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 8 Race Schedule
Tune in to Talking Horses for in-depth analysis from handicapper Andy Serling and other guests.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Lucky Coin: Friday’s $120,000 Lucky Coin, the feature at Saratoga Race Course, is a 5 1/2-furlong Mellon turf sprint for older horses.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Jockey Club Gold Cup and Flower Bowl: Saturday will feature the Saratoga debut of a pair of stakes previously held in the fall at Belmont Park: The Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup at 1 1/4 miles for 3-year-olds and up, and the $600,000 Flower Bowl, an 11-furlong turf test for older fillies and mares. The day’s card will also include the Grade 2, $250,000 Prioress for sophomore fillies sprinting 6 furlongs and the Grade 3, $200,000 Saranac for sophomores going 1 1/16 miles on the turf.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
The final Sunday of the season will feature an 11-race card with a first post time of 12:35 p.m.
Spinaway: The Grade 1, $300,000 Spinaway for juvenile fillies at 7 furlongs wraps up the graded stakes series for 2-year-old fillies at Saratoga this summer.
LABOR DAY, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
LABOR DAY, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 – POST TIME 12:35 P.M.
The final day of the Saratoga season will feature an 11-race card with a first post time of 12:35 p.m.
Hopeful: The traditional closing day feature, the 117th running of the Grade 1, $300,000 Hopeful for 2-year-olds, will afford fans a preview of potential standouts in next year’s Triple Crown series and Runhappy Travers. The day’s card will also feature the Grade 2, $200,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap for 3-year-olds and up going 1 1/16 miles on the turf.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Saratoga Welcomes Olympic Medalist Emma White
NYRA will celebrate the accomplishments of 2020 Tokyo Olympic Bronze Medalist Emma White of Duanesburg, NY. White, who was part of the U.S. cycling team that captured the bronze medal during the Olympic Games in Tokyo earlier this summer, will appear in the winner’s circle for a race named in her honor during the afternoon.
Happy Hour Specials
Fans will enjoy numerous Happy Hour specials all day long, including a selection of cocktails for $10. Featured drinks include the Toga Peach Tea, Washington Lemonade and Chandon Garden Spritz Cocktail, as well as Cutwater Spirits’ ready-to-drink cocktails and Babe Rosé Wine. Several beers will also be available for the special price of $5, including Blue Moon Light Sky, Yuengling Lager and Brooklyn Lager.
NYRA Hometown Hero presented by CDPHP
NYRA will announce the final 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.
Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage
The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from the Rich Ortiz Trio.
Piazza Italia
The Piazza Italia, located in the Saratoga Events Pavilion, near Gate A, will host live music featuring Nick Collucio from noon 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, SEPTEMBER 4
Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage
The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from Nite Train with Thomasina Winslow.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Saratoga Long-Sleeve Hoodie Giveaway
Fans will enjoy the final giveaway of the season - a Saratoga long-sleeve t-shirt hoodie. The gray hooded pullover, adorned with the red Saratoga logo, will be available free with paid admission, while supplies last. Limited supplies available. NYRA strongly encourages fans to limit redemption to one item per person.
Family 4-Pack Reserved Seat Package: Families can take advantage of a Family 4-Pack, which includes four Grandstand reserved seats and vouchers for two hot dogs and one soda per person for $84. Clubhouse boxes for five people are also available for $150. Packages are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX or in-person at the NYRA Box Office near Gate A.
Free Drawstring Bags with School Supplies at Berkshire Bank Family Sundays
Children will receive free colorable drawstring bags with back-to-school items, while supplies last, during the final edition of the popular kid-oriented weekly event, sponsored by Berkshire Bank. Kids will be able to color their back-to-school bags as well as enjoy a wide variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions and educational activities from 11 a.m. to 4 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 Hawthornes.
LABOR DAY, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Dunkin’ Coffee Donation to B.E.S.T
NYRA will present more than 100 pounds of Dunkin’ coffee to the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.) on Closing Day of the 2021 racing season. The coffee donation is based on a pledge from Dunkin’ to supply B.E.S.T. with one pound of coffee for every win by the leading owner, trainer and jockey of the 2021 Saratoga meet.
Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage
The Volcan Tequila Summer Music Stage will host live music from Big Medicine.
