News

August 25, 2015

What’s Happening Week #6 (Travers Week) at Saratoga Race Course

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

  • Stewart’s Shops Day: The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will celebrate a longtime community partner during Stewart’s Shops Day at Saratoga Race Course. Stewart’s Shops Day will pay tribute to the agriculture heritage and traditions of the locally-owned and operated convenience store chain, whose roots are in the dairy business since beginning as an ice cream shop in 1945. The highlight of the day will be the annual Stewart’s Ice Cream Eating Contest, during which three age groups of kids (ages 6 to 12), teens (ages 13 to 17) and adults (ages 18 and up) will compete to finish a pint of ice cream the fastest. The winner in each category will receive gift certificates for free Stewart’s Shops ice cream. Registration for the Stewart’s Ice Cream Eating Contest begins at 11 a.m. at the Saratoga Pavilion. The competition will unfold after the conclusion of the day’s third race at approximately 2:10 p.m. Yolanda Vega of the New York Lottery and Chad O’Hara of B95.5 FM will emcee the contest. Officials from Stewart’s Shops will be joined by Vega to present the trophy for the day’s second race named in honor of Stewart’s Shops. Vega will lend her trademark voice to the presentation, which will take place in the winner’s circle at approximately 1:30 p.m. In addition to the Ice Cream Eating Contest, the day will feature a number of family-friendly activities at the Saratoga Pavilion, including a farm-themed bounce inflatable, photo opportunities with a milk truck, music, face painting and free Stewart’s Shops ice cream samples (while supplies last).
  • NYRA Community Outreach Booth: The NYRA Community Outreach Booth will host the Racing City Chorus, an all men’s barbershop-style singing group based out of Saratoga Springs. The organization consists of more than 50 men in the community from all walks of life, who meet to regularly practice, perform, socialize and collectively share their love for music. The chorus will perform the National Anthem from the winner’s circle on Wednesday as well as barbershop tunes from the Community Booth to raise money for its upcoming 60th
  • Saratoga Season Pass and Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Day: All Saratoga season pass and season-long reserved seat ticket holders will receive a 15 percent discount at the NYRA Store each Wednesday of the meet. The discount is available to season pass holders who present their season pass and to season ticket holders who show their new season ticket holder perks card at participating on-track locations. Tobacco and lottery sales are excluded. Season ticket holders may pick up their new perks card at the NYRA Box Office at Saratoga Race Course. Season pass and ticket holders are invited to visit com/seasonperks for various other discounts and special offers that will be available over the course of the 2015 season.

