*Key: GI= Grade 1 Stakes | GII= Grade 2 Stakes | GIII= Grade 3 Stakes
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced a series of new and returning attractions, entertainment and events for the 2021 season at Saratoga Race Course, which begins Thursday, July 15 and continues through Monday, Sept. 6. Gates open at 11 a.m. each day, including weekends, with the exception of Runhappy Travers Day, Saturday, August 28. Post time for the first race on Opening Day is 1:05 p.m. The 2021 Saratoga summer meet will include the following events and happenings:
OPENING DAY
Thursday, July 15
The Saratoga Summer Meet kicks off with a day-long celebration including a live musical performance from Saratoga Springs-based Soul Session. Thursday’s card features the Quick Call (GIII) and Schuylerville (GIII). Tune in to Talking Horses for in-depth analysis from handicapper Andy Serling and other guests. Presented by RunHappy.
HEALTH CARE HEROES AND FIRST RESPONDERS DAY
Friday, July 16
NYRA will recognize the contributions of health care workers and first responders during the Covid-19 pandemic with a day in their honor, presented by CDPHP. All health care workers and first responders will receive free Grandstand admission with proper ID. The afternoon will include a special trackside performance by the New York State Police Pipes and Drums. Presented by CDPHP.
FASHION CONTEST
Saturday, July 17
Racing fans will be invited to celebrate the tradition of style in thoroughbred racing with a new Fashion Contest with categories for Best Hat, Best Dressed Woman and Best Dressed Man. The event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Whispering Angel Rosé display near the Travers Bar, presented by Moët Hennessy. All fans 21 years of age and older will enjoy complimentary samples of Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé, while supplies last.
BERKSHIRE BANK FAMILY SUNDAYS
Every Sunday beginning July 18
Berkshire Bank Family Sundays 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. in the Berkshire Bank Family Fun Zone.
Berkshire Bank Family Sundays are supplemented by the nearby Berkshire Bank Family Zone, a smoke- and alcohol-free interactive play area for children. Additional features include a complimentary phone charging station, courtesy of Berkshire Bank, and a giant Adirondack-style chair designed for photo opportunities.
WEEK 1 RACE SCHEDULE
Friday, July 16
Racing action continues with the Forbidden Apple (GIII). Tune in to Talking Horses for in-depth analysis from handicapper Andy Serling and other guests.
Saturday, July 17
Features the Diana (G1) and Sanford (GIII). Tune in to Talking Horses for in-depth analysis from handicapper Andy Serling and other guests.
Sunday, July 18
Features the Coronation Cup. Tune in to Talking Horses for in-depth analysis from handicapper Andy Serling and other guests.
Wednesday, July 21
Features the New York-bred Rick Violette. Tune in to Talking Horses for in-depth analysis from handicapper Andy Serling and other guests.
Thursday, July 22
Features the A.P. Smithwick Memorial Steeplechase (G1) and the New York-bred Stillwater. Tune in to Talking Horses for in-depth analysis from handicapper Andy Serling and other guests.
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)
(NYRA Bets VIP Concierge is located here)
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 COMMUNITY BOOTH
The Community Outreach Booth program will highlight a total of 40 non-profits throughout the season by sharing information about their work and fundraising initiatives. NYRA will also prominently feature its Community Partner of the Day in the Post Parade racing program which will be available for purchase at select retail locations across the Capital Region as well as throughout the New York City metropolitan area.
July 15: Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, Inc
July 16: Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center
VOLCAN TEQUILA SUMMER MUSIC STAGE
Enjoy live music all day from the Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage, the gazebo located in the middle of the backyard, from 1-5 p.m.
July 15: Soul Session
July 16: The Twangbusters
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.
“We hope our guests will enjoy Saratoga’s newest attraction which is designed to highlight the contributions of our industry’s leading pioneers and achievers for decades to come.”
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 x 4433.
THE WHITNEY VIEWING STAND
The Whitney Viewing Stand is located at the Oklahoma Training Track across the street from Saratoga Race Course. It allows everyone to experience a bird’s-eye view of the horses’ morning training sessions and workouts. This gorgeous landmark was dedicated to the Whitneys - one of thoroughbred racing’s most dedicated and philanthropic families - in 2013 during the Saratoga 150 Celebration. Modeled after the 1892 Judges Stand at the Saratoga Race Course, the Whitney Viewing Stand seeks to keep the rich history of Saratoga alive by combining the new with the old. The Oklahoma Training Track is located across the street from the main Saratoga Race Course track. The easiest way to access the Whitney Viewing Stand is via Gate 21 on East Avenue. The Whitney Viewing Stand is open to the public as follows:
July 15 - September 6: 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. daily
PURCHASING TICKETS
Saratoga Race Course single-day general admission tickets are available on Ticketmaster.com. General admission tickets may also be purchased on the day of the event at all track admission gates. For more information visit nyra.com/saratoga. To order tickets by phone, please call 800-814-7846 or 518-584-6200, ext. 3568. Tickets may be purchased in person, Monday through Sunday during the racing season from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. A limited number of Grandstand seats are on sale each morning of a race day at the Ticket Office at Union Avenue Gate at 9 a.m. Closed Tuesdays. There is a limit of four seats per person.
