Friday, August 24
New York Showcase Day
Travers Eve will be dedicated to New York-breds during New York Showcase Day at Saratoga Race Course. The afternoon’s card will feature six stakes exclusively for New York-breds, including the $250,000 Albany for 3-year-olds, the $200,000 Funny Cide for budding New York-bred stars, and the $150,000 West Point presented by Trustco Bank. The Knight Caps, the official glee club of the United States Military Academy, will perform their alma mater in the winner’s circle following the running of the West Point.
Red Jacket Ceremony
The day will be highlighted by the induction of four-time Eclipse Award-winning and two-time Triple Crown-winning trainer Bob Baffert into the Saratoga Walk of Fame during the annual Red Jacket Ceremony. The ceremony will take place adjacent to the winner’s circle following the day’s fifth race at approximately 3:30 p.m. During the event, Baffert will receive an emblematic Saratoga red jacket and his plaque will be formally unveiled to the public. The Saratoga Walk of Fame honors and showcases the achievements of those who have made significant contributions to the sport of thoroughbred racing and to the advancement of the Saratoga Race Course.
Saratoga County EOC Food Drive at Community Outreach Booth
The New York Racing Association will welcome the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) to Saratoga Race Course to host its annual food and essential goods drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fans are invited to donate non-perishable dry and canned goods as well as toiletries at the Community Outreach Booth, located on the Jockey Silks Room Porch and across from the Saratoga Walk of Fame. Fans who donate three or more items will receive a 2018 Saratoga baseball cap, while supplies last.
Taste NY: Craft Beer
This weekly event offers guests a selection of New York craft beers available for sampling in partnership with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Fans will be able to sample five craft beers for $5 at the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion from noon to 5 p.m.
The Last Race Showcase at The Stretch
NYRA invites fans who are in attendance to experience The Stretch for free from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Stretch is Saratoga’s exclusive new hospitality area located in the Grandstand at the Top of the Stretch. There will be food and drink specials and live DJ entertainment. Fans can enjoy the new amenities at The Stretch, including a private bar, concessions, hi-def video screens and televisions, and dramatic views of the Stretch run.
Saturday, August 25 - TRAVERS DAY
Travers Day
Saratoga’s most anticipated race - the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers will return for its 149th running as the feature on a blockbuster card. This year’s Travers is sponsored by Runhappy, a champion sprinter currently standing at Claiborne Farm.
In addition to Kentucky Derby runner-up and Haskell winner Good Magic, the Runhappy Travers field is expected to include Wonder Gadot, who will seek to become the first filly to win the Travers since 1915. Other probable starters include Jim Dandy winner Tenfold, Wood Memorial winner Vino Rosso, Belmont Derby winner Catholic Boy, Belmont Stakes runner-up Gronkowski, and Haskell runner-up Bravazo.
The Runhappy Travers will be one of six Grade 1s on Travers Day, which will also feature the $1 million Sword Dancer, the $700,000 Personal Ensign, the $600,000 Forego, the $500,000 Ketel One Ballerina, and the $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial presented by Runhappy. Rounding out the impressive card is the Grade 2, $400,000 Woodford Reserve Ballston Spa.
Gates open at 7 a.m. with a special first post time of 11:35 a.m. All guests are subject to enhanced screening upon entering the grounds and will not be permitted to run once inside the property for their safety. This policy will be strictly enforced.
There is a strict limit of one picnic table per person that may be reserved in the backyard. Re-selling of picnic tables is not allowed and will result in expulsion from track grounds.
Fans planning to attend Travers Day can review a full list of track policies at www.nyra.com/saratoga/visit/saratoga-track-policies.
NYRA Bets Seminar
Join Mike Watchmaker, Nick Tammaro and Richard Aller at the NYRA Bets Simulcast Center for a handicapping seminar to discuss their picks for the day. Find them on the second floor of the grandstand near The Stretch. The seminar begins at 11 a.m.
Fashion Saturdays
Designed to showcase the tradition of style in thoroughbred racing, Fashion Saturdays will feature women’s and men’s apparel and accessories from local retailers, as well as a selection of home décor, spa care and jewelry items at the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Josh Cellars Wine Tasting
Fans are invited to enjoy a wine tasting with Josh Cellars from 3 to 6 p.m. in the upper grandstand by section R, located adjacent to the entrance to The Stretch.