 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27

  • New York Turf Writers Cup: The day’s feature race is the Grade 1, $150,000 New York Turf Writers Cup, a steeplechase race for 4-year-olds and up.
  • A Visit from Funny Cide: The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will welcome the return of Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Jockey Club Gold Cup champion Funny Cide to Saratoga Race Course. Fans are invited to watch the 2003 Eclipse Award 3-year-old male champion parade in the paddock from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • NYRA Community Outreach Booth: The NYRA Community Outreach Booth will host Saratoga WarHorse, a non-profit program for military veterans, which has been effective and invaluable for those struggling to adjust to life after their service. The program, which is provided free of charge, gives veterans the opportunity to interact with retired thoroughbred racehorses during a three-day experience, which allows participants to undergo classroom and hands-on training with an equine instructor to prepare them for their introduction to horses. Fans will receive a commemorative Funny Cide poster, courtesy of Sackatoga Stable, in return for a minimum suggested donation to Saratoga WarHorse.
  • Taste NY: Cider, Wine & Spirits: Taste NY: Cider, Wine & Spirits offers track patrons the opportunity to sample varietals of cider, wine and spirits from numerous New York State distilleries and wineries. The tasting will be held each Thursday of the meet from noon to 5 p.m. in the Saratoga Pavilion. Participating distilleries and wineries include: 1911 Cider and Spirits Company; Harvest Spirits; Hazlitt’s Cider Tree; Heron Hill Winery; Saratoga Courage Distillery (Saratoga Pick Six Vodka); Saratoga Winery; and Thirsty Owl Wine Company. Sampling fee applies.
  • Saratoga Season Pass and Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Day: All Saratoga season pass and season-long reserved seat ticket holders will receive a 10 percent discount at Shake Shack each Thursday of the meet. The discount is available to season pass holders who present their season pass and to season ticket holders who show their new season ticket holder perks card at participating on-track locations.
  • Travers Celebration: The Travers Celebration, the official party of the Travers, will be held in support of the Backstretch Employee Service Team, Saratoga WarHorse and the Times Union Hope Fund at Saratoga National Golf Course at 7 p.m. This year’s event will honor owner Magalen O. Bryant, trainer Jimmy Jerkens and jockey Javier Castellano, the connections of 2014 Travers winner V.E. Day. Presented by The New York Racing Association, Inc. and sponsored by AstraZeneca, Coors Light, Kendall-Jackson, Ketel One Vodka and Maserati of Albany, the event will begin with outdoor cocktails followed by a formal tented seated dinner catered by Mazzone Hospitality at 8 p.m. The evening will also include dancing and music from the Times Square Orchestra. The 2015 Travers Celebration is co-chaired by Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Jo Ann Oreffice. Cocktail attire is suggested. Tickets are available for $375 per person. A limited number of sponsorships is available. To purchase tickets, or for more information, contact events@nyrainc.com or call 718.659.3547.
  • “At the Post Live: Serling on Saratoga”: New York Racing Association broadcast analyst and nationally recognized thoroughbred racing personality Andy Serling will host the sixth in a series of weekly live broadcasts on ESPN Radio 104.5 “The Team” at The Parting Glass in downtown Saratoga Springs from 8 to 9 p.m. Serling will offer weekly tips, discuss behind the scenes information about Saratoga Race Course and interact with special guests including Hall of Fame trainers and jockeys, leading racing personalities, notable industry figures and celebrity horse racing fans. The weekly broadcasts are free and open to the public.

