Author: Saratoga TODAY

The Saratoga Race Course Gates open at 11 a.m. each day, including weekends, with the exception of Runhappy Travers Day, Saturday, August 28. The 2021 Saratoga summer meet will include the following events and happenings:

Week 6 Race Schedule

Tune in to Talking Horses for in-depth analysis from handicapper Andy Serling and other guests.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20
Skidmore: The afternoon will feature the ninth edition of the $120,000 Skidmore for 2-year-olds sprinting 5 ½ furlongs over the Mellon turf.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21
Alabama Day: Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks winner Maracuja is set to square off in a rematch against Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks winner Malathaat in Saturday’s Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama. The card also includes a pair of turf races: the Grade 2, $200,000 Lake Placid for 3-year-old fillies and the $120,000 Smart N Fancy for fillies and mares sprinting 5 ½ furlongs.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 22
Summer Colony: The day’s feature is the $120,000 Summer Colony for fillies and mares going nine furlongs. 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25
Features the John’s Call. 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26
Features the Riskaverse. 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20

NYRA Hometown Hero
Presented by CDPHP. NYRA will announce the next honoree in its Hometown Hero program, presented by CDPHP, which recognizes local essential workers for their service and dedication to the community during the pandemic. Each honoree receives the opportunity to present a trophy in the winner’s circle.

Cooperstown Distillery Tasting 
Fans will be invited to enjoy a complimentary tasting of the Cooperstown Select American Whiskey Smash from Cooperstown Distillery at the Jim Dandy Bar from noon to 4 p.m. Must be at least 21 years old; while supplies last.

Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage
The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from The Switch.

Piazza Italia
The Piazza Italia, located in the Saratoga Events Pavilion, near Gate A, will host live music featuring Franklin Micare from noon to 4 p.m. Fans may enjoy authentic Italian food and beverages at the Piazza Italia every day of the Saratoga meet, including paninis with Italian meats and cheeses, Fratelli Beretta cold cuts, Monti Trentini cheeses, Italian Bindi Gelato, Tiramisu and Peroni Beer.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21

Trifecta of Tastings
Fans will be invited to enjoy several complimentary tasting events on Alabama Day, starting with Babe Wines from 1 to 5 p.m. outside The Cutwater Stretch and the Chandon Garden Spritz from 1 to 3 p.m. near the Travers Clubhouse Bar. Rounding out the afternoon will be a sampling of the Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit Rosé from award-winning Ketel One family made vodka at the Ketel One Clubhouse Bar from 3 to 5 p.m. Must be at least 21 years old; while supplies last.

Dunkin’ Discover Your New Brew Sampling Event
Fans will be treated to samples of Dunkin’s signature Iced Coffee as well as the new Apple Cranberry Dunkin’ Refresher featuring Honeycrisp apple and cranberry fruit flavors during the Dunkin’ Discover Your New Brew event. Samples will be available to fans exiting the Clubhouse gates starting at 3:30 p.m. Dunkin’ will also celebrate the new fall flavors available at participating Capital Region restaurants by offering complimentary Dunkin’ cards to fans exiting through both the Clubhouse and main gates. Samples and cards available while supplies last.

Ford Mustang Mach-E Display
Fans will have the opportunity to check out the new all-electric 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, which will be on display near the Clubhouse escalator throughout the afternoon, courtesy of Upstate Ford Dealer Group.

Volcan Tequila Tasting and Summer Music Stage
The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from The Donna Tritico Band.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 22

Brunch at The Rail at the 1863 Club 
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 are $85 and include the buffet, soft drinks and Post Parade program book. Reservations are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX or online at NYRA.com/1863Club.

Berkshire Bank Family Sundays
The popular kid-oriented weekly event will feature a wide variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions and educational activities each Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, located inside Gate A near the Saratoga Race Course Box Office. 

Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest
Every Sunday features the Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest, available exclusively on-track with a buy-in of $40. Registration begins at 11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar.

Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage
The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from ILL Funk.

Season-long Daily Events and Activities:

LOW ROLLER HANDICAPPING CONTESTS

Thursdays & Sundays
Thursday and Sundays at Saratoga pit yourself against your Saratoga peers on-track with the Low Roller Handicapping Contests. Buy-In: $40 ($30 bankroll/$10 prize pool) Contest ends with second to last race at Saratoga. How to Enter: Visit the Low Roller booth outside Fourstardave before the first race.

BERKSHIRE BANK FAMILY ZONE
Fans will enjoy 40 days of the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, an interactive play area for children located near Gate A, which will be complemented by the return of Berkshire Bank Family Sundays. The popular weekly festival will include free games, attractions and educational activities each Sunday of the season inside the Berkshire Bank Family Zone.

