MALTA — The 2026 Malta Mile is scheduled for Saturday, May 9 at 10 a.m. prior to the Malta Veteran’s Appreciation Day Parade.
The race route begins at the Malta Community Center, heads south on Route 9, and finishes near Ellsworth Commons.
Proceeds of the run will help offset the maintenance of bike paths in the winter months.
For more information or to register, visit roundaboutrunnersclub.com/malta-mile.
MALTA — The Saratoga Wrestling Club is holding a fundraiser on Monday, May 4 at the Active Ingredient Brewing Company in Malta.
Patrons can let the brewery know that they’re with the Saratoga Wrestling Club and 18% of their payment will go directly to the club. Dining hours are from 3 to 9 p.m. (dine-in only).
The club provides year-round training opportunities for wrestlers from pre-k through college.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Eleven new members have been elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
In the Contemporary Category, racehorse Kona Gold and the late trainers Christophe Clement and John A. Shirreffs earned the requisite votes from the nationwide voting panel for election. In the Historic Review Category, racehorses Gulch and Mongo and the late trainer David A. Whiteley were chosen by a committee vote. In the Pillars of the Turf Category, the late Prince Khalid bin Abdullah, Dr. Robert Copelan, Seth W. Hancock, G. Watts Humphrey, Jr., and the late Joseph E. Widener received the necessary support from the selection committee.
Kona Gold, Clement, and Shirreffs were chosen on the majority of ballots submitted (50 percent plus one vote is required for election). A total of 143 voters (92.8 percent) participated from the 154 eligible to cast ballots. In the Historic Review and Pillars of the Turf categories, 75 percent approval from the respective committees is required for election.
The 2026 Hall of Fame Class will be enshrined at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, at Fasig-Tipton’s Humphrey S. Finney Sales Pavilion in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The event will be aired live on the Museum website at racingmuseum.org. It is open to the public and free to attend. Broadcaster Charlsie Cantey will serve as the master of ceremonies.
Christophe Clement (1965-2025) won 2,576 races with purse earnings of $184,127,449 (12th all time) in a career that spanned from 1991 through 2025. He trained three-time Eclipse Award winner Gio Ponti, winner of four straight Grade 1s on the turf in 2009, as well as 2014 Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Tonalist, who also won consecutive runnings of the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) in 2014 and 2015. Clement won 286 graded stakes.
John A. Shirreffs (1945-2026) trained the winners of 596 races, including 113 graded events, with purse earnings of $58,581,916. Although he had a few starters as early as 1978, Shirreffs did not train full time until 1994. He won the Kentucky Derby (G1) in 2005 with 50-1 longshot Giacomo and later became the conditioner of one of racing’s all-time greats, Hall of Fame member Zenyatta. Shirreffs trained the four-time Eclipse Award winner to 19 consecutive victories, including 13 Grade 1s, from 2007 through 2010.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Last Friday, Skidmore’s baseball team went up against the Union Chargers at Ferrari Field. The matchup between the two schools has a deep history, with both teams being fairly well matched throughout the years.
Skidmore and Union’s history dates back to 1995, when their first game took place. Since then, Skidmore has a record of 44-52 against Union with the games bringing a good crowd, as was evident last Friday.
The home game had a wonderful turnout of both students and parents alike. The stands were full, with loud cheers coming from all around. Several other Skidmore teams came to show their support for the baseball players, and dark green apparel was the only color visible in the crowd.
Unfortunately, Skidmore fell with a close score of 6-7. Despite the loss, Skidmore came back to win their next game in extra innings on Saturday with a score of 5-3. The Thoroughbreds scored 3 runs in the 11th inning, giving them the victory as a redemption for their loss at home the day before. The series closed with a tough game for Skidmore, with Union coming out on top 12-2 for the second and final contest on Saturday.
Skidmore has an overall record of 18-14 this season, with their next and final game before the playoffs scheduled for April 28 at Ferrari Field.
BUFFALO — Saratoga Springs High School senior Camdyn Hull captured a championship title after defeating Buffalo’s Rocco Marchione at the 2026 Buffalo Golden Gloves event on April 12.
