy winner Essential Quality, the nation’s top 3-year-olds will meet at the Spa for the marquee race of the summer season – the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers. The 152nd edition of the race is sponsored by Runhappy, a champion sprinter currently standing at Claiborne Farm. 

Gates open at 7 a.m. with first post time of 11:35 a.m. Breakfast and tram tours are not offered on Runhappy Travers Day.

The Runhappy Travers is the centerpiece of a card featuring seven stakes and six Grade 1s, offering $4.6 million in total purse money, including the Grade 1, $750,000 Resorts World Sword Dancer; Grade 1, $600,000 Personal Ensign presented by Lia Infiniti; Grade 1, $500,000 Ketel One Ballerina; Grade 1, $600,000 Forego; and Grade 1, $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial. Rounding out the blockbuster card is the Grade 2, $400,000 Ballston Spa.

For the third consecutive year, FOX will air the Runhappy Travers as the centerpiece of a 90-minute telecast beginning at 5 p.m. The networks of FOX Sports will air 6.5 hours of live racing and analysis on Runhappy Travers Day, with coverage scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. on FS1.

NYRA Bets Ice Cubes: In celebration of Runhappy Travers Day, the Resorts World Founders Room at the 1863 Club and numerous Saratoga Springs bars and restaurants will feature custom ice cubes etched with the NYRA Bets logo. The NYRA Bets ice cubes will be available at Bailey’s Café; Clancy’s Tavern; Dango’s Saratoga; Horseshoe Inn Bar and Grill; The Ice House; The Parting Glass; Trotters Pub; and The West Side Sports Bar and Grill. Limited quantities, while supplies last.

Volcan Tequila Tasting and Summer Music Stage: The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from Dina and the Dirty Boys from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Big Fez and the Surfmatics from 3 to 6:30 p.m.  

SUNDAY, AUGUST 29

Better Talk Now: The day’s feature is the $120,000 Better Talk Now for 3-year-olds at a mile on the turf. 

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 are $85 and include the buffet, soft drinks and Post Parade program book. Reservations are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX or online at NYRA.com/1863Club.

Berkshire Bank Family Sundays: The popular kid-oriented weekly event will feature a wide variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions and educational activities each Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, located inside Gate A near the Saratoga Race Course Box Office. 

Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest: Every Sunday features the Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest, available exclusively on-track with a buy-in of $40. Registration begins at 11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar.

Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage: The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from The Piggly Wigglies.    

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