Friday, July 20 - Opening Day
Schuylerville
The Grade 3, $150,000 Schuylerville for 2-year-old fillies.
Lake George
Grade 3, $150,000 Lake George for 3-year-old turf fillies.
Taste NY: Craft Beer:
Every Friday beginning July 20
Taste NY: Craft Beer will allow guests the opportunity to sample numerous craft beers produced exclusively by New York State breweries. The tasting will be held 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.
Woodford Rerserve Bourbon Fridays at the Post:
Every Friday beginning July 20
Guests will be invited to stay on-track after the day's final race to enjoy bourbon cocktails and play trivia to win special prizes from Woodford Reserve at The Post Bar. The weekly event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m.
Community Outreach Booth
NYRA will host Rerun, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to creating a happy life for thoroughbred horses that no longer compete.
Saturday, July 21
Diana
On Saturday, the focal point is the Grade 1, $500,000 Diana for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles on the turf.
Sanford
The Grade 3, $150,000 Sanford, a six-furlong race for 2-year-olds, will also be run on Saturday.
Fashion Saturdays:
Every Saturday beginning July 21
Designed to showcase the tradition of style in thoroughbred racing, the weekly event will feature women's and men's fashion apparel and accessories from local retailers, as well as a selection of home décor and jewelry items throughout the season. The event will be held each Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion.
Woodford Rerserve and Jeff Brisbin at the Jim Dandy Bar:
Every Saturday beginning July 21 (except Travers Day). Guests are invited to the Jim Dandy Bar to sample Woodford Reserve Saratoga Personal Selection, crafted exclusively for racing fans at the Spa. The weekly event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m.
Ketel One Saturdays at the Post:
Every Saturday beginning July 21
Fans are invited to sample the new Ketel One Botanicals from 3 to 5 p.m. and enjoy music from a live DJ and dancing under the stars following the day's final race.
"Toga Toga" Daily Double
NYRA will partner with Saratoga Casino Hotel to offer a special day/night, cross-breed Daily Double wager comprised of the Grade 1, $500,000 Diana and the 10th annual $260,000 Joe Gerrity Memorial Pace, the premier race for standardbreds at Saratoga Harness track. The "Toga Toga" Daily Double, hosted by NYRA, includes a $1 minimum wager and will be available on-track at both Saratoga Race Course and Saratoga Harness track as well as through NYRA Bets, ADW platforms and at simulcast facilities across the country.
NYRA Bets Late Pick 5
The multi-race wager covers the last five races of every card of live racing at Saratoga. It features a minimum single-ticket payout of $150,000 daily and $300,000 on Saturdays to NYRA Bets customers nationwide online and on-track in New York. The offer is only available to NYRA Bets customers. Fans who sign up for NYRA Bets using the promo code "SPA" will receive a $200 new member bonus. Details are available at NYRABets.com.
Community Outreach Booth
The Community Outreach Booth will host The Wesley Community, a 36-acre not-for-profit agency in Saratoga Springs, which serves the needs of seniors, adults and pediatrics.
Sunday, July 22
Coaching Club American Oaks
Capping the star-studded weekend, Sunday's Grade 1, $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks for 3-year-old fillies is expected to feature a rematch between Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks and Acorn winner Monomoy Girl and the ever-impressive Midnight Bisou, third in the Oaks and recent six-length winner of the Grade 2 Mother Goose.
27th Annual Hat Contest Presented by Hat Sationa! By Dei
Hundreds of contestants will don creative and fashionable head toppers to compete in what has become a staple of Opening Weekend at Saratoga Race Course: the 27th annual Hat Contest. Registration begins at noon under the grandstand for three categories. The contests for Kreative Kids, Fashionably Saratoga and Uniquely Saratoga will take place after the second, third and fourth races of the afternoon. Prizes are provided by Hat Sationa! by DEI.
Taste NY: Food & Artisans:
Every Sunday beginning July 22
Taste NY: Food & Artisans is a lively on-track market of numerous food and artisan vendors featuring products made exclusively in New York State. The market will be held each Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion. Guests will also have the opportunity to learn about NYRA Bets.
Low Roller Challenge:
Every Sunday and Monday beginning July 22 (except Labor Day). Sundays and Mondays 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.
Saratoga Baseball Cap Giveaway
Fans will have the opportunity to take home the first premium giveaway of the 2018 season: a black Saratoga baseball cap featuring the traditional Saratoga logo emblazoned in red, presented by Saratoga Casino Hotel. All giveaways are free with paid admission, while supplies last. Guests who purchase a season pass or season ticket plan are guaranteed to receive each premium Saratoga giveaway item based on the following guidelines: Season pass or season ticket holders must be present at Saratoga Race Course on the day of the giveaway; enter through the designated season ticket holder lines; and redeem the giveaway by no later than 3 p.m. Redemptions on Sunday will begin when gates open to the general public at 10:30 a.m.
Community Outreach Booth
The NYRA Community Outreach Booth will host the Saratoga Springs Figure Skating Club, which offers a variety of programs for both children and adults, while providing a safe, fun and welcoming environment to support the exploration and growth of figure skating throughout the community.
Monday, July 23
Caress
The day's feature race is the $200,000 Caress.
Berkshire Bank Family Mondays
Monday will be highlighted by the return of Berkshire Bank Family Mondays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion. All kid-friendly games and activities, including the opportunity to pet a retired thoroughbred, are free of charge, with the exception of one designated activity which carries a suggested donation to benefit a local school or PTA. The beneficiary of the first Monday of the season is Lisha Kill Middle School of the South Colonie Central School District.
Low Roller Challenge
Monday will include the continuation of 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.
Community Outreach Booth
The Community Outreach Booth will host Christie's Heartoberfest, a not-for-profit organization which assists the SADS Foundation as it supports those who are predisposed to sudden death due to heart rhythm abnormalities and their families.
Tuesday, July 24
DARK DAY, NO RACES.
Wednesday, July 25
Honorable Miss Handicap
$200,000 6 Furlongs (Dirt) Grade II.
Community Outreach Booth
On Wednesday, July 25, Man O’ War Project will be at the community outreach booth.
Military Appreciation Day Presented by JDGOG:
Saratoga Race Course will pay tribute to active military members and veterans in appreciation of their sacrifice and service to our nation. The Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion will feature exhibits and activities throughout the day. All veterans and active duty military will receive free Grandstand admission with military ID. Military Day is presented in partnership with JDog, owned and operated by local military veterans and family members.
Thursday, July 26
John Morrissey (NYB)
For $100,000 on 6 ½ furlongs on dirt, three-year-old horses and up will be racing.
A. P. Smithwick Memorial (Steeplechase)
For $150,000, horses four-years-old and up will be running on 2 1/16 turf on Grade I.
Aperol Thursdays at the Post:
Every Thursday beginning July 26
Each Thursday, guests will have the opportunity to sample Aperol Spritz cocktails at The Post Bar from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Fans are also invited to stay on-track after racing to enjoy music from a live DJ and dancing under the stars.
Community Outreach Booth
On Thursday, July 26 the Saratoga High School Fiddle Club will be at the community outreach booth.