Hull won the 16-17 year-old, 132-pound final bout by unanimous decision. The fight was a draw heading into the last round, when Hull pulled off the victory.
“It was pretty one-sided,” said Hull’s dad Billy, who witnessed the fight.
Hull’s first boxing match occurred when he was just nine years old. He trains with local boxing coach Tyrone Jackson, who has been working with Hull for the past few years.
“He’s very dedicated to the game,” Jackson told Saratoga TODAY. “That’s what makes me interested in training him. I know he’s going to put in the work. He dedicates himself to it.”
Hull’s passion for the sport, his dad said, centers around accountability.
“You can’t blame a team,” Billy said. “It’s all him.”
Next up for Hull is a King of the Ring tournament in New England, followed by another tournament in California. Once he turns 18, more options will be available to him. But until then, “we’re going to keep going and see how far he can go,” said Billy.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore’s new Ferrari Field was home to the Thoroughbreds baseball team as they competed against Vassar’s Brewers last Saturday in a double-header.
The field is located in a wide, open lot on Daniels Road where both the players and fans were bathed in the warm sun of a spring afternoon. The cheers were loud from both the stands and the dugout, the energy contagious. Children and dogs played around in the open green near the bleachers, and their laughs, mixed in with the enthusiastic cheers of the spectators, created a great environment for the players.
The bleachers were situated in the center of the field, giving the audience a wide view of the game, as well as shielding them from the chill of the wind. The Skidmore families operated a concession tent where fans could find food and relief from the sun between innings.
While the environment was electric, the Thoroughbreds fell to the Brewers, 4-5 in the first game and 5-6 in the second. The players kept the game close, pushing the first game into extra innings, which had the spectators on the edge of their seats as they cheered on Skidmore.
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA — Ari Berliner (27) from the Jason Morris Judo Center (JMJC) in Glenville turned in a terrific performance to win a 66kg bronze medal at the Pan Am Championships in Panama on April 18.
Berliner finished off the day with a victory in the bronze medal match with submission (choke) in an overtime thriller against longtime rival Julien Frascadore (Canada). The result catapulted Berliner up 23 spots to #39 on the world ranking list.
Melissa Myers (30), also representing the JMJC, placed a career-best 5th at 70kg. As a result, Myers rose 13 slots in the world rankings to a career-high #47.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Horse racing’s Triple Crown will begin Saturday, May 2 with the Kentucky Derby and conclude on Saturday, June 6 with the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. Here’s how to celebrate the first and most famous of these races in the Spa City.
Handicapping Seminar: Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m.
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is hosting a Kentucky Derby handicapping seminar with Tom Amello and Michael Veitch. The event includes analysis of key Kentucky Derby preps and predictions for the upcoming 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The seminar is included with paid museum admission and is free for museum members. There will also be racing trivia during the seminar for a chance to win prizes.
Racing Museum Derby Party: Saturday, May 2, 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The Racing Museum is also hosting its annual Derby-themed fundraiser featuring samples of local brews and spirits, as well as signature bites from local restaurants. While exploring the museum and its exhibits, guests can enjoy entertainment in the Hall of Fame before a live airing of the Kentucky Derby. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best Derby attire with an award for best dressed being presented by Natalie Sillery of Saratoga Trunk before post time.
Schedule of Events:
• Coverage of the Kentucky Derby undercard throughout the Museum
• Samplings from local restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and wineries, as well as a range of non-alcoholic options, including craft soda, matcha, coffee, and mocktails
• Live music by Ted Coleman
• Awards for the best Derby attire
• Race-day-inspired 50/50 Raffle and silent auction
• Photobooth sponsored by James’ Lawn Services
• Live airing of the Kentucky Derby in the Hall of Fame
Tickets can be purchased here: https://1049a.blackbaudhosting.com/1049a/10th-Annual-Derby-Party-Fundraiser.
Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar Derby Day: Saturday, May 2, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A Derby Day party benefitting Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar will be held at the Lodge at the Saratoga Casino Hotel. The event includes an open bar, televised racing on large-screen TVs, food, and on-site wagering.
