Week of July 26

 Wednesday, July 26

Stakes races: Grade II, $200,000 Honorable Miss, fillies and mares three years old and up, 6 furlongs on the dirt

Military Appreciation Day. All veterans and active duty military get into the grandstand free with military ID, and local service members and veterans will be in the winner’s circle before numerous races on the day’s card. Performers from the USO Show Troupe will perform at the Clubhouse entrance beginning at 11:15 a.m. and throughout the afternoon at the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion.

In NYRA’s community outreach booth, located near the jockeys’ silks room: Jewish War Veterans Post 36 Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Perks Discount to season pass holders at Saratoga Race Course concession stands, NYRA merchandise stores, and Shake Shack (also valid on Mondays and Thursdays). Discount does not apply to lottery, tobacco, alcohol, restaurant dining, group sales or Dunkin’ Donuts.

 Thursday, July 27

At the track

Stakes races:

$100,000 John Morrissey for New York-breds, three years old and up, 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

Grade I, $150,000 A.P. Smithwick Memorial, four-year-olds and up, 2 1/16 miles on the turf (steeplechase)

Taste NY, wines, ciders and spirits in the Saratoga Pavilion on the backyard side of the grandstand, towards the top of the stretch. At this weekly event, customers can purchase five samples of adult beverages made in New York for $5.  Noon – 5pm. (Weekly)

Saratoga Perks Discount to season pass holders at Saratoga Race Course concession stands, NYRA merchandise stores, and Shake Shack (also valid on Mondays and Wednesdays). Discount does not apply to lottery, tobacco, alcohol, restaurant dining, group sales or Dunkin’ Donuts.

In NYRA’s community outreach booth, located near the jockeys’ silks room: Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation

Tequila and Taco Thursdays: After the last race, The Post will feature specials on margaritas and tacos, accompanied by flamenco guitar. (weekly)

Elsewhere

Andy Serling’s At The Post Live at the Parting Glass in downtown Saratoga, an hour of live radio featuring a variety of guests from the racing world. The show airs 8 – 9pm weekly and is held before a live audience at one of Saratoga’s best-loved watering holes. Can’t make it to Saratoga? You can listen at ESPN Radio 104.5 or online.  Video segments will also be posted and shown on NYRA.com, the NYRA Network, and NYRA’s Youtube channel.  This week’s guests are Dale Romans, Norm Casse, and Kendrick Carmouche.  (Weekly)

Friday, July 28

At the track

Stakes races: $100,000 Curlin for three-year-olds, 1 1/8 miles on the dirt

Taste NY: Craft Beer, in the Saratoga Pavilion on the backyard side of the grandstand, towards the top of the stretch. At this weekly event, customers can sample five New York craft beers for $5. Noon – 5pm.

College and Alumni Day. NYRA is hosting a College & Alumni Handicapping tournament, with scholarship money up to $5,000 at stake. Advance registration is required and the deadline was July 21, but you can e-mail rsvp@nyrainc.com for more information.

In NYRA’s community outreach booth, located near the jockeys’ silks room: North Country Wild Care

Saratoga Perks Discount to season pass holders in the Artists’ Village at the track. (weekly)

Woodford Reserve Fridays at The Post: Following the end of racing, a DJ sets up at The Post bar near the Clubhouse entrance, where Saratoga customers can enjoy dancing, cocktail sampling, and trivia.  (weekly)

Elsewhere

Free admission at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame after 2 pm.

Racing Trivia Night at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Teams of two to five people will test their racing knowledge for a chance to win prizes; light refreshments, beer, and wine will be served.   Free for Museum members and $10 for non-members to play; the contest starts at 6:30. To RSVP, call 518 584 0400 ext 109.

Saturday, July 29

At the track

Stakes races:

Grade I, $350,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap, three-year-olds and up, 6 furlongs on the dirt

Grade II, $200,000 Amsterdam, three-year-olds, 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt

Grade II, $600,000 Jim Dandy for three-year-olds, 1 1/8 miles on the dirt

Grade II, $250,000 Bowling Green Handicap, four-year-olds and up, 1 3/8 miles on the turf

NYRA Bets & Taste NY: Food and Artisans: An on-track market in the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion (back of the grandstand, near the top of the stretch) that will feature food and crafts by New York makers. This event will also take place on Sundays and will include handicapping tutorials and racing tips from the NYRA Bets Squad.  10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund Awareness Day. Joining racetracks across the country, Saratoga Race Course will raise funds and awareness of the PDJF, and riders from the Saratoga jockey colony will sign autographs on the Jockey Silks Room Porch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a suggested donation to the PDJF.

In addition, riders from the Saratoga jockey colony and race analyst Andy Serling will get all wet for this good cause: for a suggested donation of $10 a throw, customers can take a shot at them in a dunk tank that will be set up near Dunkin’ Donuts in the backyard.

In NYRA’s community outreach booth, located near the jockeys’ silks room: Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund.

