*Key: GI= Grade 1 Stakes | GII= Grade 2 Stakes | GIII= Grade 3 Stakes
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced the lineup of new and returning attractions and events for the 2023 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course.
Highlighted by the 154th edition of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on August 26 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on August 5, the 2023 summer meet will open on Thursday, July 13 and continue through Monday, September 4.
Following the four-day opening weekend, 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. for all but Travers Day when gates will open at 7 a.m. With exceptions for Whitney and Travers Days and throughout Closing Weekend, first post time is 1:10 p.m.
The 2023 summer meet will feature the following events lineup:
Opening Weekend
Thursday, July 13 - Sunday, July 16
Opening Weekend will feature the traditional opening day graded stakes, the Schuylerville for 2-year-old fillies, on Thursday, July 13 and the first Grade 1 of the season, the Diana, on Saturday, July 15. The four-day annual celebration will be highlighted by live musical entertainment and a performance by the Islip Horsemen’s Association Drill Team on Saturday.
Week 1 Stake Races
Tune-in to Talking Horses for in-depth analysis from handicapper Andy Serling and other guests.
*Mondays and Tuesdays = Dark Days. No racing.
Thursday, July 13
GIII Schuylerville: F2YO, 6 Furlongs - Dirt, Purse $175,000
Friday, July 14
Coronation Cup: F3YO, 5 1/2 - Turf, Purse $150,000
The Wilton: F3YO, 1 Mile - Dirt, Purse $135,000
Saturday, July 15
GI Diana: F&M 4&UP, 1 1/8 - Turf, Purse $500,000
GIII Kelso: 4&UP, 1 Mile - Turf, Purse $175,000
GIII Sanford: 2YO, 6 Furlongs - Dirt, Purse $175,000
Sunday, July 16
GIII Quick Call presented by Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation: 3YO, 5 1/2 Furlongs - Turf, Purse $175,000
Wednesday, July 19
GI A.P. Smithwick Memorial (Steeplechase): 4&UP, 2 1/16 - Turf, Purse $150,000
NYSSS Statue of Liberty Division (R): F3YO, 1 Mile - Turf, Purse $150,000
Thursday, July 20
NYSSS Cab Calloway Division (R): 3YO, 1 Mile - Turf, Purse $150,000
Taste NY Pavilion
Every Thursday - Sunday beginning July 13
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. In honor of the anniversary, NYRA will be expanding its offerings to include two dozen featured products, from Long Island to the Adirondacks and the Capital Region to Western New York, as a showcase of the state’s robust food and beverage industry.
Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours
Every Wednesday - Friday Beginning July 14
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 beginning July 16
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.
Saratoga Low Roller Contest
Every Thursday And Sunday beginning July 16
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.
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 supplemented by Berkshire Bank Family Sundays.
Berkshire Bank Family Sundays - Every Sunday:
Berkshire Bank Family Sundays will feature a wide variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions and educational activities each Sunday inside the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, located near Gate A at the Top of the Stretch. New this year, each week will feature a different theme, including Beach Day, Sci-Fi Day, Carnival Day and Superhero Day.
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.
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, including The Garland Nelson Trio, The Hawthornes, ILL Funk, The Lustre Kings and Donna Tritico Band, among many others. This year’s summer music stage is presented by Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor in Saratoga Springs.
Handicapping Seminar and Meet-And-Greet
Every Sunday beginning July 23
Enjoy your Sunday at the races in the Spa’s newest hospitality venue, the climate-controlled Paddock Suite, learning betting strategies and tips from expert handicappers. Guests will also be treated to a meet-and-greet with Saratoga Race Course’s new track announcer Frank Mirahmadi, along with a rotating cast of on-track talent, personalities and VIPs. Tickets can be purchased through Fevo.
First Responders Day
Thursday, July 27
First Responders Day pays tribute to first responders with free general admission (proper ID required). Special events will include a Police K-9 infield show, performances by the New York State Trooper Pipes and Drums, and demonstrations by several first responder agencies.
Permanently Disabled Jockey's Fund Awareness Day
Saturday, July 29
Joining other racetracks across the country, Saratoga will host autograph signings and photo opportunities with many of racing’s elite jockeys at the Jockey Silks Porch from 11:30am-12:30pm as part of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund (PDJF) Day Across America. Suggested donations will benefit the PDJF.