BREAKFAST AT SARATOGA
Tram tour of our famous and historic stable area (weather permitting). The first tram leaves the main Clubhouse entrance at approximately 7:30 a.m. with additional trams leaving approximately every 15 minutes. The last tour departs at around 9 a.m. The Tour is available every race day (there is no breakfast on Runhappy Travers Day, Saturday, August 28). Driven by the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA). Enjoy a morning buffet on The Clubhouse Porch while the thoroughbreds train on the main track. Breakfast is held daily from 7 to 9:30 a.m. and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  No reservations are accepted for breakfast dining. $20 for adults and $12 for kids under 12. 

SARATOGA FASHION DAYS
Fashion Saturdays, which was previously held once each week, will expand to a 40-day series of pop-up boutiques featuring stylish clothing, accessories and jewelry for women and men. The Saratoga Fashion Days’ boutiques will be located in the following areas: Lifestyles of Saratoga across from the Jockey Silks Room Porch; Miss Scarlett, Saratoga Rocks and the Winning Silks Collection near The Stretch; and Bumble B Boutique near the paddock mutuels building (weekends only).

VOLCAN TEQUILA SUMMER MUSIC STAGE
Fans will enjoy live music performances each afternoon of the season from popular local and regional bands at the Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage. Strolling entertainment from Saratoga mainstays Reggie’s Red Hot Feetwarmers and the Red Hot Dancers, amongst other acts, will also be a regular feature.

SARATOGA WALKING TOURS
History, highlights, unique architecture, and landscapes at Saratoga Race Course. Approximately 45 minutes. Daily Walking Tours bring the more than 150 years of history within Saratoga Race Course to life. Ever wonder why we ring a bell at 17 minutes to post or why there is a canoe in the lake in the infield? Take a guided tour to get to know The Spa! Tours are scheduled at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. each racing day and costs $3 per person or $10 for a family. For more information on our tours, please contact our Guest Services Department at 518-584-6200 ext. 4433.

SARATOGA WALK OF FAME
In 2013, NYRA began recognizing prominent thoroughbred industry owners, trainers and jockeys who have left a significant mark on Saratoga with a commemorative plaque and iconic red Saratoga jacket presented on the eve of the Travers Stakes, Saratoga’s signature race and the nation’s oldest major stakes race for 3-year-olds.

BETS SQUAD: LEARN. BET. WIN.
The Bets Squad is your one-stop-shop to learn how to bet! Learn the different types of bets, how to place a bet, how to read a program, how to use a self-service betting terminal, and how to sign up to bet from your phone on and off-track with NYRA Bets. NYRA Bets allows you to securely deposit electronically and play great racing from Saratoga to Del Mar and across the world online and from anywhere, anytime. The Bets Squad is open daily and can be found at the following locations:

• Outside Clubhouse Exchange
• Under Clubhouse after entering Clubhouse exchange
• Grandstand
• Backyard, close to the Red Spring
• The Stretch (for ticketed guests)
• 1863 Club Lobby (for ticketed guests)

“Dark” Day Events

MONDAY, AUGUST 23 

“TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM” WITH THOROFAN
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is partnering with ThoroFan for “Trivia Night at the Museum” on Monday, Aug. 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Museum. Contestants can compete individually or as a team (maximum of four people) for great prizes. Renowned track announcer Tom Durkin will serve as the “Quizmaster.” Tickets, which include two drink tickets and light food, are $15 for Museum members and $25 for non-members and may be purchased here: www.eventbrite.com/e/thorofan-trivia-night-at-the-museum-tickets-164761332581?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb 

Prizes will be awarded to the winner of each of three rounds, as well as to the overall points winner for the event. 

For more information, visit www.thorofan.com.

For more information about the Museum, including special events and program offerings, please call 518-584-0400 or visit our website at www.racingmuseum.org.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 24 

THE ALFRED Z. SOLOMON CHARITABLE TRUST PROGRAM SERIES STORIES OF THE TRAVERS STAKES
Join the Saratoga Springs History Museum Tuesday, August 24 at 7 p.m. in the Canfield Casino in Congress Park for special program titled Favorite Stories of Stakes as part of the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust Program Series. 

“The Travers: 150 Years of Saratoga’s Greatest Race” authors Brien Bouyea and Michael Veitch take an in-depth look at the history of the Midsummer Derby, and each will discuss their favorite races in Traver’s Stakes history.  The Travers which tells many remarkable tales of racing history Books will be available for purchase and can be signed by the authors.  Masks are required for non-vaccinated individuals.

This event is free and open to the public, reservations not required.  For more information visit www.saratogahistory.org.

Beychok continues to share his experiences as part of promoting and advocating for horse aftercare, especially with Thoroughbreds.

