SARATOGA SPRINGS — Roberta Joan Ruhle, 80, died on July 29, 2023 after a brief illness. Funeral services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Willliam J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 12866. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
BOYNTON BEACH, FL — Carol McDonnell of Boynton Beach, FL, died July 30, 2023. A memorial service was held August 2, 2023 at Compassionate Funeral Care located at 402 Maple Ave. Calling hours were held prior to the service. Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
GREENFIELD CENTER — Alice Joan Bull Rickett Feulner died on July 25, 2023. Services for Alice will be held in the fall in Bolton Landing, NY. A brief graveside service will be held in the fall at Hutchings Cemetery in Greenfield Center. Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (D-Round Lake) is hosting a series of blood drives across the 113th Assembly District this summer to support our region’s blood supply. Woerner will be donating blood herself in both July and September and encourages others to make an appointment for blood donation at www.redcrossblood.org.
“Local blood centers need our help. Their stocks are critically low, so please consider donating,” said Woerner, in a statement. “These drives allow upstate New Yorkers to give back to their communities. From emergencies to cancer treatments, blood is needed for a variety of medical procedures.”
Blood and plasma donations are used to treat various severe medical conditions, including cancer, leukemia, sickle cell disease, anemia, severe burns and trauma, internal bleeding and premature births.
Before giving blood, donors are encouraged to get a good night’s sleep, drink extra liquids and consume iron-rich foods, such as red meats, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, ironfortified cereals or raisins. On the day of their appointment, donors should drink 16 ounces of water and eat a healthy meal.
The next blood drive will take place noon – 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10 at Saratoga Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Road, Saratoga Springs.
For more information about the blood donation process, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org or contact Woerner’s office at 518-584-5493 or WoernerC@nyassembly.gov.
SARATOGA — Congressman Paul Tonko has reintroduced his Scientific Integrity Act, bipartisan legislation that sets clear, enforceable standards for federal agencies and federally-funded research to keep public science independent from political and special interest meddling.
Tonko introduced the legislation alongside Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Don Beyer (D-VA), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).
“Public science must be about the pursuit of truth—not about serving political objectives,” Tonko said, in a statement. “The Scientific Integrity Act provides much-needed protections for our federal scientists, helps repair public trust, and better enables us to address and solve the pressing challenges our communities face.”
The Scientific Integrity Act requires federal agencies that fund or direct public science to establish and maintain clear scientific integrity principles, formalizing and strengthening these policies with the force of law; Clarifies that science should determine policy, free from inappropriate politics, ideology, or financial conflicts of interest, and holds public scientists to the highest standards while guaranteeing their rights and protections under the law.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Fifteen recruits graduated from the first Saratoga Springs Fire Department-hosted fire academy.
The need for Saratoga Springs to host its own fire academy is a result of the receipt of a SAFER grant and the number of new hires needed to open the city’s third station. Ultimately, 16 positions need to be filled, said SSFD Lt. Alan Hiltz.
Of the 15 who graduated, three are from Albany Airport Fire Department, two from Glens Falls Fire Department and ten are from Saratoga Springs Fire Department.
The academy lasted 17 weeks and was held at the Wilton Fire House #1 on Ballard Road.
Saratoga Race Course Friday, Aug 4 – Sunday Aug 6
Whitney Day
Saturday, August 5
Special first post time of 12:35 p.m.
Fans are encouraged to dress in pink in recognition of breast cancer survivors and the work of To Life!, a Capital Region nonprofit organization that provides personalized breast cancer education and support services. There will be a Best in Pink fashion contest to take place across from the Travers Bar from 1-3 p.m.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs High School has introduced a computerized TouchWall to the SSHS Sports Hall of Fame, according to a Facebook post from Rich Johns, president of Act With Respect Always.
“In January 2022 I worked closely with the Athletic Director at Saratoga Springs to bring the newest, state-of-the-art, computerized TouchWall to the Saratoga Springs High School’s Sports Hall of Fame,” said Johns in the Facebook post. “I was given permission and I gladly accepted to raise the necessary funds. In four months, with the generosity of so many friends, $20,000 was raised to buy the best of the best.”
“I was personally able to use the wall as a tool to educate myself on all of the past accomplishments of the former student-athletes, coaches and teams that have excelled while attending the prestigious school and athletic programs,” said SSCSD Athletic Director John Goodson via email.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2023 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course is underway and will continue through Monday, September 4. Racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day. Admission gates will open for live racing at 11 a.m. First post time is 1:10 p.m., with exceptions for Whitney Day on Aug. 5.
Week 4 Stake Races
*Mondays and Tuesdays = Dark Days. No racing.
Saratoga Live presents daily coverage of the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course on FOX Sports. For the complete Saratoga Live broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit NYRA.com/SaratogaLive.
Friday, August 4
GII National Museum of Racing Hall Of Fame:
3YO, 1 Mile – Turf, Purse $500,000
GIII Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Oaks Invitational:
F3YO, 1 3/16- Turf, Purse $400,000
Saturday, August 5
Fasig-Tipton Lure (R): 4&UP, 1 1/16 – Turf, Purse $135,000
GI Test: F3YO, 7 Furlongs – Dirt, Purse $500,000
GIII Troy Stakes: 4&UP, 5 1/2- Turf, Purse $300,000
GI Whitney (BC): 4&UP, 1 1/8- Dirt, Purse $1,000,000
GI Saratoga Derby Invitational: 3YO, 1 3/16- Turf, Purse $600,000
Sunday, August 6
GIII Adirondack: F2YO, 6 1/2 Furlongs – Dirt, Purse $200,000
Wednesday, August 9
Johnstone Mile (NYB): F&M 3&UP, 1 Mile – Dirt, Purse $125,000
Thursday, August 10
John Morrissey Handicap (NYB):
3&UP, 6 Furlongs – Dirt, Purse $125,000
Community Outreach Booth
As part of NYRA’s season-long commitment to spreading awareness of local non-profits, NYRA will again host one organization each day in the Community Outreach Booth, located adjacent to the Jockey Silks Room, inside Gate B.
