The Saratoga Race Course Gates open at 11 a.m. each day, including weekends, with the exception of Runhappy Travers Day, Saturday, August 28. The 2021 Saratoga summer meet will include the following events and happenings:
Week 5 Race Schedule
Tune in to Talking Horses for in-depth analysis from handicapper Andy Serling and other guests.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 13
Tale of the Cat: Four-time winner Wondrwherecraigis will attempt to secure his first career stakes score in the eighth running of the $120,000 Tale of the Cat, a six-furlong sprint for 4-year-olds and up who have not won a graded race in 2021.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 14
Fourstardave Handicap and Saratoga Special: The headlining Grade 1, $500,000 Fourstardave for 3-year-olds and up on the turf going one mile will be accompanied by the Grade 2, $200,000 Saratoga Special, presented by Miller Lite, for 2-year-olds at 6 ½ furlongs.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 15
Galway: The fifth week of racing at the Spa will conclude with the second running of the $120,000 Galway for 3-year-old fillies on the turf sprinting 5 1/2 furlongs.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18
Features the Bolton Landing.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19
Features the Jonathan Sheppard Steeplechase (G1) and the New York-bred Union Avenue Handicap.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 13
NYRA Hometown Hero presented by CDPHP
NYRA will announce the next honoree in its Hometown Hero program, presented by CDPHP, which recognizes local essential workers for their service and dedication to the community during the pandemic. Each honoree receives the opportunity to present a trophy in the winner’s circle. Nominations are being accepted through August 15 at CDPHP.com/Heroes.
Cooperstown Distillery Tasting
Fans will be invited to enjoy a complimentary tasting of the Cooperstown Select Rye Manhattan from Cooperstown Distillery at the Jim Dandy Bar from noon to 4 p.m. Must be at least 21 years old; while supplies last.
Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage
The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from The Upstate Bluegrass Band.
Piazza Italia
The Piazza Italia, located in the Saratoga Events Pavilion, near Gate A, will host live music featuring Franklin Micare from 12 to 4 p.m. Fans may enjoy authentic Italian food and beverages at the Piazza Italia every day of the Saratoga meet, including paninis with Italian meats and cheeses, Fratelli Beretta cold cuts, Monti Trentini cheeses, Italian Bindi Gelato, Tiramisu and Peroni Beer.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 14
Ketel One and Volcan Tequila Tastings
Fans will be invited to enjoy two complimentary tasting events: the first a sampling of the Volcan Margarita at the Volcan Tequila backyard gazebo bar, located near the Fourstardave Sports Bar, from 1 to 3 p.m. The second tasting will offer the opportunity to sample the Ketel One Saratoga Lemonade from award-winning Ketel One family made vodka at the Ketel One Longshots Bar located on the ground floor of the Grandstand from 3 to 5 p.m. Must be at least 21 years old; while supplies last.
Volcan Tequila Tasting and Summer Music Stage
The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from Big Medicine.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 15
Saratoga Cooler Bag Giveaway
Fans will enjoy the first giveaway of the season – a Saratoga cooler bag, presented by Saratoga Casino Hotel. The red and black cooler bag adorned with the Saratoga logo in white will be available free with paid admission, while supplies last. Quantities are limited and giveaways are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Brunch at The Rail at the 1863 Club
Fans are invited to enjoy a brunch buffet while experiencing The Rail at the 1863 Club, the first-floor banquet space at the 1863 Club. Tickets are $85 and include the buffet, soft drinks and Post Parade program book. Reservations are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX or online at NYRA.com/1863Club.
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. at the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, located inside Gate A near the Saratoga Race Course Box Office.
Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest
Every Sunday features the Low Roller Challenge Handicapping Contest, available exclusively on-track with a buy-in of $40. Registration begins at 11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar.
Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage
The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from The North and South Dakotas.
Season-long Daily Events and Activities:
BERKSHIRE BANK FAMILY ZONE
Fans will enjoy 40 days of the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, an interactive play area for children located near Gate A, which will be complemented by the return of Berkshire Bank Family Sundays. The popular weekly festival will include free games, attractions and educational activities each Sunday of the season inside the Berkshire Bank Family Zone.
BREAKFAST AT SARATOGA
Tram tour of our famous and historic stable area (weather permitting). The first tram leaves the main Clubhouse entrance at approximately 7:30 a.m. with additional trams leaving approximately every 15 minutes. The last tour departs at around 9 a.m. The Tour is available every race day (there is no breakfast on Runhappy Travers Day, Saturday, August 28). Driven by the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA). Enjoy a morning buffet on The Clubhouse Porch while the thoroughbreds train on the main track. Breakfast is held daily from 7 to 9:30 a.m. and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted for breakfast dining. $20 for adults and $12 for kids under 12.
SARATOGA FASHION DAYS
Fashion Saturdays, which was previously held once each week, will expand to a 40-day series of pop-up boutiques featuring stylish clothing, accessories and jewelry for women and men. The Saratoga Fashion Days’ boutiques will be located in the following areas: Lifestyles of Saratoga across from the Jockey Silks Room Porch; Miss Scarlett, Saratoga Rocks and the Winning Silks Collection near The Stretch; and Bumble B Boutique near the paddock mutuels building (weekends only).
SARATOGA WALKING TOURS
History, highlights, unique architecture, and landscapes at Saratoga Race Course. Approximately 45 minutes. Daily Walking Tours bring the more than 150 years of history within Saratoga Race Course to life. Ever wonder why we ring a bell at 17 minutes to post or why there is a canoe in the lake in the infield? Take a guided tour to get to know The Spa! Tours are scheduled at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. each racing day and costs $3 per person or $10 for a family. For more information on our tours, please contact our Guest Services Department at 518-584-6200 ext. 4433.
VOLCAN TEQUILA SUMMER MUSIC STAGE
Fans will enjoy live music performances each afternoon of the season from popular local and regional bands at the Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage. Strolling entertainment from Saratoga mainstays Reggie’s Red Hot Feetwarmers and the Red Hot Dancers, amongst other acts, will also be a regular feature.
