With four days down, 36 to go, I hope that you’ve already banked both some fun and some gambling profits. The weather hasn’t been at its finest, but here’s hoping some vintage, crisp Saratoga air finds its way to use this week.

Still working on the calendar of events for the whole meet, and with posting some events that happen regularly. Today, I hope!

Items listed here are either directly related to Saratoga Race Course, to Saratoga’s history, or to animal/racing-related non-profits. If you know of an event that should be included, please leave a comment or e-mail me (scroll down for the address).

Throughout the meet I’ll be posting a photo day along with news and links on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. I hope you enjoy them.

Good luck, have fun, and safe trips to all…

Wednesday, July 25

At the track…

The $200,000, Grade 2 Honorable Miss Handicap, fillies and mares three and up, six furlongs on the dirt.

Military Appreciation Day Presented by JDog. Visit the Saratoga Pavilion behind the grandstand that pay tribute to active military members and veterans, who will receive free grandstand admission with a military ID. This year’s event coincides with National Hire a Veteran Day, which aims to spread awareness and create a platform where employers and veterans can network. The Saratoga Springs-based employment agency Integrated Staffing will host an informational booth at the track for veterans seeking employment, at the Jockey Silks Room Porch from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. NYRA will also welcome local service members and veterans to the winner’s circle before numerous races on the day’s card. Members of the USO Show Troupe will perform at the clubhouse entrance beginning at 11:15 a.m. and throughout the afternoon at the Saratoga Pavilion, located behind the grandstand.

In the community booth near the jockeys’ silks room: Man O’War (sic) Project, a Columbia University initiative to study the effects of equine-assisted therapy on veterans with PTSD.

Thursday, July 26

At the track…

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

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

Taste NY: Cider, Wine, and Spirits. In the Saratoga Pavilion behind the grandstand every Thursday through the meet, visitors can sample the offerings of New York’s distilleries and wineries and enjoy live music. For those 21 and older; $5 for five samples.

In the community booth near the jockeys’ silks room: Saratoga High School Fiddle Club

Aperol Thursdays at The Post. Every Thursday through the meet, sample Aperol Spritz cocktails at The Post Bar near the paddock from 3:30 to 5:30. After the races, dance to a DJ.

Elsewhere…

Children’s Program at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame: “Get Ready for the Races and Design Your Own Silks.” Children ages 3 – 8 can learn about jockeys, try on silks, and design their own. 10 am to noon, free with paid admission.

At The Post with Andy Serling, broadcast live each Thursday at 8 pm from The Parting Glass. The hour-long show will be streamed and archived at ESPN Radio 104.5 in the Capital District and presented as the NYRA podcast Across The Board. This week’s guests: trainers Rick Violette and Ray Handal, and jockey Dylan Davis.

Friday, July 27

At the track…

The $100,000 Curlin for three-year-olds on the dirt at 1 1/8 miles

Taste NY: Craft Beer. Every Friday during the meet, sample craft beers made in New York State. $5 gets you five samples at the Saratoga Pavilion just behind the grandstand. Noon to 5 pm.

In the community booth near the jockeys’ silks room: North Country Wild Care, which assists with injured or orphaned wildlife in upstate New York.

Elsewhere…

Racing trivia at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Prizes, food, and drink options are on offer; register your team by calling 518 584 0400, ext. 109. 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Free for Museum members, $10 for non-members.

Saturday, July 28

At the track…

The $350,000, Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap for horses three and up, six furlongs on the dirt.

The $200,000 Grade 3 Amsterdam, 6 1/s furlongs on the dirt for three-year-olds

The $250,000 Grade 2 Bowling Green for horses four years old and up, 1 3/8 miles on the turf

The $600,000, Grade 2 Jim Dandy for three-year-olds, 1 1/8 miles on the dirt.

NYRA Bets Seminar: Handicappers Travis Stone and Marshall Gramm and bloodstock agent Liz Crow will offer a seminar on the second floor of the grandstand, near the top of the stretch. 11 a.m.

Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund Awareness Day. Autograph signings and photo opportunities with jockeys to raise money for the PDJF, along with the opportunity to play arcade games against the riders from 1-3 pm to benefit the PDJF.

Woodford Reserve and singer/songwriter Jeff Brisbin at the Jim Dandy Bar. Every Saturday except Travers Day (August 25), sample Woodford Reserve Saratoga Personal Selection bourbon while Brisbin plays. 2-4 pm.

Ketel One Saturdays at The Post. Every Saturday, sample Ketel One Botanicals from 3-5 pm. Following the races, a DJ spins dance music.

Fashion Saturdays. Every Saturday, shop local apparel, accessories, jewelry, and home décor from 10:30 am – 5 pm in the Saratoga Pavilion just behind the grandstand.

In the community booth outside the jockey’s silks room: The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

Elsewhere…

Xpressbet Saturday Morning Social at the Museum: Every Saturday, museum staff and guests will analyze and discuss the day’s races at Saratoga and other tracks.  Complimentary light refreshments will be served and Saratoga past performances will be provided. The program runs from 9-11 am and is free of charge.

Sunday, July 29

At the track…

The $200,000, Grade 3 Shuvee Handicap, fillies and mares three and up, nine furlongs on the dirt.

Low Roller Challenge. Every Sunday and Monday (except Labor Day), play in this low-stakes handicapping tournament. Entry is $40, with $30 going towards your live bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. Registration begins at 11 am near the Fourstardave Sports Bar.

Taste NY: Food & Artisans. Every Sunday, shop food and artisan products made in New York from 10:30 am – 5 pm in the Saratoga Pavilion, behind the grandstand.

In the community booth, located outside the jockeys’ silks room: Jewish War Veterans Post 36

Elsewhere…

The Spa Complex. Join the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation for its weekly Sunday Stroll. This week, Linda Harvey-Opiteck leads a tour of the grand Spa Complex in the National Historic Landmark Spa State Park, focusing on its history, architecture, and landscape. The tour begins at 10:30 am and lasts approximately 90 minutes. Meet 108 Avenue of the Pines in front of the Hall of Springs and wear comfortable shoes. $5 for SSPF members, $8 for non-members. Tours are rain or shine and tickets can be purchased here.

The Sunday Morning Mile. Run on the racetrack at the harness track! This is a family event in which runners race in heats according to their times. Gold, silver, and bronze horseshoes are awarded to each age group. Cost: $25.

At the track…

The $100,000 Coronation Cup for three-year-old fillies at 5 1/2 furlong on the turf

Low Roller Challenge. Every Sunday and Monday (except Labor Day), play in this low-stakes handicapping tournament. Entry is $40, with $30 going towards your live bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. Registration begins at 11 am near the Fourstardave Sports Bar.

In the community booth, located outside the jockeys’ silks room: Ronald McDonald House Charities Capital Region

The Berkshire Bank Family Mondays series will feature a wide variety of family-friendly activities, games, attractions and educational activities each Monday of the meet from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion. All games and activities are free with the exception of one each week designated to support a local school or PTA. This week’s recipient: Brown School in Schenectady.

Elsewhere…

Jockey karaoke to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Tom Durkin will emcee the event at which a panel of judges will select the best performance of the night, a video of which will be posted on the PDJF’s Facebook page, along with a video of the best performance from the previous night’s event in California featuring Del Mar jockeys. Fans can vote for their preference.

General admission tickets include one drink coupon and are $75 with 7:30 p.m. entry. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $150; they include early entry (5:30), reserved seats close to the stage, two drink coupons, and a buffet dinner with the jockeys. Performances are scheduled to begin at 7:45 pm, and the event will include live and silent auctions and a cash bar. 21 years of age or older only. Vapor Night Club at Saratoga Casino and Raceway.

Tuesday, July 31

No racing