Ketel One Saturdays at The Post
The fun will continue with Ketel One Saturdays at The Post. Fans are invited to sample the new Ketel One Botanicals from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Community Outreach Booth
The Community Outreach Booth will host the Backstretch Employee Service Team, which aids the hard-working men and women employed to take care of the horses in the barn area.
Sunday, August 26
Smart N Fancy
The day’s feature is the $100,000 Smart N Fancy for fillies and mares on the turf.
Low Roller Challenge
Sunday will include the Low Roller Challenge which allows aspiring handicappers the opportunity to experience the thrill of tournament play for $40, with $30 going towards live bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. Registration begins at 11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar.
Taste NY: Food and Artisans
Each Sunday will welcome guests to a lively on-track market of numerous food and artisan vendors featuring products made exclusively in New York State. The market will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion.
Woodford Reserve at the Jim Dandy Bar
Guests are invited to the Jim Dandy Bar to sample Woodford Reserve Saratoga Personal Selection, crafted exclusively for racing fans at the Spa, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Community Outreach Booth
The Community Outreach Booth will host the Capital District New York Synchronized Skating, which represents athlete skaters from across the Capital Region.
Monday, August 27
Better Talk Now
The afternoon will feature the $100,000 Better Talk Now for 3-year-olds on the turf.
Berkshire Bank Family Mondays
Monday will be highlighted by Berkshire Bank Family Mondays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavillion. All kid-friendly games and activities, including the opportunity to pet a retired thoroughbred, are free of charge, with the exception of one designated activity which carries a suggested donation to benefit a local school or PTA. The beneficiary of the sixth Monday of the season is Chango Elementary School in Ballston Lake.
Berkshire Bank and Hannaford Supermarkets Backpack Giveaway
The first 500 kids, ages 12 and under, to visit the Coca-Cola Saratoga will receive a free drawstring bag filled with school supplies, courtesy of Berkshire Bank and Hannaford Supermarkets. One drawstring bag per child, who must be present to receive.
Low Roller Challenge
Monday will include the continuation of the Low Roller Challenge which allows aspiring handicappers the opportunity to experience the thrill of tournament play for $40, with $30 going towards live bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. Registration begins at 11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar.
Community Outreach Booth
The Community Outreach Booth will host Living Resources, a non-profit organization which provides services to individuals with a broad range of disabilities and impairments, including brain injury survivors and veterans.
Tuesday, August 28
DARK DAY, NO RACES
Wednesday, August 29
With Anticipation
The afternoon will feature the $150,000 With Anticipation for two-year-olds on turf.
NYRA Bets Late Pick 5
The multi-race wager covers the last five races of every card of live racing at Saratoga. It features a minimum single-ticket payout of $150,000 daily and $300,000 on Saturdays to NYRA Bets customers nationwide online and on-track in New York. The offer is only available to NYRA Bets customers.
NYRA Bets Promotions
New customers who sign up for NYRA Bets using the promo code “SPA” will receive a $200 new member bonus. Visit NYRABets.com for details. Play the Trifecta in a selected stakes every day at Saratoga to earn a 10 percent bonus. Look for the stakes schedule on NYRABets.com.
College and Alumni Day
This year’s College Day will invite college students and alumni to enjoy an afternoon at the Spa. The Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion will feature an array of special activities and giveaways for guests.
Fan Appreciation Week
From Wednesday, August 29 through Monday, September 3, NYRA will thank its fans with a series of special events, activities and offers during closing week of the 2018 season at Saratoga Race Course.
Community Outreach Booth
The Community Outreach Booth will host Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany.
Thursday, August 30
P. G. Johnson
The afternoon will feature the $100,000 P.G. Johnson for two-year-old fillies on turf.
Taste NY: Cider, Wine & Spirits
Taste NY: Cider, Wine & Spirits offers guests a selection of cider, wine and spirits available for sampling each Thursday of the meet in partnership with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Fans will be able to sample five varietals for $5 at the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion from noon to 5 p.m.
Aperol Thursdays at The Post
Each Thursday, guests have the opportunity to sample Aperol Spritz cocktails at The Post Bar from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Community Outreach Booth
The Community Outreach Booth will feature the Saratoga Regional YMCA.