Ketel One Party at The Post: The fun will continue each Saturday of the season with the Ketel One Party at The Post. Saturday evenings at Saratoga will feature music from a DJ following the day’s final race, cocktail samplings and giveaways. (weekly)

Sunday, July 30

At the track

Stakes races:

Grade III, $200,000 Shuvee Handicap, fillies and mares three years old and up, 1 1/8 miles on the dirt

Low Roller Handicapping Contest: The contests will be held on Sundays and Mondays in the Lower Carousel near the Fourstardave Sports Bar. Entry into the contest is $40 with $30 going towards your live bankroll and $10 towards the prize pool. Players may submit up to two entries per contest; registration begins at 11 a.m. (weekly, also held every Monday)

NYRA Bets & Taste NY: Food and Artisans: Opening weekend will feature the Saturday debut of Taste NY: Food and Artisans, an on-track market in the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion (back of the grandstand, near the top of the stretch) that will feature food and crafts by New York makers. This event will also take place on Sundays and will include handicapping tutorials and racing tips from the NYRA Bets Squad.   10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In NYRA’s community outreach booth, located near the jockeys’ silks room: Saratoga WarHorse Foundation

Elsewhere

Sunday Summer Stroll: The Spa Complex with the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. This week’s tour explores the history and development of the architecture and landscape of the spas in the Saratoga Spa National Park, which is a National Historic Landmark. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on various terrain. $5 for Preservation Foundation members, $8 for non-members. Meet at 108 Avenue of the Pines at 10:30 a.m. The Preservation Foundation offers a weekly Sunday walk, each with a different theme.

Monday, July 31

At the track

Stakes races: $100,000 Coronation Cup, three-year-old fillies, 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf

Low Roller Handicapping Contest: The contests will be held on Sundays and Mondays in the Lower Carousel near the Fourstardave Sports Bar. Entry into the contest is $40 with $30 going towards your live bankroll and $10 towards the prize pool. Players may submit up to two entries per contest; registration begins at 11 a.m. (weekly, also held every Sunday)

Saratoga Perks Discount to season pass holders at Saratoga Race Course concession stands, NYRA merchandise stores and Shake Shack (also valid on Wednesdays and Thursdays). Discount does not apply to lottery, tobacco, alcohol, restaurant dining, group sales or Dunkin’ Donuts.

Berkshire Bank Family Mondays, Saratoga Pavilion on the backyard side of the grandstand, near the top of the stretch. Enjoy kid-friendly games and activities and pet a retired Thoroughbred, all free of charge, with one designated activity carrying a suggested donation for a local school or PTA.  This week’s recipients is Stevens Elementary School in Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake. (weekly)

In NYRA’s community outreach booth, located near the jockeys’ silks room: American Cancer Society

Elsewhere…

Fabulous Fillies luncheon to benefit Shelters of Saratoga and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation. This silent auction and lunch will be held at Saratoga National Golf Course; the auction begins at 11:30 am, the lunch at 1 pm. Tickets are $150 and be purchased here, where you can also find a list of silent auction items.

Children’s Program: “Make Your Own Racehorse Flip Book” at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Recommended for children ages 3 through 8. Children will create their own book from a series of Thoroughbred racing images. 10 am to noon, free with paid admission.

Jockey karaoke to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. One of the most anticipated events of the summer, with Saratoga’s jockey colony turning out in force for their injured colleagues. Click for video highlights of past events.

VIP tickets are $150, general admission $75. Your VIP ticket gets you priority entrance at 5:30 pm, a buffet dinner with the jockeys, and reserved seating; general admission ticketholders can enter at 7:15 pm. Performances are scheduled to begin at 7:45. Vapor Night Club at Saratoga Casino and Raceway, 342 Jefferson St.  Click here to purchase tickets.

Tuesday, August 1

No racing

Wednesday, August 2

At the races

Stakes races: $100,000 Shine Again, fillies and mares three years old and up, 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf

Irish-American Day. Find traditional Irish music, dance, food, and entertainment at the Saratoga Pavilion (behind the grandstand, near the top of the stretch), 11 am to 5 pm.

Saratoga Perks Discount to season pass holders at Saratoga Race Course concession stands, NYRA merchandise stores, and Shake Shack (also valid on Mondays and Thursdays). Discount does not apply to lottery, tobacco, alcohol, restaurant dining, group sales or Dunkin’ Donuts.

In NYRA’s community outreach booth, located near the jockeys’ silks room: K9s for Warriors

Elsewhere

Old Friends Party on the Porch, benefitting Old Friends at Cabin Creek. Join Old Friends founder Michael Blowen and equine photographer extraordinaire Barbara Livingston. Anne’s Washington Inn, 6 pm, 111 S. Broadway.

 

Daily (note that some events do not take place on Tuesdays, when there is no racing)

Morning workouts at Saratoga Race Course. Every day except Tuesdays, the track opens to the public at 7 a.m., and fans/customers can get in free to watch morning workouts until 10 am. The Dunkin Donuts concession on the track is open, but you can do better by bringing in your own food/coffee and sitting in the clubhouse to watch the horses exercise. A NYRA host talks about the history of the racing in Saratoga and comments on the horses on the track.

