Saratoga Highlights: July 29 – August 2
Week 5 of the Saratoga Summer Meet
Wednesday, July 29 – Sunday, August 2
TICKETS: NYRA.com
Week 5 Specials: Buy One Get One Free Grandstand reserved seats in select locations all week long; $99 tickets in The Rail at the 1863 Club for interior tables on Sunday, August 2. Visit NYRA.com/Deals.
Save 20% on all Flatbreads at the Finish Line Grill throughout the week.
Cooler Policy: Fans with regulation size coolers must ensure all ice is contained within sealed bags upon arrival. Designated inspection lanes are located at Gates B and C. Fans with coolers must enter through either gate.
Breakfast at Saratoga: Offered daily from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and presented by CDTA, fans can enjoy a buffet breakfast during morning training. Reservations are not required.
Saratoga Live: Produced by The New York Racing Association, Inc (NYRA) in partnership with FOX Sports, the award-winning show features daily coverage and in-depth analysis of the summer meet on the FOX Sports family of networks. For the complete broadcast schedule, visit NYRA.com/SaratogaLive.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
Admission and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
First Wednesday of the Summer Meet:
Saratoga’s traditional five-day racing week resumes with the Listed $150,000 Curlin presented by Casamigos.
Saratoga Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tours:
The resumption of live racing on Wednesdays extends to the Saratoga Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tours which will feature weekly Wednesday trips to Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, a local aftercare farm. Tour packages include buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a horse farm, and admission to Saratoga. Tickets may be purchased at NYRA.com.
Second Annual Wish Wednesday:
The second annual Wish Wednesday will feature Make-A-Wish kids and their families from Northeastern New York and Vermont treated to a special day that will include lunch, exclusive paddock tours and a visit to the Winner’s Circle. This year’s event will be highlighted by a surprise wish reveal following the third race where Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York and NYRA will announce a life-changing wish for one local child and their family, creating a memorable moment shared by all in attendance.
Surfside and Casamigos Samplings:
Complimentary samples of the Casamigos Classic Margarita and Surfside canned cocktails will be available at pop-up bars outside of the Paddock from noon to 4 p.m. while supplies last for fans 21 and older with ID.
Community Outreach Booth:
The Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Council of Saratoga County is a nonprofit, community-based organization working to prevent alcohol, drug and other substance abuse throughout the region.
THURSDAY, JULY 30
Admission and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Glens Falls:
Thursday features the Grade 2, $250,000 Glens Falls, an inner turf marathon for older fillies and mares.
Saratoga Low Roller Contest:
Held exclusively on track each Thursday during the summer meet, fans can pre-register 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.
NYRA STAR Program:
The Students of Thoroughbred Racing (NYRA STAR) program is offered Thursdays through Sundays and features tours of the Paddock and Winner’s Circle during Races 1 through 5, in addition to morning tours of the backstretch. NYRA STAR provides children ages 12 and under, and their families, with insider access into the world of thoroughbred racing. Membership is free of charge. Registration can be completed online at NYRA.com/STAR or in person at the NYRA STAR booth in the Family Zone.
Taste NY Pavilion:
New York craft beers, cider, wines and spirits are featured at the Taste NY Pavilion, located inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch. Operating every Thursday-Sunday of the summer meet for fans 21 and older with ID.
Community Outreach Booth:
The Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library have actively supported and advanced the library’s objectives dating back half a century.
FRIDAY, JULY 31
Admission and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Amsterdam:
Friday’s Grade 2, $250,000 Amsterdam is a 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds.
Cointreau Spritz:
Complimentary samples of the Cointreau Orange Spritz, the official Spritz of Saratoga Race Course, are available at the upper-level Cointreau Spritz Clubhouse Bar from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last, for fans 21 and older with ID.
Community Outreach Booth:
The Albany-based Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center aims to change the face of Alzheimer’s Disease throughout the region.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 12:30 p.m.
Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund Awareness Day:
Saratoga will host autograph signings and photo opportunities with the Saratoga jockey colony at the Jockey Silks Porch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund (PDJF). Autographs are available for $25 to support PDJF.
Jim Dandy presented by Mohegan Sun and Lake George presented by Surfside:
Three graded stakes highlight Saturday topped by the Grade 2, $500,000 Jim Dandy presented by Mohegan Sun, the traditional Saratoga prep for the DraftKings Travers. The card also includes the Grade 2, $250,000 Saratoga Special and Grade 3, $225,000 Lake George presented by Surfside.
FOX Saratoga Saturday presented by Oceania Cruises:
FOX Saratoga Saturday presented by Oceania Cruises will feature live coverage of the Grade 2, $500,000 Jim Dandy presented by Mohegan Sun on FOX from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Jim Dandy Challenge:
Jim Dandy Day will feature a special handicapping contest that may be played on-track or online with a buy-in of $1,000. For more information, visit NYRABets.com.
Horse Sense:
Fans can meet a retired thoroughbred on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at Horse Sense located inside Gate A.
Mionetto Prosecco:
Complimentary samples of Mionetto, the official prosecco of Saratoga, will be available at the Mionetto Gazebo from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last, for fans 21 and older.
Community Outreach Booth:
Old Friends at Cabin Creek is an industry renowned aftercare facility that provides a lifetime sanctuary for retired racehorses.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Adirondack:
Week 5 of concludes with the Grade 3, $225,000 Adirondack.
Saratoga Straw Cowboy Hat Giveaway: Photo
Fans can embrace summer style with a Saratoga straw cowboy hat adorned with a Saratoga logo ribbon around the base. The hat is one-size-fits-most and is free with paid admission, while supplies last.
Mike Venezia Memorial Award:
The Mike Venezia Memorial Award will be presented to retired Grade-1 winning jockey and longtime NYRA jockey valet Nick Santagata, who becomes the first retired jockey to win the award. Santagata, the winner of more than 4,100 races in a career that spanned more than 30 years, was chosen by a committee comprised of members of the Venezia family, representatives of The Jockeys’ Guild and retired Eclipse Award-winning jockey Richard Migliore. The award is presented annually to a jockey who displays the extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship that personified Venezia, who died as the result of injuries suffered in a spill in 1988.
Saratoga Low Roller Contest:
Held exclusively on-track every Sunday during the summer meet, fans can pre-register 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.
Sunday Specials:
Fans will enjoy $3 hot dogs and save 50% on domestic and premium beer, water and soda at the High Noon Clubhouse Grill, Finish Line Grill and Track Snacks. Additional specials may be available on select items at these locations.
Community Outreach Booth:
Albany-based LifePath helps older adults live independently, stay connected and access the support they need to thrive.
All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA
