Saratoga Hosts Final Week of Racing in 2016
Saratoga Race Course is heading into its seventh and final week of the 2016 meet, which runs Wednesday August 31 – Labor Day, Monday, September 5. The Grade 1 Woodward Stakes will highlight the week's events. Activities will take place at the track and nearby locations.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31
With Anticipation: The day's feature race is the Grade 2, $200,000 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, discounts and offers during closing week of the 2016 season at Saratoga Race Course.
Beginning Wednesday, August 31 through Monday, September 5, NYRA will host an end of summer BBQ in the At the Rail Pavilion. The buffet lunch will feature menu items inspired by some of the region's most popular restaurateurs. The BBQ is $45 for adults and $35 for kids (12 and under) and includes admission and a program book. Reservations can be made by calling the NYRA Box Office at 1-844-NYRA-TIX.
Fans will enjoy a 20 percent discount on grandstand reserved seats when using the promo code TOGA20, valid weekdays through Labor Day. Offer available at Ticketmaster.com and not valid on previously purchased tickets.
Saratoga Season Perks members will receive a number of additional exclusive offers through Labor Day, Monday, September 5, including:
- 35 percent discount on dated merchandise, including 2016 Travers collectible items, at NYRA stores
- 10 percent discount at most on-track concession stands
- 10 percent discount at Shake Shack
- 10 percent discount at participating vendors in the Artist's Village
The above discounts are available to season pass and season ticket plan holders who show their season pass or season perks card at participating on-track locations. Discounts do not apply to lottery, tobacco, alcohol, restaurant dining, group sales or Dunkin' Donuts. For a complete list of participating Saratoga Season Perks partners, visit SaratogaSeasonPerks.com.
Brew Central NY: NYRA will conclude its New York Heritage and Tourism Series with a spotlight on Brew Central NY at the Saratoga Pavilion, presented by Time Warner Cable News, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day will highlight the tradition of craft beverages in Central New York and will feature activities, exhibits and entertainment which showcase the renaissance of craft beer, hard cider, spirits and wine in the region. Craft beer, wines, ciders and spirits from Central New York producers will be available in increments of five samples for $5. Guests must be at least 21 years old and show proper identification to participate in the tasting.
Mornings at Saratoga: Fans are invited to enjoy breakfast on The Porch of the clubhouse while the thoroughbreds train on the main track. Breakfast is held from 7 to 9:30 a.m. and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. $17.95 for adults and $9.95 for kids 12 and under. Mornings at Saratoga also welcome fans to go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour. Tram tours begin at 7:30 a.m. and depart from the clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes through 9 a.m. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length.
Bets Squad: A new addition this year, the Bets Squad is available daily to educate fans about the basics of wagering. The Bets Squad is stationed in gazebos located in the upper grandstand and outside the paddock entrance and is also available for consultation in the NYRA Bets Lounge on Saturdays. Fans can schedule private sessions with Bets Squad members either in-person or online at NYRA.com/BetsSquad.
Saratoga LIVE: Fans can follow the action on Saratoga LIVE, the new racing program produced by NYRA TV, which is broadcast to an audience of more than 65 million viewers on Fox Sports 2 and MSG+ each day beginning at 4 p.m. Live coverage begins daily on Altitude Sports at 5 p.m. EST. The program includes a combination of racing coverage, analysis and feature items. For a complete broadcast schedule and local listings, visit NYRA.com.
Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host The Wesley Community, a not-for-profit agency in Saratoga Springs which provides housing for and serves the needs of the elderly, as well as active seniors, adults and pediatrics. The Wesley Community's unique continuum of care community provides independent and enriched living for seniors, subsidized independent senior housing, adult day services, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care, as well as outpatient therapies available for people of all ages.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
P.G. Johnson: The day's feature race is the $100,000 P.J. 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 each Thursday of the meet in partnership with the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets. Fans will be able to sample five varietals for $5 at the Saratoga Pavilion, presented by Time Warner Cable News, from noon to 5 p.m.
Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties, a non-profit organization which builds and rehabilitates affordable homes for low-income individuals and families in the local community.
"At the Post Live: Serling on Saratoga": NYRA TV broadcast analyst and nationally recognized thoroughbred racing personality Andy Serling hosts this live broadcast on ESPN Radio 104.5 "The Team" at The Parting Glass in downtown Saratoga Springs from 8 to 9 p.m. At the Post Live is presented by NYRA Bets.
Fourstardave Sports Bar: Fans are invited to watch live simulcast racing at the Fourstardave Sports Bar, which will remain open to the public following the last race on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Evan Shipman: The day's feature race is the $100,000 Evan Shipman for New York-bred horses ages 3 and up.
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 Department of Agriculture and Markets. Fans will be able to sample five craft beers for $5 at the Saratoga Pavilion, presented by Time Warner Cable News, from noon to 5 p.m.
