Sunday, August 18

At the track

• $100,000 Summer Colony, for fillies and mares three and up, on the dirt at 1 1/8 miles

Breakfast at Saratoga, daily except Travers Day. Enjoy breakfast on The Porch on the ground level of the clubhouse during morning training. Breakfast is available on a first-come, first-served basis from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The buffet is $18.50 for adults and $9.25 for kids ages 12 and under. Admission to the track is free; guests must exit the track at 10 am and pay to re-enter when the gates open for the races.

Backstretch tram tours. Free tram tours begin at 7:30 a.m. and depart from the clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes through 9 a.m. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length.

Third Race Call with Larry Collmus to benefit Backstretch Employee Service Team. Join race caller Larry Collmus in the booth at Saratoga as he prepares for and calls the third race each day. You’ll get a terrific view of the track and conversation and photos with Collmus. The cost is $100 per person, 100% of which goes to B.E.S.T. Reserve your spot here. Not available on Travers Day.

Lustgarten Foundation Day, honoring the legacy of trainer Dominic Galluscio, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2014. The day will feature an autograph session with Saratoga trainers to benefit the Foundation, 11:30am – 12:30pm at the Jockey Silks Room Porch. The first 200 customers to donate to the Lustgarden Foundation will receive a poster and a Saratoga hat.

In the community booth, located outside the jockeys’ silks room: The Lustgarten Foundation

Sara-“Yoga.” This one-hour session will take place at the Top of the Stretch followed by a light brunch in the Party Tent. Tickets are available at (844) NYRA-TIX. (Also offered on August 4)

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)

Berkshire Bank Family Sundays in the backyard, a smoke- and alcohol-free play area for children featuring free games, attractions, and educational activities. This week’s theme: Candy Carnival, with a Candyland-themed bouce house, a circus performer, and funhouse mirrors.

Elsewhere…

Tour of the Oklahoma training facility, presented by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in cooperation with the New York Racing Association. Tours cover approximately 1 1/2 miles and last for approximately 90 minutes; wear sturdy walking shoes. Tours begin at 9:00 and depart from the Museum parking lot. Space is limited; reservations are required and must be made 48 hours in advance, and you can make reservations by calling 518 584 0400 ext. 120 or e-mailing nmrtours@racingmuseum.net. Tours are cancelled in heavy rain, and for insurance reasons, tour participants must be at least 10 years old. No children in backpacks or strollers, and umbrellas are prohibited (for the safety of the horses). Cost: $5 for Museum members; $12 for adults, $6 for seniors/students who aren’t Museum members. Daily through Labor Day, excluding August 2, August 24, and August 25.

Tom Durkin tours at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Tours take place Wednesday through Sunday through September 2 at 11 am.  Reservations are required and space is limited. Call (518) 584-0400 ext. 107 to reserve your spot.

J McLaughlin pop-up shop and cocktail party at the National Museum of Racing. Enjoy cocktails and shopping, and a portion of your purchase will benefit the Museum. 9 am – 5 pm.

Summer Stroll: “The Good Life: North Broadway.” Join the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation for its weekly Sunday Stroll. This week, executive director Samantha Bosshart leads a tour of the grand Queen Anne homes on this boulevard. The tour begins at 10:30 am and lasts approximately 90 minutes. Meet at northwest corner of North Broadway and Van Dam Street and wear comfortable shoes. $7 for SSPF members, $10 for non-members. Tours are rain or shine and tickets can be purchased here.

Tour of Godolphin’s Greentree Stable, presented by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. This historic training facility originally owned by the Whitney family and now owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum comprises two stables, a synthetic-surface training track, and a 19th century mansion. Tours are limited to 75 people and water will be provided.  $15 for Museum member, $20 for non-members. 36 Nelson Avenue, and participants should enter at the stable gate and wear comfortable walking shoes. Reservations are required; call (518) 584-0400 ext. 120 to book your spot. 

Monday, August 19

No racing

Tuesday, August 20

No racing

Old Friends at Cabin Creek celebrating 1996 Travers winner Will’s Way. 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, Cool N Collective, and Cosmonaut. (Weekly)

BBQ at the Barn for Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Head to Saratoga Winery for an evening of BBQ, music, and basket raffles, all to support retired racehorses, some of which will be in attendance for photos and pettting Tickets start at $30 for adults, $15 for youths, free for kids, and are available here. Cash bar. 6 – 9 pm.

