SARATOGA CHALLENGE Presented by NYRA
Wednesday, August 9 and Thursday, August 10 will have two separate one-day challenges. Fee is $1,000 per day, $500 at least in live cash and $500 in prize pool. Contestants must wager a minimum of $100 on five different races. Registration ends August 6 at 5:00 p.m. online. Prizes are 2 seats to 2018 Belmont Stakes Challenge, 4 seats to the NHC, and guaranteed first place prize of $10,000. Must be 18 years of age to bet. Contact Dominic Labetti at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 4
National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame
The National Museum of Racing is located across the street from the track and honors deserving jockeys, trainers, and horses. This year, Hall of Fame jockeys Victor Espinoza and Javier Castellano will be signing autographs. Espinoza will be there on August 4 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. and Castellano will sign August 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. It is 1 1/6 on turf, Grade 2, $200,000.
Breakfast at Saratoga, presented by B95.5 FM Breakfast Club
Fans are invited to enjoy breakfast on The Porch of the clubhouse while the thoroughbreds train on the main track. Breakfast is held from 7 to 9:30 a.m. and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The morning buffet is $18.50 for adults and $10.25 for kids. Mornings at Saratoga also welcome fans to go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour. Tram tours begin at 7:30 a.m. and depart from the clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes through 9 a.m. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length. Breakfast and tours are available daily, except Travers Day, Saturday, August 26.
Woodford Reserve Fridays at The Post
Racing fans are invited to continue their day at Saratoga with Woodford Reserve Fridays at The Post, the lively bar and entertainment sport located adjacent to the paddock. Each Friday of the meet will feature a DJ and dancing, cocktail samplings and trivia at The Post following the day’s final race
Taste NY: Craft Beer
Taste NY: Craft Beer event, which offers guests a selection of New York craft beers available for sampling each Friday in partnership with the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets. Fans will be able to sample five craft beers for $5 at the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion from noon to 5 p.m.
Community Booth
Hope Soars will be at the community booth discussing their organization which aims to inspire the Parkinson’s community. They host a variety of events to raise research funds.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5
Whitney Day
The Whitney family has been involved in Saratoga Racecourse for many generations starting in 1898 with William Collins Whitney. Horses owned by the Whitney family have won every major race in the United States. The Whitney is a 1 1/8 dirt race, Grade 1, $1,200,000. The Longines Test is seven furlongs on dirt, Grade 1, $500,000.
Taste NY: Food and Artisans
Taste NY: Food and Artisans, a lively on-track market where guests can sample and shop food and crafts in the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market will be held each Saturday and Sunday of the 2017 meet. The events will be complemented by handicapping tutorials and racing tips from the Bets Squad, as well as the opportunity to learn more about NYRA Bets and NYRA XP.
Ketel One Party at The Post
The fun will continue each Saturday of the season with the Ketel One Party at The Post. Saturday evenings at Saratoga will feature music from a DJ following the day’s final race, cocktail samplings and giveaways.
Taste NY: Food and Artisans
Taste NY: Food and Artisans, a lively on-track market where guests can sample and shop food and crafts in the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market will be held each Saturday and Sunday of the 2017 meet. The events will be complemented by handicapping tutorials and racing tips from the Bets Squad, as well as the opportunity to learn more about NYRA Bets and NYRA XP.
Community Booth
On Saturday, the community outreach booth will be honoring Christie’s Heartoberfest. Christie M. Tolosky perished from cardiac arrest at the age 24 after suffering from Long QT Syndrome that went undiagnosed. Due to this being a genetic cardiac condition, many of Christie’s family members were tested and properly diagnosed, therefore saving many lives. This organization is teamed up with the American Heart Association to continue spreading awareness about this disease and raising funds for the foundation.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 6
Jockey Legends Day
Come meet and greet some of the most legendary riders in the history of thoroughbred racing. They are offering autograph signings.
Troy Handicap
This race is ran on turf for 5 ½ furlongs, $250,000.
Alydar
Ran on 1 1/8 dirt, $100,000.
Moet and Chandon Mimosa Sundays
Stop by The Post Bar every Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to sample mimosas. Must be 21+ to enjoy.
MONDAY, AUGUST 7
T-Shirt Giveaway
The second giveaway of the season is a Saratoga t-shirt. Race goers will receive a coupon that must be redeemed by the seventh race at the designated areas, free of charge, while supplies last.
Berkshire Bank Family Monday
Monday will be highlighted by the return of Berkshire Bank Family Mondays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion. This week check out the Circus Show.
Community Booth
On Monday, the community outreach booth will be featuring the Friends of Moreau State Park who’s mission is to “partner with NYS Parks to enrich the experience for every park visitor through education, events, and strewardship.”
TUESDAY, AUGUST 8
DARK DAY, NO RACES.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9
Quick Call Race
Ran on turf, 5 ½, for $100,000.
Moet and Chandon Wine Wednesdays
Every Wednesday The Post Bar will host this event offering different wine samples to participants 21+.
Celebrate Brew Central NY Day
Taking place all day long in the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavillion. Activities include exhibits and entertainment that spotlight the reemergence of craft beer, ciders, spirits, and wine. Five samples for $5, must be 21 to participate.
Community Booth
Today the community outreach booth will feature The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. This foundation rehabilitates retired thoroughbreds with the hopes of them gaining a second career. They also have their Second Chances Program. This program is for inmates to”rehabilitate and rebuild their life skills while providing supervised care to reired racehorses.”
THURSDAY, AUGUST 10
FABULOUS FILLIES DAY
This day will be in honor of women and their contributions to the thoroughbred industry. Several events will be taking place throughout the day, including, the Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon presented by Vineyard Vines, a champagne celebration hosted by Moet & Chandon, and gifts by Spa Mirbeau. They will also be raising funds to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This year’s luncheon will honor Sheila Rosenblum of Lady Sheila Stable.
NYSS Statue of Liberty Division
Restricted to three year old daughters of New York Stallions, run on 1 mile turf, $100,000.
Community Booth
Today the community outreach booth will host Floyd Warriors, an organization offering a support system to people battling cancer with the basic needs in life. Such as preparing meals, doing household tasks, and keeping things clean and moving forward.
Taco and Tequila Thursdays
On every Thursday of the season, come enjoy tacos and margaritas at The Post restaurant while listening to a live flamenco guitar performance. This event takes place after the day’s final race.
Taste NY: Wine, Cider, and Spirits
Taste NY will be offering a variety of samples every Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the wine, cider, and spirits lover. $5 for five samples, 21+ to participate.