Like many people to attend a racetrack, Michael Beychok was a bet-and-forget type of horseplayer. That was until one moment and one horse changed his perception.

Glorious Dancer was a claiming horse running for a $6,500 tag at Golden Gate Fields on Jan. 28, 2012. However, Beychok needed her to win on that day, especially since there was a lot at stake – the National Handicapping Championship with a $1 million prize.

It was a tight finish for both.

Getting up the final strides, Glorious Dancer won the race by a nose at 3-1 which helped Beychok win the tournament by a really slim margin – a dollar.

Many horseplayers would have forgotten about Glorious Dancer after that day. However, that became an epiphany for Beychok as he eventually found a way to claim her for $6,500 on Mar. 11, 2012.

“I was a bet-and-forget guy,” Beychok said. “Then I said to myself, ‘What if I don’t claim her? What would happen?’ I know what happens to $5,000 claimers or $3,500 claimers. Likely, it’s not a good outcome.”

An example of one of those not-so-good outcomes was 1987 Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand, whose fate likely ended at a Japanese slaughterhouse in 2002 which was reported in Barbara Bayer’s Bloodhorse story in 2003.

Glorious Dancer raced three more times with a first, second, and third after the claim. However, an injury and other persistent issues made Beychok, as well as trainer Steve Sherman, do what was best for her – retirement.

“She had an injury that could take six months [to heal]. She was also a bad bleeder,” Beychok said. “We could give her some medication. I said, ‘Nah. Let’s stop here.’’

Beychok brought her back to Louisiana, but he had a difficult time finding an aftercare program for her. Eventually, he found a small program that took the mare, though her story didn’t end there.

Dr. Lori Summers, a member of the New Orleans Polo Club, adopted Glorious Dancer and turned her into a polo pony. Over the last nine years, the mare has traveled to Brazil and Miami for polo matches.

“She has lived a great life. She has lived a life that I wanted her to have,” Beychok said. “She’s a horse and she can live a full horse life. Who knows? She may live another 10 years. I know Lori is going to take care of her.”

Even though this was Beychok’s first direct experience of horse aftercare, he comes from a family who has helped horses find a purpose after retiring from racing.

When Beychok was a teenager, his family owned a few horses, including Wilt who raced as a $2,500 claimer at Jefferson Downs. After winning just one race in 13 starts, Wilt was retired and became a show jumping horse for his late cousin Trina Bellak, who became a pioneer of Louisiana’s horse rescue and founder of the American Horse Defense Fund.

While Beychok continues to be a successful horseplayer, an award-winning creative director and advertiser based in Baton Rouge, LA. and accomplished chef, he also travels throughout the country to promote and advocate for horse aftercare programs.

Last week, Beychok brought his favorite New Orleans gumbo recipe to Saratoga Springs as part of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation fundraiser that made over $4,000 at Simply Foods by Maura.

The “Gumbo for the Horses in Saratoga!” was part of a plan that started early last year when Beychok and his friend, author, handicapper and award-winning podcaster Peter Fornatale, as well as TRF Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving Kim Weir, came up with the idea. However, the plan was put on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I wanted to do something. I wanted to make gumbo,” Beychok said. “Even before we got to the early stages, the pandemic happened. So, we reconnected this year. We raised over $4,000. It was great.”

Beychok suggested that he would like to do another gumbo event for the TRF with an additional element: the addition of Kendrick Carmouche’s gumbo as a cook-off. Last month, Carmouche cooked his gumbo for the Principessa Elena Society as part of another TRF fundraiser.

While Baton Rouge is about 1,500 miles away, this hasn’t been Beychok’s first visit to Saratoga.

In 1980, his father brought him the Saratoga Race Course during Travers week. For three of those days, Beychok set next to legendary jazz and scat singer Cab Calloway.

“My father used to come here during the 1950s, then never came back. He came back with me,” Beychok said. “I sat next Cab Calloway for three days, and Cab Calloway was a real thing. The Blues Brothers had just come out. That was awesome.”

Just like his father, it took Beychok some time to come back to Saratoga. He eventually came back to the area nearly 35 years later for, of course, the Battle of Saratoga Handicapping Challenge. He finished second in the 2016 contest.

“It took me a while to get back, but I haven’t missed it since then,” he said “I would come up when they had the handicapping contest. I’ll come back every year and stay the week. This place is resilient.”

Just like Saratoga being resilient, especially during last year’s COVID-19 pandemic, Beychok also believes people can have a flexible mindset to think differently about horse aftercare.

 “We all have kind hearts, but we don’t think about it enough,” Beychok said. “If I could turn a couple of people with my voice, they won’t be a bet-and-forget person. Then, we can do the best for the horse.”