Wednesday, August 21

At the track…

• $100,000 John’s Call for three-year-olds and up on the turf at 1 5/8 miles

Breakfast at Saratoga, daily except Travers Day. Enjoy breakfast on The Porch on the ground level of the clubhouse during morning training. Breakfast is available on a first-come, first-served basis from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The buffet is $18.50 for adults and $9.25 for kids ages 12 and under. Admission to the track is free; guests must exit the track at 10 am and pay to re-enter when the gates open for the races.

Backstretch tram tours. Free tram tours begin at 7:30 a.m. and depart from the clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes through 9 a.m. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length.

Third Race Call with Larry Collmus to benefit Backstretch Employee Service Team. Join race caller Larry Collmus in the booth at Saratoga as he prepares for and calls the third race each day. You’ll get a terrific view of the track and conversation and photos with Collmus. The cost is $100 per person, 100% of which goes to B.E.S.T. Reserve your spot here. Not available on Travers Day.

In the community booth, located outside the jockeys’ silks room: Veterans and Community Housing Coalition, which provides housing and support services to homeless military veterans and their families, and which provides housing opportunities for low-income households.

Giveaway #3: Beach towel. 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.)

New York Sports Day. The Saratoga Pavilion will offer exhibits and activities from local professional sports teams such as the Tri-City ValleyCats and Adirondack Thunder, and collegiate teams from the University at Albany and Siena College. Siena Saints men’s basketball head coach Carmen Maciariello and RPI Engineers men’s hockey head coach Dave Smith will be on hand, and merchandise and ticket giveaways will be available. 11 am – 5 pm.

Stewart’s Ice Cream Eating Contest. Contestants can participate in three age groups—kids, teenagers, and adults—to see who can eat a pint of ice cream the fastest.

Elsewhere…

Tour of the Oklahoma training facility, presented by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in cooperation with the New York Racing Association. Tours cover approximately 1 1/2 miles and last for approximately 90 minutes; wear sturdy walking shoes. Tours begin at 9:00 and depart from the Museum parking lot. Space is limited; reservations are required and must be made 48 hours in advance, and you can make reservations by calling 518 584 0400 ext. 120 or e-mailing nmrtours@racingmuseum.net. Tours are cancelled in heavy rain, and for insurance reasons, tour participants must be at least 10 years old. No children in backpacks or strollers, and umbrellas are prohibited (for the safety of the horses). Cost: $5 for Museum members; $12 for adults, $6 for seniors/students who aren’t Museum members. Daily through Labor Day, excluding August 2, August 24, and August 25.

Backstretch Babies at the Racing Museum. For children two years old and younger, this weekly program includes a short story or activity and free play with “sensory-friendly” toys. 10 – 11 am. Free with adult paid admission (Weekly until August 28)

Tom Durkin tours at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Tours take place Wednesday through Sunday through September 2 at 11 am.  Reservations are required and space is limited. Call (518) 584-0400 ext. 107 to reserve your spot.

Travers Stakes preview panel at the National Museum of Racing. Handicappers will analyze the field for the 150th running of the Travers Stakes. 11am, free with Museum admission.

 

Thursday, August 22

At the track…

• $150,000 Grade 1 New York Turf Writers Cup, four-year-olds and up, 2 3/8 miles on the turf (steeplechase)
• $100,000 Riskaverse, for three-year-old fillies, at a mile on the turf

Breakfast at Saratoga, daily except Travers Day. Enjoy breakfast on The Porch on the ground level of the clubhouse during morning training. Breakfast is available on a first-come, first-served basis from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The buffet is $18.50 for adults and $9.25 for kids ages 12 and under. Admission to the track is free; guests must exit the track at 10 am and pay to re-enter when the gates open for the races.

Backstretch tram tours. Free tram tours begin at 7:30 a.m. and depart from the clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes through 9 a.m. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length.

Third Race Call with Larry Collmus to benefit Backstretch Employee Service Team. Join race caller Larry Collmus in the booth at Saratoga as he prepares for and calls the third race each day. You’ll get a terrific view of the track and conversation and photos with Collmus. The cost is $100 per person, 100% of which goes to B.E.S.T. Reserve your spot here. Not available on Travers Day.