Tickets are available here: www.eventbrite.com/e/sponsor-a-scholar-derby-day-party-tickets-1986521982726.
Kentucky Derby Patio Kickoff Party: Saturday, May 2, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
At The Wild Horse on Caroline Street, Derby season will kick off in style with food, drink specials, a patio party, and live music by Funk Evolution. There is no cover for the event. Wild Horse’s patio and inside bar will open at noon.
Derby Day at Saratoga National: Saturday, May 2, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Saratoga National Golf Club is hosting its own Derby party, which includes food, drinks, music by the New York Players (who bill themselves as “dance party experts”), and handicapping and announcing by Anthony Stabile (aka, “The Big A”).
For additional info and tickets, visit heritageatsaratoganational.com/product/derby-day-2026/.
Derby Day for a Cause: Saturday, May 2, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
PSB Transitions of Saratoga, a nonprofit that supports children and families in crisis, is hosting a fundraiser at the historic Canfield Casino, with a bar sponsored by Kindred and the Henry Street Taproom. The event includes an open bar, hor d’oeuvres by PDT Catering, a live broadcast of the race, and live music performed by Soul Session. Guests can also participate in a “Best in Show” contest that features bow ties, hats, and shoes. 100% of event proceeds will directly support the Saratoga Recreation Department.
Tickets can be purchased here: www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/derby-day-for-a-cause.
Margarita & Mimosa Fest: Saturday, May 2, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Although not a Kentucky Derby event per se, the 10th annual Saratoga Margarita & Mimosa Fest on Derby day is described as part bar hop, part cocktail celebration with live music, DJs, and giveaways. Participating venues across the Spa City include Night Owl, Putnam Place, Bourbon Room, Tap & Barrel, Parting Glass Pub, Whitman Brewing Co., Clancy’s Tavern, The Misfit Bar, and Icehouse.
Tickets are available here: www.eventbrite.com/e/saratoga-margarita-mimosa-fest-kentucky-derby-weekend-sat-may-2-tickets-1712460588719.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Phil Waring Memorial Tournament was a blessed one for the Saints, who obliterated both Fonda-Fultonville (16 to 1) and Duanesburg (11 to 1) to be crowned tournament champions for the third straight year.
Spa Catholic baseball star Carson Moser, who will play for Duke University when he graduates, was crowned tournament MVP after hitting a combined 6-6 in both games, racking up 2 homers, 5 runs, and 9 RBI. Other standout showings at the plate included Max Britten (a combined 4-5 with 4 RBI) and Jason Pescetti (4-7 with 4 RBI).
Starter Luke Dejnozka was credited with the win on the mound against Fonda, allowing just 2 hits and 0 runs. He also struck out 7 batters and forfeited no walks.
Spa Catholic won the same annual tournament last year, dispatching Duanesburg 7 to 3 in the first game and besting Fonda 10 to 0 in the second contest. In 2024, they beat Lake George 13 to 1 and edged out Schuylerville 1 to 0 to again take the tournament.
Saints Sweep Stillwater
In Wasaren League play, the Saints faced Stillwater in a double-header on Monday, defeating the Warriors in both contests.
In game one, they shut out Stillwater 11 to 0. On the mound, Saints freshman Cole Cefalu earned his first career win, allowing no runs and whiffing 6 hitters. At the plate, Moser impressed, per usual, going 3-3 with 3 RBI. Joey Lindner also helped pile on the hits, going 2-3 with a double.
In game two, Spa Catholic bested the Warriors 11 to 1. Four Saints smacked at least 2 hits apiece: Moser (2-3, 2 doubles), Pierce Byrne (3-4, double), Britten (2-3), and Sandy McDonald (2-3, double).
After the double-header, the Saints’ record stood at 6-1 on the season.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — All was quiet on the East Avenue front Monday morning, when the Saratoga Race Course’s Oklahoma Training Track officially opened for the season.
Until the start of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival on June 3, the public can witness the training action from the Whitney Viewing Stand, which will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Pedestrians can access the viewing stand by entering the Oklahoma track through Gate 21 off East Avenue. Vehicular traffic is not allowed.
