Skip to main content

Author: Saratoga TODAY

News & Notes: Week 8 Events at Saratoga Race Course

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Winner's Circle.

photo courtesy of NYRA

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the lineup of attractions, entertainment, and events for the 2025 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course.

Highlighted by the 156th edition of the Grade I, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers on Saturday, August 23, and the Grade I, $1 million Whitney on Saturday, August 2, the 40-day summer meet will open on Thursday, July 10 and run through Monday, September 1.

Following the four-day opening week, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day.

First post will be 1:10 p.m. every day except Saturdays, when first post will be 12:35 p.m. The only exceptions are Whitney Day featuring a 12:05 p.m. first post and DraftKings Travers Day with first post at 11:40 a.m. Post times for Labor Day weekend will be announced at a later date.

Admission gates will open for live racing at 11 a.m. for all but Whitney Day, when gates will open at 10 a.m. and DraftKings Travers Day, when gates will open at 9 a.m.

Giveaway #6: Saratoga Quarter Zip Sweatshirt

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Labor Day weekend ushers in the final premium giveaway with a Saratoga quarter zip sweatshirt. With summer in its final stretch, fans can stay warm with this red, medium-weight quarter zip featuring a white embroidered Saratoga logo. Available free with paid admission, while supplies last.

Backstretch Tram Tours

Fans can go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour. Tram tours depart from the clubhouse entrance beginning at 7:30 a.m. with the last one leaving at 9 a.m. and running every 30 minutes. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are approximately 45 minutes in length. Tours are available every live racing day with the exception of DraftKings Travers Day and Labor Day.

Purdy’s Music Summer Stage

The Purdy’s Summer Music Stage will host live musical performances each afternoon of the season from popular local and regional bands. This year’s summer music stage is presented by Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor in Saratoga Springs.

Stake Races

Friday, August 29

Perfect Sting: F&M 4&UP, 1 Mile, Turf, Purse $150,000 Bernard Baruch: 4&UP, 1 1/16, Turf, Purse $150,000

Saturday, August 30

Spinaway (G1) (BC): F2YO, 7 Furlongs, Dirt , Purse $300,000 Flower Bowl (G2) (BC): F&M, 4&UP, 1 3/8, Turf, Purse $500,000 Prioress (G3): F3YO, 6 Furlongs, Dirt, Purse $175,000

Sunday, August 31

Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) (BC): 3&UP, 1 1/4, Dirt, Purse $1,000,000 Disco Partner (NW GSS in 2024-2025): 3&UP, 5 1/2 Furlongs, Turf, Purse $135,000

Monday, September 1

Spendthrift Farm Hopeful (G1): 2YO, 7 Furlongs, Dirt, Purse $300,000 Saranac (NW GSS in 2025): 3YO, 1 1/16, Turf, Purse $135,000

September Preschool Nature Time at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Preschool Nature Time is back this September at Wilton Wildlife with the theme of Monarch Butterflies. This program will take place on Friday, September 12, at 10:00 a.m. An environmental educator will guide the children on a brief walk at Camp Saratoga before the preschoolers and their parent/caregiver sit down to enjoy a butterfly-themed story time. The program finishes with a fun nature craft specially geared to this age group. This is an outdoor program, so dress for the outdoors, but we will move indoors if there is inclement weather.

Preschool Nature Time is a monthly program for children ages three to six years old and takes place on a Friday every month at 10:00 a.m. Additional programs are scheduled for Friday, October 10, Color Changing Leaves, and Friday, November 14, Turkey Time. Adults are required to attend with their child.

Registration is required at least one day in advance, as space is limited. To register, please visit the website at www.wiltonpreserve.org. For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. For up-to-date trail conditions or program information, visit the website or follow on Facebook or Instagram @wiltonpreserve. Wilton Wildlife’s mission is to provide opportunities for environmental education and outdoor recreation while supporting the conservation of ecological systems and natural settings.

Looking for a Home

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

NaeNae (Top Photo) & Oreo (Bottom Photo)

Oreo and NaeNae are bonded brothers who are roughly 10 years old.  They were surrendered to HOPE in December of 2024 because their family moved away and could not take them. They are happiest in a quiet home with someone to love, who will cherish them and give them the attention they deserve. Nae Nae is the more outgoing of the two and likes to explore. He loves being next to his person but also enjoys his laser toy, napping in the sun and greeting his foster mom’s visitors. He was born with a slight leg deformity but it does not cause him any pain and it does not slow him down. He loves to gaze out the window with his brother at the critters in the yard. Oreo is a little shyer than his brother but loves his catnip toys and scratching posts. He is as sweet as can be and prefers to nap on pillows. They both prefer a quieter home with no dogs and older, respectful children. Both are litter trained, fully vaccinated and tested negative for FIV and FeLV. They are losing their foster home soon and will not do well in a shelter setting. 

Hope website for adoption applications is www.hopeanimalrescue.org

518-450-7013

NYRA News: Travers Day Yields $54M Wagering Handle + Special FOX Broadcast on Aug. 31

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Winner's Circle.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced last Saturday that the 14-race DraftKings Travers Day card at Saratoga Race Course generated a wagering handle of $54,309,929. Paid attendance on Saturday was 48,255 with an on-track handle of $10,369,950.

Last Thursday, NYRA also announced that there would be a special FOX broadcast of the Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup on Sunday, Aug. 31. from 1 to 2 p.m. To allow for national broadcast viewership, Jockey Club Gold Cup Day will feature a first post time of 11:20 a.m.