In the community booth, located outside the jockeys’ silks room: New York Racetrack Chaplaincy.

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)

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)

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)

Children’s Program at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame: “Build a Travers Stakes trophy.” Children ages 3 – 8 will participate in a Museum scavenger hunt for trophies, then decorate a small trophy of their own. 10 am to noon, free with paid admission.

At The Post with Andy Serling will take place on Friday this week.

Elsewhere…

Tour of the Oklahoma training facility, presented by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in cooperation with the New York Racing Association. Tours cover approximately 1 1/2 miles and last for approximately 90 minutes; wear sturdy walking shoes. Tours begin at 9:00 and depart from the Museum parking lot. Space is limited; reservations are required and must be made 48 hours in advance, and you can make reservations by calling 518 584 0400 ext. 120 or e-mailing nmrtours@racingmuseum.net. Tours are cancelled in heavy rain, and for insurance reasons, tour participants must be at least 10 years old. No children in backpacks or strollers, and umbrellas are prohibited (for the safety of the horses). Cost: $5 for Museum members; $12 for adults, $6 for seniors/students who aren’t Museum members. Daily through Labor Day, excluding August 2, August 24, and August 25.

Tom Durkin tours at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Tours take place Wednesday through Sunday through September 2 at 11 am.  Reservations are required and space is limited. Call (518) 584-0400 ext. 107 to reserve your spot.

Support the backstretch at the Oklahoma training facility. Head to the Inn at Saratoga, where you can enjoy cocktails and food in a historical Saratoga setting, with 20% of food and beverage sales supporting Quaintance House, which provides medical care to the cats that live at the Oklahoma track all year round.

“Over the Moon in Saratoga,” the annual fundraiser for the Belmont Child Care Association, which provides low-cost child care and early-childhood education for the children of backstretch workers. The event includes dinner and a live and silent auction. Tickets begin at $225 for young professionals and $300 for individuals; tickets and sponsorships can be purchased here, where you can also see some of the auction items. If you can’t attend but would like to participate in the auction, you can register here. 6:30 at Saratoga National Golf Club.

Rock N Roll for Retired Racehorses to benefit Old Friends at Cabin Creek. Head to Nanola on Route 9 in Malta, just south of Saratoga, for a buffet and cash bar to support Old Friends’ retirees. Live music is courtesy of Blue Hand Luke; tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door. Call 518 698 2377 to purchase tickets or for more information; you can also buy tickets at the farm or online.

 

Friday, August 23

At the track…

New York Showcase Day, Saratoga’s celebration of New York-bred horses with a full of stakes races for horses bred in the state.

• The $250,000 Albany for three-year-olds at a mile and an eighth on the dirt.
• The $200,000 Fleet Indian for three-year-old fillies, a mile and an eighth on the dirt.
• The $200,000 Funny Cide, 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt for two-year-olds
• The $200,000 Seeking the Ante, 6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt for two-year-old fillies
• The $150,000 West Point presented by Trustco Bank, three-year-olds and up, 1 1/16 miles on the turf
• The $150,000 Yaddo, fillies and mares three and up, 1 1/16 miles on the turf

Breakfast at Saratoga, daily except Travers Day. Enjoy breakfast on The Porch on the ground level of the clubhouse during morning training. Breakfast is available on a first-come, first-served basis from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The buffet is $18.50 for adults and $9.25 for kids ages 12 and under. Admission to the track is free; guests must exit the track at 10 am and pay to re-enter when the gates open for the races.

Backstretch tram tours. Free tram tours begin at 7:30 a.m. and depart from the clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes through 9 a.m. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length.

Third Race Call with Larry Collmus to benefit Backstretch Employee Service Team. Join race caller Larry Collmus in the booth at Saratoga as he prepares for and calls the third race each day. You’ll get a terrific view of the track and conversation and photos with Collmus. The cost is $100 per person, 100% of which goes to B.E.S.T. Reserve your spot here. Not available on Travers Day.

In the community booth, located outside the jockeys’ silks room: Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue

Club, and RSVP is required by August 1.