 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28

  • Morning Work for Travers Entries: 2015 Triple Crown champion American Pharoah is expected to work (weather permitting) on the main track at Saratoga Race Course between 8:45 and 9 a.m. in preparation for Saturday’s Travers. The main track will be reserved exclusively for Travers entries who wish to work on Friday starting at 8:45 a.m. The public is invited to watch during the traditional breakfast at Saratoga, with gates opening at 7 a.m. There is no charge for admission. Parking refunds will be issued, as is standard procedure, for all those who depart Saratoga prior to 10 a.m. Breakfast ($17.95 for adults, $9.95 for children 3-12) on the lower porch will be served on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 7 a.m. The At the Rail Tent will also be open for a buffet breakfast to accommodate additional guests. Seating for both areas will be directed from the host stand on the lower porch. Additional concessions will be open throughout the facility on Friday morning and will offer an array of breakfast items, including fresh egg sandwiches, French toast sticks, breakfast pizza, coffee and assorted beverages. Dunkin’ Donuts and several popular food trucks, including Pies on Wheels and the Mac Truck, will also be serving breakfast items. Backstretch tram tours will not be available on Friday, August 28.
  • Advanced Wagering on Travers Day: Advanced wagering on the Travers Day card will be available beginning on Friday featuring $1.75 million in guaranteed wagers over the two-day period. The Travers Day card will include a $250,000 Guaranteed Pick 6 beginning with race 6, a $400,000 Guaranteed Pick 5 beginning with race 1, and a $1 million Guaranteed All-Graded Stakes Pick 4 beginning with race 8. NYRA will provide racing fans a special offer by doubling the payout of any “win” bet on American Pharoah placed during the advance wagering period on Friday, August 28. Wagers must be placed on com or the mobile site to be eligible for the bonus. Offer caps at one $10 win bet; limit one bet per account/household.
  • New York Showcase Day: Travers Eve will be dedicated to New York-breds during New York Showcase Day at Saratoga Race Course. The popular state-bred card will include six stakes, highlighted by the $250,000 Albany for 3-year-olds going 1 1/8 miles. The day’s card will also include the $150,000 West Point presented by Trustco Bank for 3-year-olds and up, after which the West Point Glee Club will conduct a special performance in the winner’s circle. The West Point Glee Club will also perform the day’s national anthem at the winner’s circle at 11:30 a.m.
  • Saratoga Walk of Fame Induction and Red Jacket Ceremony: The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will induct prominent owners Ogden Mills “Dinny” Phipps of Phipps Stable and Marylou Whitney of Marylou Whitney Stables into the Saratoga Race Course Walk of Fame. The honorees will unveil their plaques during NYRA’s annual Red Jacket Ceremony, scheduled for 12:15 p.m. in the winner’s circle. The Saratoga Walk of Fame, which opened at the beginning of the 2015 season, is the culmination of a new tradition which began at Saratoga Race Course in 2013 to recognize the greats of the game with an emblematic Saratoga red jacket and a commemorative plaque on the eve of the Travers. The new attraction provides a permanent home for the plaques – and their narratives – where guests can learn about the honorees’ contributions to racing at Saratoga.
  • Taste NY: Craft Beer: Taste NY: Craft Beer offers track patrons the opportunity to sample numerous craft beers produced exclusively by New York State breweries. The day’s featured breweries are Olde Saratoga Brewing Company and Druthers Brewing Company. The tasting will be held each Friday from noon to 5 p.m. in the Saratoga Pavilion. Sampling fee applies.
  • NYRA Community Outreach Booth – Saratoga County EOC Drive: The New York Racing Association will host a food drive to benefit the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council (EOC). Fans are invited to donate a canned or non-perishable food item to the Saratoga County EOC at the Community Outreach Booth, located outside the Jockey Silks Room and across from the new Saratoga Walk of Fame. Guests who donate three canned or non-perishable items will receive a free Funny Cide commemorative poster. Suggested donation items include shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, pasta, peanut butter, cereal, rice, soup and canned vegetables. The Saratoga County EOC is a non-profit organization committed to being a leader in advocating for opportunities and developing solutions to promote healthy, thriving families and caring community partners.
  • Saratoga Season Pass and Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Day: All Saratoga season pass and season-long reserved seat ticket holders will receive a 10 percent discount at participating vendors in the Artist’s Village each Friday of the meet. The discount is available to season pass holders who present their season pass and to season ticket holders who show their new season ticket holder perks card at participating on-track locations.

 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 – TRAVERS DAY

  • Travers Day: 2015 Triple Crown champion American Pharoah will compete in front of a paid crowd of 50,000 fans during the 146th running of the Grade 1 Travers at Saratoga Race Course. All Travers Day tickets are sold out. Gates open at 7 a.m. for ticketed patrons on Travers Day with a special first post time of 11:45 a.m. The Travers will go to post at 5:46 p.m. and will be broadcast on NBC as part of a two-hour live broadcast beginning at 4 p.m.

 This year’s Travers Day card features the addition of three Grade 1 stakes to comprise a blockbuster lineup of six Grade 1 races and a Grade 2 for a total of seven graded stakes worth nearly a combined $5.5 million on the afternoon (the purse for the Travers will rise to $1.6 million from $1.25 million if expected starter American Pharoah runs).

Joining the Travers Day card are: the 1 ½-mile Sword Dancer Invitational on the turf, whose purse has been enhanced to $1 million; the $750,000, 1 1/8-mile Personal Ensign for fillies and mares; and the $700,000 Priority One Forego at seven furlongs. These additions round out a spectacular card which already included the Grade 1, $500,000 Ballerina for fillies and mares; the Grade 1, $500,000 NYRA.com King’s Bishop; and the Grade 2, $400,000 Ketel One Ballston Spa for turf fillies and mares.

