Note: Daily/weekly events are listed at the bottom of this post.
Monday, August 14
At the races
Stakes races: $100,000 Saratoga Dew for New York-breds 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. (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. (Weekly)
In NYRA’s community outreach booth, located near the jockeys’ silks room: Shenendehowa Nordic Club, a membership organization that promotes cross country skiing in southern Saratoga County.
Elsewhere
Children’s Program: Horse-themed Bingo and Trivia at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Recommended for children ages 3-8. 10 am – noon, free with paid admission.
Equestricon continues a day of panels, seminars, and other events. Schedule here; ticket info here.
An evening with authors Greg and Michael Veitch at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of FAme. Greg will discuss his book All the Law in the World Won’t Stop Them and his father Michael will discuss his books on Saratoga’s racing history Foundations of Fame and Summit of Champions. Both authors will be available to sign copies of their books. 7 – 8:30 pm. Cost: books available for purchase.
Tuesday, August 15
No racing
Equestricon continues a day of panels, seminars, and other events. Schedule here; ticket info here. Yours truly will appear on the panel “Perspectives: Women in Racing” from 11 am – 1 pm.
Golf at Saratoga National to benefit the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. Shotgun start at 1 pm, cocktail reception at 5:30, dinner and awards ceremony from 6 – 8 pm. The outing includes golf, a cart, green fees, on-course refreshments, open bar, and dinner buffet. Contests include team prizes, closest to the pin, and longest drive. Individual golfer: $150. Foursome: $1,400. Cocktails/dinner only: $50. More information on tickets here.
Give Back Day at Old Friends at Cabin Creek, at which local non-profits can promote their causes. Among the expected participants are Shelters of Saratoga, Estherville No-Kill Animal Shelter, Franklin Community Center, and the Greenfield Food Pantry.
Lecture and book signing with author and racetrack historian Paul Roberts on the release of the second edition of The Spa: Saratoga’s Legendary Race Course, which highlights the history of the development of the race course, which is the oldest sports venue in the U.S. National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Cocktail reception and lecture: 5:30 – 7pm, $25 for Preservation Foundation members, $35 for non-members. Lecture and book signing only, 7-8 pm, $10 for members, $15 for non-members.
Presentation by Sasscer Hill, mystery author and former steeplechase jockey & horse owner. Flamingo Road, Hill’s latest book, a Baltimore police is sent to work undercover for the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau (TRPB) at Gulfstream Park in Florida, where she works as an exercise rider. Northshire Books on Broadway, 6 pm.
Wednesday, August 16
At the track
Stakes races: $100,000 Bolton Landing for two-year-old fillies, 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf
Adirondacks Day in the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion, highlighting the Adirondacks and featuring activities, exhibits, and entertainment that showcase the region. Behind the grandstand near the top of the stretch.
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: Capital District New York Synchronized Skating
Elsewhere
Book signing at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Sasscer Hill will sign copies of her latest novel Flamingo Road. 9:30 am – 2 pm. See the Tuesday event at Northshire above for more info on the novel.
Advanced Handicapping Seminar at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Handicapper and racing analyst Tom Amello will educate fans about the in-depth elements of handicapping. 11 am – 12:30 pm. Free.
Racetrack Chaplaincy, New York division brunch, honoring Kiaran and Letty McLaughlin, at Saratoga National Golf Club, 458 Union Avenue, 10:30 am – 1 pm. The event benefits the work of the Chaplaincy on New York’s backstretches, including social service, educational, recreational, and non-denominational programs and services. Tickets are $120 and can be purchased here.
Thursday, August 17
At the races
Stakes races: $100,000 Union Avenue for New York-bred fillies and mares, three years old and up, 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt.
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: Saratoga Foundation for Innovation Learning
Tequila and Taco Thursdays: After the last race, The Post will feature specials on margaritas and tacos, accompanied by flamenco guitar.
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. Guests will be posted here as they become available. (Weekly)
Friday, August 18
Stakes races: $100,000 Skidmore for two-year-olds, 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf
Saratoga Perks Discount to season pass holders in the Artists’ Village at the track.
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. (Weekly)
In NYRA’s community outreach booth, located near the jockeys’ silks room: National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
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.
Elsewhere
“Knowing When To Retire Your Racehorse.” Dr. Patty Hogan of Hogan Equine will present this educational seminar for horse owners and trainers. The 90-minute event, hosted by New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, is free and open to the public. Fasig-Tipton Pavilion, 11 a.m. beginning at 11 a.m. Trainers and assistant trainers will earn 1.5 hours of CE credit for attending the seminar. For more information, contact the NYTHA Office at (518) 581-1034.
Free admission at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame after 2 pm.
Rock and Rollin’ for Retired Racehorses to benefit Old Friends at Cabin Creek. Music by Blue Hand Luke. Tickets are $50 and include a buffet; cash bar. Tickets can be purchased by calling Old Friends at Cabin Creek: 518 698 2377. 7 – 10 pm at Nanola in nearby Malta.