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)

Elsewhere…

Tour of the Oklahoma training facility, presented by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in cooperation with the New York Racing Association. Tours cover approximately 1 1/2 miles and last for approximately 90 minutes; wear sturdy walking shoes. Tours begin at 9:00 and depart from the Museum parking lot. Space is limited; reservations are required and must be made 48 hours in advance, and you can make reservations by calling 518 584 0400 ext. 120 or e-mailing nmrtours@racingmuseum.net. Tours are cancelled in heavy rain, and for insurance reasons, tour participants must be at least 10 years old. No children in backpacks or strollers, and umbrellas are prohibited (for the safety of the horses). Cost: $5 for Museum members; $12 for adults, $6 for seniors/students who aren’t Museum members. Daily through Labor Day, excluding August 2, August 24, and August 25.

Tom Durkin tours at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Tours take place Wednesday through Sunday through September 2 at 11 am.  Reservations are required and space is limited. Call (518) 584-0400 ext. 107 to reserve your spot.

At The Post Live with Andy Serling does a special Friday show on Travers eve from 8 – 9pm at The Parting Glass. The show will air on 104.5 FM  on Saturday, August 24 from 10am-11am and Sunday, August. 25 from 10am-11am. Recordings of each weekly show can also be found on the NYRA Now app and podcast “Across The Board.” This week’s guests are jockey Javier Castellano, trainers Bill Mott and Carlos Martin, and NYRA CEO/president David O’Rourke.

Travers Eve Wine and Cheese Social at the National Museum of Racing. Celebrate the 150th running of the Travers Stakes with refreshments and a book signing for The Travers: 150 Years of Saratoga’s Greatest Race with authors Brien Bouyea and Michael Veitch. 6 – 7:30pm. Free for members, $10 for non-members. Books available for purchase.

Saturday, August 24

At the track…

Travers Day! Seven graded stakes races, including the 150th running of Saratoga’s flagship race, named for William Travers, who helped establish Saratoga Race Course.

• $600,000 Grade 1 Forego presented by Encore Boston Harbor, three-year-olds and up, seven furlongs on the dirt
• $500,000, Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial presented by Runhappy, seven furlongs on the dirt for three-year-olds.
• $500,000, Grade 1 Ketel One Ballerina, fillies and mares three and up, seven furlongs on the dirt.
• $700,000, Grade 1 Personal Ensign presented by Lia Infiniti, 1 1/8 miles on the dirt for fillies and mares three and up.
• $850,000 Grade 1 Sword Dancer, 12 furlongs on the turf for four-year-olds and up
• $400,000, Grade 2 Woodford Reserve Ballston Spa, fillies and mares three and up, 1 1/16 miles on the turf
• $1.25 million, Grade 1 Runhappy Travers for three-year-olds, 10 furlongs on the dirt

Note: Breakfast at Saratoga is not available today.

In the community booth, located outside the jockeys’ silks room: Backstretch Employee Service Team, which provides a variety of services to New York’s backstretch workers.

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.

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

Elsewhere…

Saturday Morning Social at the Racing Museum. Museum staff and special guests will discuss the day’s racing at Saratoga and other racetracks. Tom Amello will offer a handicapping session at 10:40 am, and complimentary light refreshments and past performances for Saratoga’s card will be available. 9:30 am – 11 am. Free.

Tom Durkin tours at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Tours take place Wednesday through Sunday through September 2 at 11 am.  Reservations are required and space is limited. Call (518) 584-0400 ext. 107 to reserve your spot.

Book signing at Five Points, where Jean Chodkowski will sign copies of her book The Anatomy of Horse Race Handicapping Or How to Have Fun at the Track.

Sunday, August 25

At the track…

• $100,000 Better Talk Now at a mile on the turf for three-year-olds

Breakfast at Saratoga, daily except Travers Day. Enjoy breakfast on The Porch on the ground level of the clubhouse during morning training. Breakfast is available on a first-come, first-served basis from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The buffet is $18.50 for adults and $9.25 for kids ages 12 and under. Admission to the track is free; guests must exit the track at 10 am and pay to re-enter when the gates open for the races.

Backstretch tram tours. Free tram tours begin at 7:30 a.m. and depart from the clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes through 9 a.m. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length.