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. Whitney Day will also feature the Grade 1, $500,000 Test and Grade 1, $600,000 Saratoga Derby Invitational.
Saratoga Race Course will honor local breast cancer survivors while supporting To Life!, a Capital Region nonprofit organization which provides personalized breast cancer education and support services. Complimentary samples of Chandon Garden Spritz will also be available to all fans 21 and older, with valid ID, while supplies last, courtesy of Moët Hennessy.
Adirondack Day
Wednesday, August 16
Presented by the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council, Adirondack Day will include interactive exhibits inside the Taste NY Pavilion highlighting the seven New York counties that comprise the Adirondacks, supplemented by craft beverage tastings, cheese samples, apples, reenactors, live music and more.
NEW YORK Thoroughbred Aftercare Day
Thursday, August 17
Thoroughbred Aftercare Day pays tribute to an array of organizations involved in finding new homes and careers for retired racehorses. The featured race will be the Rick Violette Stakes, named for the late NYTHA President who was a founding member of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA).
Stewart’s Shops Day at the Races
Thursday, August 17
Stewart’s Shops will celebrate its longstanding partnership with Saratoga by providing free ice cream for horse racing fans, while supplies last.
Lustgarten Day
Saturday, August 19
Lustgarten Day honors the legacy of longtime NYRA trainer Dominic Galluscio with a day to support the Lustgarten Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance scientific and medical research related to pancreatic cancer. Many of the sport’s most prominent trainers will sign autographs for fans at the Jockey Silks Porch from 11:30am-12:30pm with suggested donations to benefit the Lustgarten Foundation.
Military Appreciation Day
Thursday, August 24
Military Appreciation Day pays tribute to active military members and veterans in appreciation of their sacrifice and service to our nation with free general admission (proper ID required). All veterans and active-duty military will be honored with a special ceremony in the Winner’s Circle. The West Point Parachute Team, Color Guard and Band will perform.
Travers Day
Saturday, August 26
Gates open at 7 a.m.; Special first post time of 11:40 a.m. The 154th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers is the centerpiece of a blockbuster card that will include the Grade 1, $750,000 Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer; the Grade 1, $500,000 Forego; the Grade 1, $500,000 Ballerina Handicap; and the Grade 1, $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial.
New York Showcase Day:
Sunday, August 27
New York-breds take center stage in a day featuring six stakes worth a combined $1.25 million and headlined by the $250,000 Albany. Also featured are five $200,000 stakes including the Fleet Indian; the West Point Handicap presented by Trustco Bank; the Yaddo Handicap; the Funny Cide presented by Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital; and the Seeking the Ante.
Fan Appreciation Week
Wednesday, August 30 - Monday, September 4
Saratoga will be saying “Thank you, fans!” with special offers on tickets, food and beverage, and hospitality during the final week of the season.
Closing Weekend
Saturday, September 2 - Monday, September 4
Special first post time of 12:40 p.m. Closing Weekend will feature a pair of Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” events on Saturday, September 2, led by the Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup for an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. The 2023 summer meet will come to a close on Labor Day with the traditional final feature race, the Grade 1, $300,000 Hopeful for 2-year-olds, which affords racing fans a preview of potential standouts in next year’s Triple Crown series and Travers.
Premium Giveaways
Friday, July 21
COOLER JUG PRESENTED BY NYRA BETS
The first giveaway of the season is a Saratoga branded, 64-ounce, red and white cooler jug, presented by NYRA Bets.
Friday, August 11
PERFORMANCE T-SHIRT PRESENTED BY FOX SPORTS
The second giveaway of the season: a red, performance T-shirt, emblazoned with the Saratoga, NYRA Bets and FOX Sports logos. The 100% polyester moisture-wicking material will help Saratoga devotees stay cool all season long.
Friday, August 18
BUCKET HAT
The third giveaway of the season is a 100% cotton white bucket hat featuring the traditional red Saratoga logo.
Friday, September 1
TOTE BAG PRESENTED BY SARATOGA CASINO HOTEL
The final giveaway of the season is a red and white polyester Saratoga tote bag, presented by Saratoga Casino Hotel.
The premium giveaways are free with paid admission, while supplies last. Season ticket and season pass holders are not guaranteed a giveaway. Fans must present a coupon at designated locations on track to redeem the item.