Saturday, August 19
Stakes races:
Grade I, $600,000 Alabama for three-year-old fillies, 1 1/4 miles on the dirt
Grade II, $300,000 Lake Placid for three-year-old fillies, 1 1/8 miles on the turf
Lustgarten Foundation Day, honoring the legacy of trainer Dominic Galluscio, who died of pancreatic cancer several years ago. The day will feature an autograph session with various Saratoga trainers.
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. Customers can also purchase five samples of craft beer for $5. This event (minus the craft beer) 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: The Lustgarten Foundation
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.
Elsewhere
Book signing with Brien Bouyea. Bouyea will sign copies of his book Bare Knuckles and Saratoga Racing: The Remarkable Life of John Morrissey. At the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, where Bouyea serves as communications director. 10am. Cost: Books available for purchase.
Sunday, August 20
At the races
Stakes races: $100,000 Summer Colony for 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. (Also held every Monday)
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. Customers can also purchase five samples of craft beer for $5. This event (minus the craft beer) 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: Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region
Elsewhere
Photo Finish Tour with Tod Marks. Join the Saratoga Special’s photographer for a tour of the Oklahoma training facility, learning about lighting, composition, and developing your eye. Tour size is limited and no under the age of 10 is permitted. Meet at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame at 7 am. Reservations are required; call 518 584 0400 ext. 120. Cost: $25 for Museum members, $35 for non-members.
Summer stroll with the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation: “Saratoga and the Civil War,” featuring the stories of those who fought in the war. Tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on various terrain. $5 for Preservation Foundation members, $8 for non-members. Meet at the Civil War Monument inside the Sackett Gates of Greenridge Cemetery on Lincoln Avenue at 10:30 a.m. The Preservation Foundation offers a weekly Sunday walk, each with a different theme.
Monday, August 21
At the races
Stakes races: $100,000 Evan Shipman for New York-breds 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. (Also held every Sunday)
Giveaway #3, a red and black Saratoga cooler bag. Giveaways are free with paid admission while supplies last. Season pass and season ticket plan holders are guaranteed a Saratoga premium giveaway item on the day of the giveaway; they must be in attendance, enter through the designated season ticket and pass holder lines, and redeem the giveaway by 3 p.m. Redemptions will begin when gates open to the general public.
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. (Weekly)
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.
In NYRA’s community outreach booth, located near the jockeys’ silks room: Saratoga Network (more info if it becomes available)
Children’s Program: Decorate a Trophy for the Travers Stakes. at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Children will view Travers Stakes trophies at the Museum, then decorate a smaller model of their own. Recommended for children ages 3-8. 10 am – noon, free with paid admission.
Tuesday, August 22
No racing
Book signings with writer John Perrotta, illustrator Jen Ferguson, and former NYRA race caller Tom Durkin, who lends his voice to the audiobook. All three will be available to sign copies of Half a Chance, If Wishes Were Horses, and Racetracker: Life with Grifters and Gamblers. At the National Museum of Racing, 9:30 – 11:30 am. Cost: Books available for purchase.
Robbie Davis Recognition at Old Friends at Cabin Creek. This farm for retired Thoroughbreds will recognize Davis, a trainer and former jockey, and his wife Marguerite, for their advocacy for retired Thoroughbreds. Three of the Davis’ six children are jockeys—Jackie, Katie, and Dylan—and they are expected to be on hand as well.
“One Fine Day” luncheon to benefit Shelters of Saratoga, which assists individuals who are homeless or at risk of being homeless “by offering a path to self-sufficiency.” The luncheon will take place at Saratoga National Golf Club and feature seasonal fare by Prime at Saratoga National; a pop-up shop by Lifestyles (100% of proceeds will benefit Shelters of Saratoga); a silent auction; and craft beer compliments of Artisanal Brew Works. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased here. 1 – 4 pm.
Wednesday, August 23
At the track
Stakes races: $100,000 John’s Call for three-year-olds and up, 1 5/8 miles on the turf
First Responders Appreciation Day, honoring police officers, firefighters, EMTs and paramedics. The Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion will feature exhibits and activities throughout the day. All first responders will receive free Grandstand admission with proper ID.
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: Albany Police Athletic League
Stewart’s Ice Cream Eating Contest. Kids, teens, and adults can each compete in their own age group to see who can eat a pint of ice cream the fastest.
Elsewhere
Travers Stakes Preview Panel at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. 11 am, free of charge.
Sugar Plum Soirée, to benefit the Belmont Child Care Association. Honoring Paul Saylor, the dinner is held at the Hall of Springs in Spa State Park. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas will serve as celebrity auctioneer with Andy Serling as emcee. Tickets are $250; live and silent auctions support low-cost childcare and early child education for the children of backstretch workers at Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack, and Saratoga Race Course. 6:30 pm.
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: 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. Customers can also purchase five samples of craft beer for $5. This event (minus the craft beer) 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. Customers can also purchase five samples of craft beer for $5. This event (minus the craft beer) 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.
Brooklyn Backstretch 