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 4 Race Schedule
Tune in to Talking Horses for in-depth analysis from handicapper Andy Serling and other guests.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 6
National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, Troy Stakes and Alydar: Friday’s Grade 2, $200,000 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, a one-mile inner-turf test for sophomores at Saratoga Race Course, commemorates the induction ceremonies that will take place across Union Avenue earlier in the day. The 37th edition of the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame is part of a loaded card that includes the $120,000 Alydar, a nine-furlong test for older horses, and the Grade 3, $200,000 Troy, presented by Horse Racing Ireland, a 5 1/2-furlong Mellon turf sprint for older horses.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 7
Whitney Day: Three-time Grade 1 winner Swiss Skydiver is set headline Saturday’s Grade 1, $1 million Whitney which offers an automatic berth to the Breeders’ Cup Classic. The filly, victorious in last year’s Preakness Stakes and Alabama, will try to become the first female to capture the Whitney since Personal Ensign in 1988. To do so, she will have to defeat Maxfield, considered the top older horse in training, and Knicks Go, the Pegasus World Cup winner. The blockbuster Whitney Day card will also include the Grade 1, $500,000 Longines Test for sophomore fillies and the $1 million Saratoga Derby Invitational, the second jewel of the Turf Triple series for sophomore males in its first running with Grade 1 status. Whitney Day will also feature the Grade 2, $250,000 Glens Falls for fillies and mares on turf, and the $120,000 Fasig-Tipton Lure.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 8
Saratoga Oaks Invitational: Sunday of Whitney weekend concludes with three graded stakes highlighted by the upgraded Grade 3, $700,000 Saratoga Oaks Invitational, the second leg of the Turf Triple series for sophomore fillies. The card will also include the Grade 3, $300,000 Fasig-Tipton De La Rose for turf fillies and mares, and the Grade 2, $200,000 Adirondack, a 6 1/2-furlong sprint for juvenile fillies.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11
Features the Mahony and the New York-bred Evan Shipman Handicap.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 12
Features the New York-bred Saratoga Dew Handicap.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 6
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. Nominations are being accepted through August 15 at CDPHP.com/Heroes.
Babe Wines and Cooperstown Distillery Tastings
Fans will be invited to enjoy two complimentary tasting events at Saratoga: Babe Rosé wine outside The Cutwater Stretch from 1 to 3 p.m. and the Cooperstown Select Bourbon Old Fashioned from Cooperstown Distillery at the Jim Dandy Bar from noon to 4 p.m. Must be at least 21 years old; while supplies last.
Ford Mustang Mach-E Display
Fans will have their first of two opportunities 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 Summer Music Stage
The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from The Stony Creek Band.
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 7
Bruce Johnstone Best Turned-Out Horse Award
NYRA will honor the legacy of the late horseman Bruce Johnstone by bestowing the “Bruce Johnstone Best Turned Out Horse Award” to the groom of the horse deemed by NYRA racing officials to be best presented in the paddock ahead of the Grade 1, $500,000 Longines Test. Johnstone, who succumbed last year to a lengthy battle against cancer, transitioned from a successful career as a trainer to management at NYRA, where he spent the last 13 years of his career as Manager of Racing Operations.
Handicapping Seminar
Popular handicapper Pete Fornatale will host a 30-minute seminar to discuss his picks for Whitney Day. The event begins at 9:15 a.m. at the New York Thoroughbred Breeders booth near the Dunkin’ concession. Attendance is free.
Wine Tasting Trifecta for Whitney Day
Fans will be invited to enjoy several complimentary tasting events on Whitney Day, starting with La Crema from Jackson Family Wines at the La Crema Sonoma Coast Experience pop-up bar located across from the Clubhouse exchange from noon to 4 p.m. Wine lovers will also enjoy samples of Whispering Angel Rosé near the Travers Bar from 1 to 3 p.m. as well as Babe Rosé outside The Cutwater Stretch also from 1 to 3 p.m. Rounding out the afternoon will be a sampling of Ketel One Botanicals from award-winning Ketel One family made vodka at the Ketel One Longshots Bar located on the ground floor of the Grandstand from 3 to 5 p.m. Must be at least 21 years old; while supplies last.
Ford Mustang Mach-E Display
Fans will once again 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 Bluz House Rockers.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 8
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 Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers.
Season-long Daily Events and Activities:
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).
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.
