Fan Appreciation Week
NYRA will thank its fans with a series of special offers during Fan Appreciation Week at Saratoga Race Course. Fans will enjoy savings on reserved seats and reserved tables in the Fourstardave Sports Bar and Miller Lite Picnic Paddock, as well as numerous food and drink specials.
Friday, August 30
• LUCKY COIN
The day’s feature race is the $100,000 Lucky Coin for 4-year-olds and up on the turf.
• DOG ADOPTION CLINIC
NYRA will offer fans the opportunity to give an animal its fur-ever home during a Dog Adoption Clinic from noon to 4 p.m. The clinic, which is hosted in partnership with News 10 ABC and Pet Connection with Steve Caporizzo, will be held near the Big Red Spring in the backyard. NYRA will underwrite adoption fees for animals placed with a new family during the clinic. Only dogs will be available for adoption. Participating animal shelters and rescue groups include: Companion Animal Placement Program; German Shephard Rescue of NY; Greyt Companions; and the Saratoga County Animal Shelter.
• SOUTHWESTERN LABOR DAY BBQ
Fans are invited to enjoy a southwestern-style Labor Day Weekend BBQ while experiencing The Rail at the 1863 Club, the first-floor banquet space at the all-new 1863 Club. The event is hosted through Labor Day, Monday, September 2, is $85 per person. Reservations are available at Ticketmaster.com.
• TASTE NY: CRAFT BEER & CIDER
The popular tasting event will offer guests the opportunity to sample craft beers and ciders produced exclusively in New York State. Live music will accompany from noon to 5 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion. Guests will enjoy five samples for $5. Must be 21 years or older to participate.
Saturday, August 31
POST TIME: 12:30 P.M.
• WOODWARD DAY
The Spa will celebrate the final Saturday of the 2019 meet with four graded stakes. The Grade 1, $750,000 Woodward, presented by NYRA Bets, will headline the day’s card accompanied by the Grade 2, $250,000 Glens Falls; the Grade 2, $250,000 Prioress; and the Grade 3, $200,000 Saranac. FS2 will have live coverage of all the racing action on Woodward Day beginning at 2:30 p.m. with Saratoga Live.
• FASHION SATURDAYS
Designed to showcase the tradition of style in thoroughbred racing, the event will feature women’s and men’s fashion apparel from local retailers, as well as home décor and jewelry items. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion.
Sunday, September 1
POST TIME: 12:30 P.M.
• SPINAWAY
The day’s feature is the Grade 1, $350,000 Spinaway for 2-year-old fillies. Saratoga Live will have full-card coverage on FS2.
• SARATOGA ZIP-UP HOODIE SWEATSHIRT GIVEAWAY
Fans will celebrate closing weekend with the final giveaway of the season - a Saratoga zip-up hoodie sweatshirt, presented by Lia Infiniti. The gray hooded, zip-up sweatshirt adorned with the red Saratoga logo will be available free with paid admission, while supplies last.
• BERKSHIRE BANK FAMILY SUNDAYS
The popular kid-oriented event will feature a wide variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions and educational activities from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion. The theme for this week’s event is “Under the Sea,” featuring a sand art station, goldfish racing and mermaid cutouts.
• LOW ROLLER CHALLENGE
Sunday will include the Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest, 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 at 11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar and the challenge ends after the final post.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 - Closing Day
POST TIME: 12:30 P.M.
• RUNHAPPY HOPEFUL
The traditional final feature, the 115th running of the Grade 1, $350,000 Runhappy Hopeful for 2-year-olds, will afford fans a preview of potential standouts in next year’s Runhappy Travers. The day’s card will also feature the Grade 2, $250,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap. Saratoga Live will have coverage of all the racing action beginning at 1 p.m. on FS2.
• BREAKFAST AT SARATOGA, PRESENTED BY CDTA
Fans are welcome to enjoy the final Breakfast at Saratoga in addition to free tram tours of the backstretch. Tram tours run from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and depart from the Clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length.
• EMPIRE 6 MANDATORY PAYOUT
Closing Day will mark a mandatory payout for the new Empire 6 in which the entire net pool plus the jackpot carryover (if applicable) will be distributed to those selecting the greatest number of winners on Monday’s card. The Empire 6 features a $0.20 bet minimum and has provided horseplayers with consistently large payouts since it was added to the wagering menu this summer. The Empire 6 has paid out five figure totals on three days since being introduced, including $37,064 on August 21; $25,145 on August 14 and $12,547 on August 18.
