News & Notes:
Stake Races:
Friday, July 3
Schuylerville: F2YO, 6 Furlong – Dirt, Purse $200,000
Saranac: 3YO, 1 1/16 Mile – Turf, Purse $150,000
Wild Applause: 1 Mile – Turf, Purse $150,000
Saturday, July 4
Belmont Derby: 3Yo, 1 1/8 Mile – Turf, Purse $750,000
Sanford: 2YO, 6 Furlongs – Dirt, Purse $225,000
Suburban Presented by Subourbon Life: 4&UP, 1 1/4 Mile – Dirt, Purse $500,000
Belmont Oaks: F3YO, 1 1/8 Mile – Turf, Purse $600,000
Sunday, June 5
Kelso: 4&UP, 1 Mile – Turf, Purse $225,000
Leo O’Brien: 4&UP, 2 3/8 Mile – Turf (Steeplechase), Purse $150,000
Harvey Pack: 4&UP, 5 1/2 Furlongs – Turf, Purse $200,000
friday, july 3:
Admission gates open at 11a.m. with an 11-race program underway at 1:10 p.m.
Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track Fundraiser:
Fans can purchase a specially designed T-shirt to support those impacted by the recent fire at Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track. Available at the NYRA Gift Store with 100 percent of all sales donated to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association.
Saratoga 250, America’s Turning Point Cannon:
A three-pound replica cannon will be prominently displayed near the paddock throughout the holiday weekend. This exact working replica of a 1777 Saratoga Campaign cannon will be part of the 250th commemoration of the “Henry Knox Noble Train of Artillery.”
Victory at Saratoga Samplings:
All weekend long, fans 21 and older can enjoy complimentary samplings of the Saratoga 250 signature summer cocktail, Victory at Saratoga, which features Freeman’s Farm at Saratoga Bourbon produced by War Cannon Spirits of Crown Point, NY. Available at the Saratoga 250 Tent by the paddock.
Horse Themed Carnival Game:
Fans can win prizes on Friday and Saturday at a horse-themed roller ball carnival game, located in the backyard near Horse Sense.
saturday, july 4:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with an 11-race program underway at 12:35 p.m.
Dollar Dogs:
$1 Carnegie Deli Hot Dogs are available at concession stands where hot dogs are traditionally sold.
1776:
Saratoga’s Home Made Theater will perform a musical selection from the Tony Award-winning production “1776,” bringing the story of America’s founding to life through song.
Ma’alwyck Fife and Drum Corps and Historical Reenactors:
The Scotia-based Ma’alwyck Fife and Drum Corps will help transport guests back to the Revolutionary War era. The ensemble will feature percussionist Andrew Janack, who performs regularly with the Albany Symphony Orchestra, alongside flutist and fife player Dr. Yvonne Chavez Hansbrough. The musicians will be accompanied by historical reenactors in period attire roaming the grounds and interacting with fans.
Declaration of Independence Reading:
Following the 4th race, Town of Saratoga Historian and Vice Chair of the Saratoga 250 Commission, Sean Kelleher, will offer a reading of the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence.
Uncle Sam:
A beloved American icon whose roots are traced back to nearby Troy, NY, Uncle Sam will stroll the track grounds in celebration of Independence Day.
Adirondack Dreamcatcher Farm:
Complimentary pony rides, a petting zoo and opportunities for children to interact with friendly farm animals will be available free of charge in the Saratoga Family Zone.
Subourbon Life Samplings:
Fans 21 and older can enjoy complimentary samples of Subourbon Life Bourbon-based Ready-to-Drink cocktails just outside Subourbon Beverage Express, while supplies last.
Saratoga Springs Fireworks:
Saratoga’s All-American Celebration will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display from atop the Saratoga Springs City Center Parking Garage at 9 p.m.
Sunday, july 5:
Admission Gates Open at 11 a.m. with a 9-race program underway at 1:10 p.m.
Yankee Doodle Band:
The patriotic Opening Weekend celebration continues with performances from the Yankee Doodle Band of Rensselaer, NY. Founded in 1927, the Yankee Doodle Band has earned recognition at American Legion events, parades and patriotic ceremonies.
Adirondack Dreamcatcher Farm:
Complimentary pony rides, a petting zoo and opportunities for children to interact with friendly farm animals will be available free of charge in the Saratoga Family Zone.
FIFA World Cup 26 Viewing Parties all Weekend
Michelob Ultra, the official beer sponsor of FIFA World Cup 26™, will host FIFA World Cup 26™ Viewing Parties in partnership with Saratoga Eagle Sales & Service each day of Opening Weekend. Fans on-track will enjoy big-screen televisions in the Backyard Festival Tent with the opportunity to take home official giveaways from Michelob Ultra and other FIFA World Cup 26™ partners, while supplies last. Drink specials, soccer-themed décor, interactive activations and an inflatable soccer shootout game will be part of the entertainment.
Saratoga Tumbler Giveaway, Presented by Saratoga 250:
Fans can celebrate America’s 250th anniversary on Friday and Saturday with a Stars and Stripes Saratoga tumbler presented by Saratoga 250. The 16-ounce, double-walled insulated clear tumbler features the logos of Saratoga Race Course and Saratoga 250. Free with paid admission, while supplies last.