Friday, August 16
• SKIDMORE
The afternoon will feature the $100,000 Skidmore for 2-year-olds on turf.
• TASTE NY: CRAFT BEER & CIDER
The Friday edition of the popular weekly tasting event will offer guests the opportunity to sample craft beers and ciders produced exclusively in New York State. 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, August 17
• ALABAMA DAY
The nation's top 3-year-old fillies will compete in the Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama presented by NYRA Bets. The day's card also includes the Grade 2, $200,000 Lake Placid for 3-year-old fillies on the turf and the $100,000 Smart N Fancy for turf fillies and mares. Saratoga Live will have full-card coverage beginning at 1 p.m. on FS2.
• FASHION SATURDAYS
Designed to showcase the tradition of style in thoroughbred racing, the event will feature women’s and men’s fashion apparel from local retailers, as well as 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.
Sunday, August 18
• SUMMER COLONY
The day's feature is the $100,000 Summer Colony for fillies and mares.
• LUSTGARTEN FOUNDATION DAY
Saratoga will honor the legacy of trainer Dominic Galluscio with a day to benefit The Lustgarten Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance scientific and medical research related to pancreatic cancer. The day will include a trainer autograph session at the Jockey Silks Room Porch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The first 200 fans will receive a limited-edition poster and Saratoga hat with a donation to The Lustgarten Foundation.
• EMPIRE 6 MANDATORY PAYOUT
Sunday, August 18 will mark one of two mandatory payout days for the new Empire 6 in which the entire net pool will be paid out to bettors. The Empire 6 is a jackpot-style multi-race wager featuring a $0.20 bet minimum and 20 percent takeout. The wager requires the bettor to select the first-place finisher of the final six races of the card. If one unique ticket exists, then 100% of the net pool, plus the jackpot carryover if applicable, is paid to the winner. If there is no unique wager selecting the first-place finisher in all six races, then 75% of the day's net pool is distributed to those who selected the first-place finisher in the greatest number of races. The remainder is added into the jackpot and carried to the next day's Empire 6 with the exception of the two mandatory payout days on August 18 and Monday, September 2, closing day at Saratoga.
• BERKSHIRE BANK FAMILY SUNDAYS
The kid-oriented weekly event features 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 “Sci-Fi Day” featuring a vortex gravity inflatable, dream lab robot and virtual reality space pods, amongst other science-themed activities.
• LOW ROLLER CHALLENGE
Every Sunday will include the Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest, 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 and the challenge ends after the final post.
Wednesday, August 21
• SARATOGA BEACH TOWEL GIVEAWAY
The season’s third premium giveaway - a Saratoga beach towel, presented by Upstate Ford Dealers - will kick off the countdown to the 150th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers. The circular beach towel is a colorful rendering of a thoroughbred and jockey charging down the main track with the iconic Saratoga grandstand in the background.
• NEW YORK SPORTS DAY
Fans will have the opportunity to learn about the many teams and leagues with a home field advantage in the Capital Region during the first New York Sports Day at Saratoga. Participating teams and colleges include the Tri-City ValleyCats, Adirondack Thunder, University at Albany and Siena Athletics. The Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion will feature exhibits and activities from local sports teams from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• STEWART'S ICE CREAM EATING CONTEST
Come to Saratoga Race Course to compete in the ultimate in chilly contests at the annual Stewart's Ice Cream Eating Contest. Contestants will be divided into three age groups - kids, teens and adults - as they battle to see who can eat a pint of ice cream the fastest. The competition will take place in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion.
Thursday, August 15
• TASTE NY: WINE & SPIRITS
Come sample varietals of wine and spirits from the best of the best New York State wineries and distilleries. Enjoy live music while sipping on select spirits every Thursday from noon to 5 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion. Five samples are just $5! Guests must be 21 years or older to participate.
• LOW ROLLER CHALLENGE
Every Thursday 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 and the challenge ends after the final post.
Coming Up:
• SATURDAY, AUGUST 24: 150th Runhappy Travers
Tickets on-sale for the 150th Runhappy Travers.
Fans who buy in advance will save on admission. General admission tickets are $10 when purchased in advance and $15 on Travers Day, Saturday, August 24. Advance tickets are available in-person at the NYRA Box Office or online at NYRA.com/Travers.
NOTE: Dark Days are Monday and Tuesday
For more information about upcoming events visit NYRA.com/Saratoga.