NYRA Bets Late Pick 5: Beginning Friday, a second Pick 5 will be added to the wagering menu at Saratoga Race Course. The wager will be offered through Labor Day, Monday, September 5. The popular multi-race wager will cover the last five races of each card and feature the same 15 percent takeout rate and $0.50 bet minimum as the existing early Pick 5. The late Pick 4 and Pick 6 will continue to be offered at Saratoga on the final four and six races of the day, respectively. All multi-leg wagers that enter closing day with a carryover provision including both Pick 5's the late Pick 4 and Pick 6 will have a mandatory payout on the final day of the meet.
Book Signing with Sportswriter Brien Bouyea: National award-winning sportswriter Brien Bouyea will sign copies of his new book "Bare Knuckles & Saratoga Racing: The Remarkable Life of John Morrissey" at the Jockey Silks Room porch from noon to 2 p.m. The book chronicles the life of John Morrissey, the undefeated American boxing champion who orchestrated the first racing meet at Saratoga in 1863 and founded Saratoga Race Course in 1864. Copies of the book will be available for purchase with partial proceeds to benefit the Backstretch Employee Service Team.
Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host Re Run, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a happy life for thoroughbred horses that no longer compete at the race track.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 - POST TIME 12:30 P.M.
Woodward Day: Labor Day weekend will feature a special first post time of 12:30 p.m. The Spa will celebrate the final Saturday of the 2016 meet with a pair of Grade 1 races and Grade 3 affairs. The historic Grade 1, $600,000 Woodward and Grade 1, $350,000 Spinaway for juvenile fillies will be accompanied on the card by the Grade 3, $300,000 Saranac for 3-year-olds on grass and the Grade 3, $200,000 Glens Falls for fillies and mares on the turf.
NYRA Bets Lounge: Fans are invited to visit the NYRA Bets Lounge in the Saratoga Pavilion, presented by Time Warner Cable News. The NYRA Bets Lounge will offer handicapping tips and analysis from racing professionals and also features a full-service bar and Lifestyles clothing boutique. A handicapping seminar will occur from 11 a.m. to noon with Mike Penna of the Horse Racing Radio Network.
Low Roller Challenge: Saturday will feature the Low Roller Challenge, presented by NYRA Bets, 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 at11 a.m. at the NYRA Bets Lounge in the Saratoga Pavilion, presented by Time Warner Cable News.
Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host Toys for Tots, a national movement organized by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to collect new, unwrapped toys to distribute as holiday gifts for children and families in need.
Ketel One Party at The Post: The fun will continue on the final Saturday of the season with the Ketel One Party at The Post, the lively bar and entertainment spot adjacent to the paddock. Activities will include a DJ, trivia contests and prizes at The Post following the day's final race.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 - POST TIME 12:30 P.M.
Prioress: The day's feature race is the Grade 2, $300,000 Prioress for 3-year-old fillies going six furlongs.
Saratoga Long-Sleeve Pullover Giveaway: Perfect for the ensuing fall weather, the Saratoga long-sleeve pullover, presented by Coca-Cola, will serve as the final giveaway of the 2016 season, free with paid admission, while supplies last. All season ticket plan and season pass holders will be guaranteed to receive the giveaway if they redeem the item by 3 p.m. Season pass and season ticket plan holders are required to utilize the line designated for them at each entry gate.
Taste NY: Food and Artisans: Taste NY: Food & Artisans is a lively on-track market filled with vendors featuring products made exclusively in New York State. Products include jams, baked goods and hand-crafted soap, amongst other items. The market is held each Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Saratoga Pavilion, presented by Time Warner Cable News.
Low Roller Challenge: Sunday will include the Low Roller Challenge, presented by NYRA Bets, 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 at11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar.
Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host Living Resources, a non-profit organization which provides services to individuals with a broad range of disabilities and impairments, including brain injury survivors and veterans.
LABOR DAY, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 - POST TIME 12:30 P.M.
The Hopeful: The traditional final feature race, the 112th running of the Grade 1, $350,000 Hopeful for 2-year-olds, will afford racing fans a preview of potential standouts in next year's Triple Crown series and Travers. The Spa will also feature the running of the Grade 2, $250,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap for mature horses on the turf.
Fan Appreciation Week: The final Monday of the meet will feature the special offer of a Family Monday 4-Pack: four grandstand reserved seats (includes admission); four hotdogs and four sodas for $44. The package is available for purchase by calling 1-844-NYRA-TIX.
Berkshire Bank Family Mondays Back to School Backpack Giveaway: Monday is highlighted by Berkshire Bank Family Mondays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Saratoga Pavilion, presented by Time Warner Cable News. The first 500 kids, ages 12 and under, to visit the Pavilion will receive a free drawstring bag filled with school supplies, courtesy of Berkshire Bank and Pediatric Dental Group of New York.
All kid-friendly games and activities, including the opportunity to pet a retired thoroughbred, are free of charge, with the exception of one designated activity which carries a suggested donation to benefit a local school or PTA. The beneficiary of the final Monday of the season is Saddlewood Elementary School. Fans are also invited to play a special edition of Pokemon Go while exploring various track landmarks during the event.
Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will host the Cohoes Connect Center for Youth, a non-profit organization which will serve as a community resource by providing a safe and secure environment for the children, youth and families of the City of Cohoes.
All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of the New York Racing Association.
Source: NYRA Communications