We’re a bit slow out of the gate this year, so apologies if you missed anything yesterday.

But we’re underway at Saratoga Race Course for the 151st racing meeting, and as always, you’ll find a list here of all of the terrific events going on in Saratoga this summer.

Our list comprises events relating to horse racing, Saratoga history, and select local non-profits. If you have a for-profit event you’re interested in posting, please get in touch with me about advertising.

Before too long (I hope by tomorrow), the full summer list will be up, along with a list of all recurring events.

Lots of links here to click for more info, or leave a question in the comments. Happy racing. May your tickets be winners, and good luck and safe trips to all.

Thursday, July 11

At the track

• $100,000 Grade 3 Quick Call, 5 1/2 furlongs, 3-year-olds, dirt
• $150,000 Grade Schuylerville, 6 furlongs, two-year-old fillies, dirt

Giveaway for season pass and season ticketholders: a white cooling towel featuring the red Saratoga logo, available while supplies last.

In the Community Outreach Booth, next to the jockey silks rooms: Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

Low Roller handicapping challenge: Practice your handicapping skills in this contest with a $40 buy-in, with $30 going towards your live bankroll and $10 going into the prize pool.  Registration begins at 11 a.m. near the Fourstardave Sports Bar. (Every Thursday and Sunday)

Taste NY: Wine & Spirits will offer samples of wine and spirits from New York State wineries and distilleries. Live music will accompany the tasting each Thursday from noon to 5 p.m. in the Saratoga Pavilion. Cost: $5 for five samples. (Weekly)

Don Julio Thursday: Sample drinks that include Don Julio tequila from 3 to 5 p.m. outside the entrance to The Stretch at the far end of the second floor of the grandstand. (Weekly)

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 adult admission.

Friday, July 12

At the track

• $150,000 Grade 3 Forbidden Apple, one mile, four-year-olds and up, turf

Mariano Rivera day: A week before his induction, the first player to be unanimously voted into the Hall of Fame will be honored in the winner’s circle. Rivera will address customers and be honored with a video tribute after the third race.

Taste NY craft beer and cider: Sample New York-produced craft beers and ciders. Live music will accompany the tasting each Friday from noon to 5 p.m. in the Saratoga Pavilion. Cost: $5 for five samples. (Weekly)

In the community booth, located outside the jockeys’ silks room: K9s for Warriors

Saturday, July 13

At the track 

• The $500,000 Grade 1 Diana for fillies and mares three-years-old and up, nine furlongs on the turf.
• The $150,000 Grade 3 Sanford for two-year-olds, six furlongs on the dirt.

Saratoga County EOC donation drive: Donate at least three non-perishable items (food or essential goods) to the Economic Opportunity Council and get a 2018 Saratoga baseball cap while supplies last. You’ll also be entered to win tickets to this year’s Travers Day. Donate from 11 am – 5 pm at the Community Outreach Booth.

In the community booth, located outside the jockeys’ silks room Saratoga County EOC

Madison VanDenBurg performs at the track. Hailing from Cohoes, NY, VanDenBurg has appeared on American Idol and will sing at the Don Julio stage next to guest services behind the grandstand. Her first performance will be after the first race, at approximately 1:10 pm, with additional performances throughout the afternoon.

Fashion Saturdays. Local retailers will showcase clothing, décor, and jewelry in the Saratoga Pavilion from 11 am to 5 pm. (Weekly)

Woodford Reserve Bourbon Saturdays: Enjoy drinks made with Woodford Reserve at the Jim Dandy bar from 3 – 5 pm.

Ketel One Saturdays: Sample new Ketel One Botanicals from 3 to 5 p.m. each Saturday outside the entrance to The Stretch, on the second floor at the far end of the grandstand.

Elsewhere…

National Museum of Racing Open House: The Museum celebrates opening weekend with an event that includes vendors and food options, along with the first of the weekly handicapping sessions with Tom Amello at 10:40 am. 9 am – 1 pm, and admission is free.

Among those participating:

• Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
• Brien Bouyea and Michael Veitch signing copies of their new book, The Travers: 150 Years of American’s Greatest Race
• New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Take2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program
• The Children’s Museum at Saratoga
• Saratoga Automobile Museum
• Young Living Essential Oils
• The Savory Pantry
• Jujugemz
• Artists Lizzi Graf and Sharon Crute
• Grand Illusions Jewelry with Carol Wells
• Old Tavern Farm Winery

 Sunday, July 14

At the track

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

Giveaway #1: a collapsible rec picnic cooler. Season pass and season ticket holders are guaranteed a Saratoga premium giveaway on the day of the giveaway so long as they are present at Saratoga Race Course and redeem the giveaway by the designated time (when that time is announced, I’ll post it here.)

 

Berkshire Bank Family Sundays in the backyard, a smoke- and alcohol-free play area for children featuring free games, attractions, and educational activities, which invlude a surf simulator, sand art station, and hermit crab racing.

Hat contest. Participants can win prizes in three categories: Kreative Kids, Fashionably Saratoga and Uniquely Saratoga. Registration begins at noon under the grandstand with the contests taking place after the second, third and fourth races.

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

Elsewhere…

Summer Stroll on Historic Fifth and Madison Avenues. Join the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation for its weekly Sunday Stroll. This week, Debbie Studwell leads a tour of these residential streets, discussing the Victorian and Craftsman homes that line them. The tour begins at 10:30 am and lasts approximately 90 minutes. Meet at the northeast corner of Fifth and Madison Avenues and wear comfortable shoes. $7 for SSPF members, $10 for non-members. Tours are rain or shine and tickets can be purchased here.

Monday, July 15

No racing

Hay, Oats, and Spaghetti at the Racing Museum. This annual event raises funds for the Museum, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Old Friends at Cabin Creek, ReRun, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, and Equine Advocates. The event is catered by Mama Mia’s, and you can dance off all that spaghetti to live music. Cost: $125 per person, or $150 per person including a one-year membership to the Museum. 6 – 10 pm. Call 518 603 0346 or e-mail events@mamamiassaratoga.com for more information; tickets here.

Tuesday, July 16

No racing

Old Friends at Cabin Creek Welcome Day. Old Friends celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Every Tuesday, the Adelphi Hotel food truck will sell burgers, sushi, smoothies, and other food items from 11 am – 1 pm. Enjoy a gorgeous setting, lunch, and of course the horses. Equine residents at Cabin Creek include Commentator, Be Bullish, Will’s Way, Cool N Collective, and Cosmonaut.