Friday, August 4: Retired Racehorse Project
Saturday, August 5: Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance
Sunday, August 6: Second Chance Thoroughbreds
Wednesday, August 9: Fleet Reserve Association
Thursday, August 10: Saratoga Automobile Museum
Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage
The Purdy’s Summer Concert 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.
Friday, August 4: The Stony Creek Band
Saturday, August 5: Big Medicine
Sunday, August 6: Captain Squeeze &
The Zydeco Moshers
Wednesday, August 9: The Red Haired Strangers
Thursday, August 10: The Rodeo Barons
Whitney Weekend begins
Friday, August 4 – Sunday August 6
Sampling Superfecta: Fans will have the opportunity to sample the Saratoga Victory Vodka Lemonade at the Cooperstown Clubhouse Bar on National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Day. Additional sampling opportunities include: The Pick Six Strawberry Lemonade at the Pick Six Vodka Gazebo; Josh Cellars wines at the Josh Cellars Wine Bar; and Day Chaser canned cocktails plus Woodchuck hard cider at the Day Chaser Gazebo. Samples will be available from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last, to guests 21 and older, with valid ID.
Whitney Day
Saturday, August 5
Special first post time of 12:35 p.m.
One of Saratoga’s most celebrated days of the season will culminate in the 96th renewal of the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney which offers a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Breeders’ Cup Classic in November at Santa Anita Park. Cody’s Wish will attempt his seventh straight victory, which include four Grade 1 wins, when he lines up in the nine-furlong Whitney. The Whitney stakes race will headline FOX Saratoga Saturday coverage beginning at 3 p.m. Whitney Day will also feature the Grade 1, $500,000 Test and Grade 1, $600,000 Saratoga Derby Invitational.
Best in Pink Photo Contest:
Fans are encouraged to dress in pink in recognition of breast cancer survivors and the work of To Life!, a Capital Region nonprofit organization that provides personalized breast cancer education and support services. The fashion contest will take place across from the Travers Bar from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Each participant will take home a commemorative photo magnet, with the win, place and show finishers each receiving a complimentary bottle of Chateau d’Esclans ‘Whispering Angel’ Rose.
Sampling Exacta: Fans will have the opportunity to sample the Chandon Garden Spritz cocktail across from the Travers Bar; and Cutwater Ready to Drink cocktails at the Cutwater Gazebo, across from Guest Services. Samples will be available from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last, to guests 21 and older, with valid ID.
HANDICAPPING SEMINAR AND MEET-AND-GREET
Every Sunday
Spend a Sunday at the races learning betting strategies and tips from expert handicappers in the Spa’s newest hospitality venue, the climate-controlled Paddock Suite. Guests will also be treated to a meet-and-greet with Saratoga Race Course’s rotating cast of on-track talent. Tickets can be purchased through Fevo.
Berkshire Bank Family Sundays
Every Sunday
The popular family-friendly weekly event features a wide variety of free activities, games, attractions and educational experiences from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, located inside Gate A near the Saratoga Race Course Box Office. For Sunday, Aug. 6, the theme is Sports Camp Day, and will feature a sand art DIY craft station, sports-themed bounce house, face painting, giant games and more.
SARATOGA LOW ROLLER CONTEST
Every Thursday And Sunday
Horseplayers can enjoy the Saratoga Low Roller Contest held exclusively on-track every Thursday and Sunday at Saratoga Race Course. Fans can pre-register on contest days outside the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar. There is a $40 buy-in, of which $30 will go to the player’s bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. The winner will receive a Saratoga Low Roller championship T-shirt in addition to the cash prize.
Taste NY Pavilion
Every Thursday – Sunday
New York-made food and beverages will be available for sample and purchase at the Taste NY Pavilion, located inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch, where fans can enjoy New York craft beer, cider, wine, spirits, cheese, chocolate and gelato. This year marks a decade since the launch of the Taste NY program.
SARATOGA Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours
Every Wednesday – Friday
Expanded for its second year, NYRA is continuing the Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour. Tours this year will be offered Wednesday through Friday throughout the meet. Wednesday tours will travel to Song Hill Thoroughbreds, while Thursday and Friday tours will visit Old Tavern Farm.
Guests will enjoy a buffet breakfast at Saratoga Race Course before taking a CDTA trolley to the designated farm, where they will participate in a 60- to 90-minute guided walking tour of a working thoroughbred breeding farm. Admission to the races in the afternoon is included in the package. Tickets, which are $85 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under, must be reserved in advance at NYRA.com.
SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE RAIL OF THE 1863 CLUB
Every Sunday
Fans are invited to enjoy a brunch buffet while experiencing The Rail at the 1863 Club, the first-floor banquet space at the 1863 Club. Tickets start at $100 and include admission, a table seat for the day, brunch buffet, soft drinks, two mimosa or Bloody Mary drink tickets per person, Post Parade program book, tax and gratuity. Reservations are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX or online at Ticketmaster.com.
Breakfast at Saratoga
Breakfast at Saratoga welcomes guests to enjoy a morning buffet at The Porch with a view of the thoroughbreds training on the main track. Breakfast is available every live racing day from 7 to 9:30 a.m., excluding Travers Day and Labor Day.
Fans can also go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour, driven by CDTA. 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. Tours are available every live racing day with the exception of Travers Day and Labor Day.
