This week begins the tradition of “Breakfast at Saratoga.” The breakfast will take place on The Porch of the Clubhouse at Saratoga Race Course. Breakfast will be held from 7 - 9:30 a.m. daily through Labor Day, September 2, with the exception of Saturday, August 24 -Travers Day. The morning breakfast buffet is $18.50 for adults and $9.25 for kids ages 12 and under. Admission is free during breakfast hours. Admission must be paid to re-enter the track once gates formally open for the day. After breakfast guest will be able to explore behind the scenes with a bided backstretch tram tour, courtesy of the Capitol District Transportation Authority. Tours will run from 7:30 - 9 a.m. departing the Clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes. Tram tours are not offered on Travers Day.
Friday, July 19
• LAKE GEORGE STAKES
Friday will feature the Grade 3, $150,000 Lake George Stakes one-mile race on the turf.
• TASTE NY: CRAFT BEER & CIDER
Taste NY: Craft Beer & Cider will allow guests the opportunity to sample numerous craft beers and ciders produced exclusively by New York State breweries and cideries. Live music will accompany the tasting each Friday from noon to 5 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion. Guests will enjoy five samples for $5. Must be 21 years or older to participate.
Saturday, July 20
• COACHING CLUB AMERICAN OAKS
Saturday will be highlighted by the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks, during which 3-year-old fillies will take center stage to compete for an upgraded purse of $500,000. The day’s card will also include the $200,000 Caress for 4-year-olds and up on the turf.
• MOON LANDING ANNIVERSARY
Saratoga will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic first moon landing, which occurred on July 20, 1969. Fans are invited to enjoy a variety of lunar-themed activities from the Museum of Innovation and Science in Schenectady, including displays of meteorites and moon craters, as well as sun observations using a special telescope that allows for viewing of solar flares and spots. All activities will take place adjacent to Horse Sense across from the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• FASHION SATURDAYS
Designed to showcase the tradition of style in thoroughbred racing, the weekly event will feature women’s and men’s fashion apparel from local retailers, as well as a selection of home décor and jewelry items. The event will be held each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion.
• WOODFORD RESERVE BOURBON SATURDAYS
Fans will be invited to enjoy specialty drinks and selections from Woodford Reserve at the Jim Dandy Bar each Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m.
• KETEL ONE SATURDAYS
Fans are invited to sample the new Ketel One Botanicals from 3 to 5 p.m. each Saturday outside the entrance to The Stretch.
Sunday, July 21
• SHUVEE HANDICAP
Sunday’s card will feature the Grade 3, $200,000 Shuvee Handicap for 3-year-olds and up at nine furlongs.
• BRUNCH AND BUBBLY AT THE RAIL AT THE 1863 CLUB
Fans are invited to enjoy brunch, mimosas and more while experiencing The Rail at the 1863 Club, the first-floor banquet space at the all-new 1863 Club. Tickets are $75. Reservations are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX.
• 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. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion. The theme for this week’s event is “Christmas in July,” which will include photos for children with Santa Claus.
• LOW ROLLER CHALLENGE
Every 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. Entrants will also have an opportunity to qualify for the Saratoga Challenge on Friday, August 9. Registration begins at 11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar with early entrants receiving a special NYRA Bets promo item.
Wednesday, July 24
• MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY
Saratoga Race Course will pay tribute to active military members and veterans in appreciation of their sacrifice and service to our nation. Guests can stop by the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion to view exhibits and activities throughout the day and all veterans and active duty military will receive free Grandstand admission with military ID. Veterans from World War II to those currently serving will be recognized prior to several of the day’s races, including a special ceremony in the Winner’s Circle following the third race.
NOTE: Dark Days are Monday and Tuesday
Season admission passes may be purchased at NYRA.com/Saratoga and at Stewart’s Shops locations. A season pass provides admission to all 40 days of racing at Saratoga Race Course. The cost for a 2019 Grandstand season pass is $50. A Clubhouse season pass is $75. Season passes do not include reserved seating. For more information visit NYRA.com/Saratoga.