The TRF is holding its annual Summer Night BBQ at the Barn on Aug. 24 from 5-9 p.m. at the Saratoga Winery. Tickets are $45. For more information, call 518-226-0028 or visit the website at www.trfinc.org.

Week Seven of the 2021 racing season at Saratoga Race Course beginning August 25  is Travers Week. 

The penultimate weekend of the season features the marquee event– The Travers – plus a whopping 15 other stakes races. The Saturday Travers super card has seven graded stakes – six of them Grade I– with purses ranging from $400,000 to $1,250,000. The best card of the season, Travers’ Day typically draws the biggest and most fashionably dressed crowd of the meet.

Known as the Mid-Summer Derby, the Travers matches established three-year-old winners against later developing three-year-olds that seek to challenge the division leaders. Run at the classic distance of a mile and a quarter on the dirt for a purse of $1,250,000 a Travers win typically places a horse in contention for Horse of the Year honors and/or a berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic against older horses.

This year will be the 152nd running of the Travers which was run for the first time in 1864. It is the oldest race specifically for three-year-olds and among the oldest of any sporting events in the country. It is run at the classic distance of a mile and a quarter with all colts carrying equal weights of 126 pounds. 

The race is named after William R. Travers, a Wall Street lawyer who, in 1863 founded Saratoga Race Course and served as its first president. 

A racing fan is well served by watching replays of some of its famous renewals, including:

1941 Whirlaway winning as the only Triple Crown winner to do so.

1962 Jaipur vs. Ridan (a must watch – trust me);

1978 Affirmed beating Alydar but being disqualified for interference;

1982 Runaway Groom defeating the winners of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont;

1994 Holy Bull somehow lasting the mile and one-quarter;

2004 Mary Lou Whitney’s Birdstone winning in apocalyptic weather conditions;

2012 Alpha and Golden Ticket dead heat;

2015 American Pharoah being caught in the final strides by Keen Ice after Frosted pressed the Triple Crown winner from the start.

This Travers is expected to see Belmont and Jim Dandy winner Essential Quality face a small field as he looks to solidify his claim as North America’s best three-year-old. He is likely to face the impressive winner of the Curlin – Dynamic One -trained by Todd Pletcher.

Saturday’s undercard features five other Grade I stakes:

The Forego is at 7 Furlongs for older horses with a purse of $600,000; named after the great Hall of Fame gelding who won 8 Eclipse Awards, including three Horse of the Year awards 1974-1976. (To watch an amazing example of his famous closing kick, watch his victory over Honest Pleasure in the 1976 Marlboro Cup while carrying an imposing 137 pounds.)

The H. Allen Jerkens Memorial at 7 furlongs for three-year-olds with a purse of $500,000; named after the Hall of Fame trainer Allen Jerkens. Known respectfully as “The Chief”, due to his knowledge and demeanor, Jerkens also earned the moniker – “The Giant Killer” by training horses to upset champions, Kelso, Buckpasser, Riva Ridge and Secretariat (twice) among others. This race was originally named after King’s Bishop a stakes winner that Jerkens trained. Recent winner Jackie’s Warrior is expected to head the field.

The Ballerina at 7 furlongs for fillies and mares three and up with a purse of $500,000.; this race is expected to see a controversial entrant in Gamine who has had recent medication violations for trainer Bob Baffert

The Personal Ensign at a mile and one eighth for older fillies and mares with a purse of $600,000; named after the undefeated (13 for 13) champion mare and blue hen broodmare who overcame a severe injury to become champion older filly or mare in 1988. (Treat yourself and watch her final race – a win over Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors in the 1988 Breeders’ Cup Distaff.) This year the mare Letruska will seek to extend her impressive winning streak.

The Sword Dancer on the grass at a mile and one-half for older horse with a $750,000 purse.

A Grade II stakes – the Ballston Spa – at a mile and a sixteenth on the grass for older fillies and mares for a mere $400,000 is also on the Travers undercard.

Friday acts as a prelude to the Travers card with six stakes races for horses bred in New York State. The races consist of matching stakes for three-year-old males and females at a mile and an eighth; matching races for two-year-old male and female runners at six and one-half furlongs and matching races for older males and females on the grass at a mile and a sixteenth.

Wednesday’s highlight is the John’s Call – a race for older horses on the grass at one mile and five eighths for a purse of $120,000. The race’s namesake was the oldest horse to win a Grade I stake at Saratoga when he won the 2000 Sword Dancer at the age of 9. 

Thursday offers the Riskaverse at a mile on the grass for three-year-old fillies with a purse of $120,000.

Sunday completes the week with the Better Talk Now a restricted stake for three-year-old fillies and mares on the grass at a flat mile with a purse of $120,000.