The sell-out Travers Day follows the announcement of a paid attendance cap of 50,000 attendees in an effort to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all fans. Fans are specifically advised not to travel to Saratoga Race Course on August 29 without tickets purchased in advance. Clubhouse and grandstand season passes are valid and will be accepted on Travers Day. The paid attendance cap takes into account all patrons who have made dining and table reservations on Travers Day for the following on-track locations: the Turf Terrace, Club Terrace or Lower Porch; the Fourstardave sports bar in the lower Carousel; and the reserved picnic table section in the backyard – all of which require separate admission. Those with previously confirmed reservations are encouraged to purchase their Travers Day admission in advance of August 29 by visiting the NYRA Box Office at Saratoga Race Course or calling 844-NYRA-TIX.

Both the Fourstardave Sports Bar and The Post will feature live entertainment and remain open until 9 p.m. on Travers Day. No coolers larger than 12-by-18 inches will be allowed on the trackside apron or Top of the Stretch. Coolers are not permitted in the building or Clubhouse. No glass containers of any kind are permitted. Breakfast on the Clubhouse porch and backstretch tram tours are not available on Travers Day.

Ticketed patrons planning to attend the Mid-Summer Derby can review a full list of prohibited and permitted items at NYRA.com. All patrons are subject to enhanced magnetic screening upon entering the grounds and those attempting to enter with banned items will be asked to return those items to their vehicles or dispose of them. No storage will be provided for patrons arriving or attempting to enter the venue with prohibited items.

 

  • Fashion Saturdays: Designed to highlight the tradition of style and glamour in thoroughbred racing, the weekly event will feature various local fashion retailers and spas throughout the season. Prizes for the best dressed man and woman will be awarded each Saturday afternoon, including participation in a trophy presentation for the Fashion Saturday race, presented by Saratoga Living. Participating shops include Bumble Beads Boutique, Bow River Jewelry, Lifestyles of Saratoga, The National and Rumors Salon & Spa.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30

  • Taste NY: Food and Artisans: Returning for the 2015 summer meet, Taste NY: Food & Artisans is a lively on-track market of nearly 20 food and artisan vendors featuring products made exclusively in New York State. Products include jams, honey, baked goods and hand-crafted soap, amongst other items. The market will be held each Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Saratoga Pavilion.
  • Low Rollers Handicapping Contest: Sunday will feature the return of the Low Rollers Handicapping Contest, which allows aspiring handicappers the opportunity to experience the thrill of tournament play for $40, with $30 going towards live money and $10 to the prize pool. Participants must select five races on which to place live $2 win, place and show wagers on five different horses in five different races. Only Saratoga horses are accepted for contest play. Guests are invited to register on the first floor of the grandstand by the lower Carousel before post time for the day’s fifth race. The tournament will be held each Sunday of the meet.

 

MONDAY, AUGUST 31

  • Berkshire Bank Family Mondays: Monday will be highlighted by the newly expanded and enhanced Berkshire Bank Family Mondays, presented by Mister Softee from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Saratoga Pavilion. The weekly family festival will enable families and children to experience and enjoy a wide array of games, attractions, and educational activities against the backdrop of historic Saratoga Race Course, including the opportunity to pet a retired thoroughbred. Schools, PTAs and non-profit organizations will have an opportunity to fundraise for their operations during Berkshire Bank Family Mondays. Both the New York Racing Association and Berkshire Bank will supplement the money that they raise each week with matching grants. The featured organization for the sixth Monday of the season is Saratoga Academy.
  • Saratoga Fan Appreciation Days: The New York Racing Association will thank its fans with a series of special events, activities and offers during closing week of the 2015 season at Saratoga Race Course. Additionally, beginning Monday, August 31 through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, Saratoga season pass and season-long reserved ticket holders will receive a 25 percent discount at the NYRA stores; as well as a 15 percent discount at select concession stands. Participating locations include Four Star Dave, Toga Burgers, Paddock Pizza, Finishline Sabrett, Sams and Clams and Panini. Tobacco and lottery sales are excluded. The discount is available to season pass holders who present their season pass and to season ticket holders who show their new season ticket holder perks card at participating on-track locations.
  • Low Rollers Handicapping Contest: The contest which allows aspiring handicappers the opportunity to experience the thrill of tournament play returns for a second day. Guests are invited to register on the first floor of the grandstand by the lower Carousel before post time for the day’s fifth race.