The Jockey Club Gold Cup, which offers a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic in November at Del Mar, has attracted an all-star list of nominations, including last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic-winner Sierra Leone, Grade 1 Stephen Foster-winner Mindframe, and multiple Grade 1-winner White Abarrio.

“This is another example of FOX Sports’ commitment to showcasing the best events in horse racing on their biggest platform,” said Tony Allevato, NYRA chief revenue officer. “The Jockey Club Gold Cup could be one of the great races of the year, and we appreciate FOX Sports featuring the race before a national audience.”

Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center Announces Fall Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Saratoga Springs, NY – August 26, 2025 – The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Public Library, is excited to announce the return of their Fall 2025 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series. This community lecture series is designed to highlight the rich history, culture, and traditions of our city. 

All Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series programs are free and open to the public. Each program takes place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Dutcher Community Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Attendees are encouraged to check the library website for more information and to register for the event online or in person https://www.sspl.org.

2025 Fall Season:

Thursday, September 11, 2025:

“A Veteran Speaks: Oscar Kemp of the 115th NY and Grand Army”

The Civil War is one of the most studied conflicts in American history, but much of the emphasis is on battles, leaders, and soldiers during the four years of war. What happened to the survivors? What were their stories, and how did they transition back into civilian life?  Many of the veterans joined fraternal organizations for support, the largest being the Grand Army of the Republic. 

Join Civil War veteran Oscar Kemp (portrayed by relative and Grant Cottage staff member Ben Kemp) as he recounts his war experiences with the 115th NY and then discusses the experience of veterans after the war and the Grand Army of the Republic.

Thursday, October 9, 2025:

“75 Years: The History of the Saratoga Springs Public Library”

Let’s Celebrate 75 Years!

Michelle Isopo, Archivist and History Librarian of the Saratoga Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, will share the story of the library’s 75-year history. From the opening of the first free library in 1950 to the current three-story library in the heart of Saratoga Springs, she will highlight changes, staffing updates, and programming adaptations made to meet the needs of the community.  Cake and coffee will be available for the celebration!

Thursday, November 13, 2025

“Saratoga’s Gilded Age”

The Gilded Age of American history was an interesting time that produced an enormous gap in wealth in the country. During this period Saratoga Springs was the summer playground for the ultra-wealthy. Join Charlie Kuenzel as he highlights our city’s role during this period and describes how we grew and flourished from the influence of the wealth of the day.

Thursday, December 11, 2025:

“A Portrait of Nelson Cook: A Saratoga Springs Artist”

Nelson Cook was a prolific and talented portrait artist in mid-19th century Saratoga Springs. His portraits include prominent Saratogians such as Rockwell Putnam, son of Gideon Putnam, members of the Van Deusen and Walworth families and many more. His works are housed in countless museums and private collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Saratoga Springs history Museum has over 20 of his works in its collection. James Parillo and Charlie Kuenzel will discuss Cook’s life, his struggles and show a selection of his works in the museum collection.

“Our fall season honors our past with topics and tales from a timeline of history, including distinctive people, interesting places and an illustration of human paradox,” said Heritage Area Visitor Center Director, Karen Verrigni. “We are grateful for our speakers, our partners at the library, and the attendees who continue to support this popular lecture series. Through collaboration, we are proud to offer free, high-quality programming that enriches our community.”

The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. until March 31; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. April 1 through December 31. For more information visit, www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com.

SSPF Presents its final Summer Sunday Stroll of 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

On Sunday, August 31, at 10:30AM, join George DeMers for the season’s final Summer Sunday Stroll, “Historic West Side.” Explore the diverse historic West Side neighborhood where Saratoga Springs’ Irish and Italian immigrants and Black community lived. The tour will highlight the settlement of this neighborhood, its rebirth as an arts district, and the rehabilitations that took place in the early 2000s. In addition to highlighting the historic architecture of this area, George will discuss the history of its residents, restaurants, stores, and clubs as well as the impacts of Urban Renewal and revitalization efforts.  The tour meets at the entrance of Gideon Putnam Burying Ground, located on South Franklin Street.

The Foundation is grateful for the generous support of the 2025 Summer Series Sponsors: Druthers Brewing Company, and Stewart’s Shops. All Sunday morning tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours are limited to 30 participants. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. Foundation members with stroll passes need to contact the Foundation’s office to book their Sunday Summer Stroll before the date they choose.

The Foundation looks forward to hosting its annual Autumn Sunday Strolls, which kick off on Sunday, September 14 and continue through Sunday, October 19. Full series announcement coming soon!

For additional information or to purchase tickets to any of the upcoming strolls and events, visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call (518) 587-5030.

CDTA Celebrates New Bus Route that Connects Glens Falls to Saratoga Springs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, News.

Officials celebrated the new bus route (Courtesy of CDTA)

The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) brought together local and community leaders on Monday, August 25, to celebrate a new route that connects Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs. 

Route #713 will operate Monday through Friday, offering commuter level service traveling along Route 9 and I-87. This new route improves regional mobility, expanding access to jobs and healthcare, and offers the first direct transit connection between the two counties. 

CDTA welcomed the Warren County community into the CDTA service area on January 1, 2024, when Greater Glens Falls Transit (GGFT) merged into CDTA’s regional network. CDTA has enhanced seasonal trolley service and rolled out its Navigator fare program to support increased access and mobility options across Warren County.

Robert Lawrence Benson

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Robert Lawrence Benson, age 78, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025.  Interment will be held 9:30 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duel Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871. Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Patrick Foster

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

ALBANY – Patrick Foster, 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.  A private graveside service will be held at a future date.  Arrangements are under the care and direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc., 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.  Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Blanche C. Pratt

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Blanche C. Pratt passed away on August 21, 2025.  At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.