Third Race Call with Larry Collmus to benefit Backstretch Employee Service Team. Join race caller Larry Collmus in the booth at Saratoga as he prepares for and calls the third race each day. You’ll get a terrific view of the track and conversation and photos with Collmus. The cost is $100 per person, 100% of which goes to B.E.S.T. Reserve your spot here. Not available on Travers Day.

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

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)

Berkshire Bank Family Sundays in the backyard, a smoke- and alcohol-free play area for children featuring free games, attractions, and educational activities.

Elsewhere…

Photo Finish Tour with Dona Ann McAdams.  Photographer Dona Ann McAdams leads this photographic tour of the Oklahoma training facility. Learn about lighting, composition, and developing your eye. Reservations are required. 7:30am, $25 for Museum members, $35 for non-members. Make reservations at (518) 584-0400 ext. 118.

Tom Durkin tours at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Tours take place Wednesday through Sunday through September 2 at 11 am.  Reservations are required and space is limited. Call (518) 584-0400 ext. 107 to reserve your spot.

Monday, August 26

Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Open Barn at Saratoga Summer Farm. Visit some TRF retirees at this working polo barn. 5 – 8 pm, no cost to attend. 20 Bloomfield Road in Saratoga.

Tuesday, August 27

No racing

Old Friends at Cabin Creek aftercare celebration. 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. Tours are available from 9 am to 1 pm.

One Fine Day luncheon to benefit Shelters of Saratoga, which provides safe shelter, support services, basic necessities, and sustainable housing for Saratoga’s homeless and food-insecure population. The event will include a presentation by someone who has benefitted from SOS programs; “seasonal fare,” a complimentary signature welcome drink, live music, a silent auction, and a cash bar. Tickets begin at $85 and can be purchased here.

Wednesday, August 28

At the track…

• $150,000, Grade 3 With Anticipation for two-year-olds on the turf at 1 1/16 miles

Breakfast at Saratoga, daily except Travers Day. Enjoy breakfast on The Porch on the ground level of the clubhouse during morning training. Breakfast is available on a first-come, first-served basis from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The buffet is $18.50 for adults and $9.25 for kids ages 12 and under. Admission to the track is free; guests must exit the track at 10 am and pay to re-enter when the gates open for the races.

Backstretch tram tours. Free tram tours begin at 7:30 a.m. and depart from the clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes through 9 a.m. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length.

Third Race Call with Larry Collmus to benefit Backstretch Employee Service Team. Join race caller Larry Collmus in the booth at Saratoga as he prepares for and calls the third race each day. You’ll get a terrific view of the track and conversation and photos with Collmus. The cost is $100 per person, 100% of which goes to B.E.S.T. Reserve your spot here. Not available on Travers Day.

In the community booth, located outside the jockeys’ silks room: The Center for Disability Services

Italian- and Irish-American Day. Find traditional music, dance, food, and entertainment in the Saratoga Pavilion from 11 am – 5 pm.

Fan Appreciation Week, through closing day on September 2. The New York Racing Association will offer a series of special events, activities, and offers.

Elsewhere…

Tour of the Oklahoma training facility, presented by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in cooperation with the New York Racing Association. Tours cover approximately 1 1/2 miles and last for approximately 90 minutes; wear sturdy walking shoes. Tours begin at 9:00 and depart from the Museum parking lot. Space is limited; reservations are required and must be made 48 hours in advance, and you can make reservations by calling 518 584 0400 ext. 120 or e-mailing nmrtours@racingmuseum.net. Tours are cancelled in heavy rain, and for insurance reasons, tour participants must be at least 10 years old. No children in backpacks or strollers, and umbrellas are prohibited (for the safety of the horses). Cost: $5 for Museum members; $12 for adults, $6 for seniors/students who aren’t Museum members. Daily through Labor Day.

Tom Durkin tours at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Tours take place Wednesday through Sunday through September 2 at 11 am.  Reservations are required and space is limited. Call (518) 584-0400 ext. 107 to reserve your spot.

Backstretch Babies at the Racing Museum. For children two years old and younger, this weekly program includes a short story or activity and free play with “sensory-friendly” toys. 10 – 11 am. Free with adult paid admission (Weekly until August 28)