Across the street, the Whitney Viewing Stand and the Oklahoma training track is also open to the public.

Backstretch tours at Saratoga Race Course. Every day except Tuesday, take a free 45-minute tour of the backstretch. No reservations are accepted; tram tours begin at 7:30 am and depart every 15 minutes until approximately 9 am. Tours leave from the Wright St. entrance to the track, near the clubhouse. No tours on Travers Day or Labor Day.

Walking tours of Saratoga Race Course. Learn why there’s a canoe in the infield lake and why the winner’s circle bell is rung at 17 minutes to post. This guided tour lasts about 45 minutes and take place at 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm each racing day (note: no tours on Tuesdays). $3 per person or $10 per family. Contact Guest Services at 518 584 6200 x4433.

Walking tour of the Oklahoma training facility. Offered by reservation every day except Tuesday by the National Museum of Racing. Tours begin at 8:30 am in the Museum parking lot and reservations are required—weekend reservations are required by 4 p.m. the previous Thursday.

No tours are offered on August 4 or Travers weekend, August 27-28.  No children in backpacks or strollers, and tour participants must be at least 10 years old.

Sturdy walking shoes are suggested, and the cost is $5 for Museum members, $10 for non-members, which includes admission to the Museum after the tour. The tour covers approximately a mile and lasts for approximately 90 minutes.

For reservations or more information, call the Museum’s Education Department at 518 584 0400 ext. 120 or e-mail nmredu2@racingmuseum.net.

Tours of Old Friends at Cabin Creek Thoroughbred retirement farm. Tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. Visit Commentator, Be Bullish, Cool N Collective, and Will’s Way among others, learning about their racing days and how they’re enjoying being spoiled in retirement.

Join NYRA race caller Larry Collmus in his booth for the third race to support Backstretch Employees Service Team. Up to nine people can participate each day for $100 per person, with all proceeds going to support BEST’s work with backstretch workers. To reserve a spot, call (516) 488-3434 ext. 100 or (518) 587-3720.

Every Sunday

Low Roller Handicapping Contest: The contests will be held on Sundays and Mondays in the Lower Carousel near the Fourstardave Sports Bar. Entry into the contest is $40 with $30 going towards your live bankroll and $10 towards the prize pool. Players may submit up to two entries per contest; registration begins at 11 a.m. (Also held every Monday)

NYRA Bets & Taste NY: Food and Artisans: Opening weekend will feature the Saturday debut of Taste NY: Food and Artisans, an on-track market in the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion (back of the grandstand, near the top of the stretch) that will feature food and crafts by New York makers. This event will also take place on Sundays and will include handicapping tutorials and racing tips from the NYRA Bets Squad.   10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday Summer Strolls with the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. $5 for Foundation members, $8 for non-members. A complete list of the walks is here.

Every Monday

Low Roller Handicapping Contest: The contests will be held on Sundays and Mondays in the Lower Carousel near the Fourstardave Sports Bar. Entry into the contest is $40 with $30 going towards your live bankroll and $10 towards the prize pool. Players may submit up to two entries per contest; registration begins at 11 a.m. (Also held every Sunday)

Saratoga Perks Discount to season pass holders at Saratoga Race Course concession stands, NYRA merchandise stores and Shake Shack (also valid on Wednesdays and Thursdays). Discount does not apply to lottery, tobacco, alcohol, restaurant dining, group sales or Dunkin’ Donuts.

Every Wednesday

Saratoga Perks Discount to season pass holders at Saratoga Race Course concession stands, NYRA merchandise stores and Shake Shack (also valid on Mondays and Thursdays). Discount does not apply to lottery, tobacco, alcohol, restaurant dining, group sales or Dunkin’ Donuts.

Every Thursday

Saratoga Perks Discount to season pass holders at Saratoga Race Course concession stands, NYRA merchandise stores and Shake Shack (also valid on Mondays and Wednesdays). Discount does not apply to lottery, tobacco, alcohol, restaurant dining, group sales or Dunkin’ Donuts.

Every Friday

Saratoga Perks Discount to season pass holders in the Artists’ Village at the track.

Free admission at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame after 2 pm.

Woodford Reserve Fridays at The Post: Following the end of racing, a DJ sets up at The Post bar near the Clubhouse entrance, where Saratoga customers can enjoy dancing, cocktail sampling, and trivia.

Every Saturday

NYRA Bets & Taste NY: Food and Artisans: Opening weekend will feature the Saturday debut of Taste NY: Food and Artisans, an on-track market in the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion (back of the grandstand, near the top of the stretch) that will feature food and crafts by New York makers. This event will also take place on Sundays and will include handicapping tutorials and racing tips from the NYRA Bets Squad.   10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ketel One Party at The Post: The fun will continue each Saturday of the season with the Ketel One Party at The Post. Saturday evenings at Saratoga will feature music from a DJ following the day’s final race, cocktail samplings and giveaways.