Getting this up a day late this week, thanks to the dead bat that one of my charming felines deposited in my bedroom sometime early, early Tuesday morning. I drove the deceased to the lab near Albany, and the bat fortunately tested negative rabies, but not until after I drove the resident felines to the vet in Mechanicville for rabies boosters.

On to this week at Saratoga…

Thursday, August 20

The $150,000 New York Stallion Series Stakes, Cab Calloway division, for 3-year-olds sired by stallions standing in New York, 1 mile, turf

Low Roller Contest. Register on contest days outside the Fourstardave Sports Bar. $40 buy-in, $30 of which goes to the player’s bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. The winner will receive a Saratoga Low Roller championship T-shirt in addition to the cash prize.  

Taste NY Pavilion. Customers 21 and older can taste and purchase New York State-produced beverages Thursdays through Sundays in the backyard behind the grandstand towards the top of the stretch, including War Cannon Spirits’ Freeman’s Farm at Saratoga Bourbon Whiskey serves as the foundation of the Victory at Saratoga specialty cocktail, created in partnership with Saratoga 250 to commemorate America 250 celebrations and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga.

NYRA STAR Program: The Students of Thoroughbred Racing (NYRA STAR) program is offered Thursdays through Sundays and features tours of the Paddock and Winner’s Circle during Races 1 through 5, in addition to morning tours of the backstretch. NYRA STAR provides children ages 12 and under, and their families, with insider access into the world of thoroughbred racing. Membership is free of charge. Registration can be completed online or in person at the NYRA STAR booth in the Family Zone. 

Saratoga Runs on Dunkin’. Enjoy complimentary samples of Dunkin’ Refreshers while supplies last, plus win prizes at the Dunkin’ kiosk on track.

Casamigos Margaritas: Enjoy complimentary margarita samples from Casamigos at its pop-up bar outside of the Paddock from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last. 21+

In the Community Outreach Booth: NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports

Beyond the track…

Breakfast farm tour of Old Friends at Cabin Creek. The tour package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a horse farm, and admission to Saratoga Race Course. Tickets are $144.40 for adults, $40.65 for children 12 and under. Tours begin at 7 a.m. at Saratoga Race Course. To purchase tickets, click here. 

Friday, August 21

The $200,000 Fleet Indian for New York-breds, 3-year-old fillies, 1 1/8 miles, dirt

Taste NY Pavilion. Customers 21 and older can taste and purchase New York State-produced beverages Thursdays through Sundays in the backyard behind the grandstand towards the top of the stretch, including War Cannon Spirits’ Freeman’s Farm at Saratoga Bourbon Whiskey serves as the foundation of the Victory at Saratoga specialty cocktail, created in partnership with Saratoga 250 to commemorate America 250 celebrations and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga.

Saratoga Runs on Dunkin’. Enjoy complimentary samples of Dunkin’ Refreshers while supplies last, plus win prizes at the Dunkin’ kiosk on track.

NYRA STAR Program: The Students of Thoroughbred Racing (NYRA STAR) program is offered Thursdays through Sundays and features tours of the Paddock and Winner’s Circle during Races 1 through 5, in addition to morning tours of the backstretch. NYRA STAR provides children ages 12 and under, and their families, with insider access into the world of thoroughbred racing. Membership is free of charge. Registration can be completed online or in person at the NYRA STAR booth in the Family Zone. 

Horse Racing Ireland: The New York State Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund and New York Thoroughbred Breeders will welcome a delegation from Horse Racing Ireland. Members of the An Clar School of Irish Dance will perform on the apron, while Toss the Feathers will entertain fans from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Purdy’s Summer Music Stage. Guinness on draft will feature a specially designed logo to celebrate New York’s partnership with Horse Racing Ireland and will offer complimentary samples for fans 21 and older at the Guinness Gazebo bar.

In the Community Outreach Booth: Sunrays Equine

Breakfast tour at Old Tavern Farm. The tour package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a horse farm, and admission to Saratoga Race Course. Tickets are $144.40 for adults, $40.65 for children 12 and under. Tours begin at 7 a.m. at Saratoga Race Course. To purchase tickets, click here. 

Saturday, August 22

• The Grade 1, $600,000 Alabama for 3-year-old fillies, 1 1/4 miles, dirt
• The Grade 2, $300,000 Ballston Spa for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up, 1 1/16 miles, turf

Horse Sense. Every Saturday and Sunday, fans of all ages can pet a retired Thoroughbred from noon to 2 p.m. at Horse Sense located in the backyard towards the top of the stretch. The educational exhibit includes information about the life and career of a Thoroughbred.

Taste NY Pavilion. Customers 21 and older can taste and purchase New York State-produced beverages Thursdays through Sundays in the backyard behind the grandstand towards the top of the stretch, including War Cannon Spirits’ Freeman’s Farm at Saratoga Bourbon Whiskey serves as the foundation of the Victory at Saratoga specialty cocktail, created in partnership with Saratoga 250 to commemorate America 250 celebrations and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga.

Lustgarten Day. Saratoga will honor the legacies of trainer Dominic Galluscio and farrier Ray Amato, Jr., with a day to benefit the Lustgarten Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance scientific and medical research related to pancreatic cancer. Trainers will sign autographs with suggested donations to benefit the Lustgarten Foundation from 11:30am – 12:30pm. 

Saratoga Runs on Dunkin’. The Dunkin’ kiosk will offer customers chances to win prizes and enjoy complimentary samples of Dunkin’ refreshers, while supplies last.

Cointreau Spritz and ALB Vodka: Enjoy complimentary samples of Cointreau Orange Spritz at the Cointreau Clubhouse Bar on the second level of the Clubhouse; and samples of ALB Vodka, courtesy of Albany Distilling Co., at the ALB Backyard Gazebo. Available from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last, for fans 21 and older.

NYRA STAR Program: The Students of Thoroughbred Racing (NYRA STAR) program is offered Thursdays through Sundays and features tours of the Paddock and Winner’s Circle during Races 1 through 5, in addition to morning tours of the backstretch. NYRA STAR provides children ages 12 and under, and their families, with insider access into the world of thoroughbred racing. Membership is free of charge. Registration can be completed online or in person at the NYRA STAR booth in the Family Zone. 

In the Community Outreach Booth: Lustgarten Foundation

Beyond the track…

Breakfast tour at Sugar Plum Farm. The tour package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a horse farm, and admission to Saratoga Race Course. Tickets are $144.40 for adults, $40.65 for children 12 and under. Tours begin at 7 a.m. at Saratoga Race Course. To purchase tickets, click here. 

Saturday Morning Social. Free admission, coffee, doughnuts, and water from 9-11 am. Enjoy a showing of Pimlico from the Heart at 10 am with two-time Eclipse Award winning writer, author, and filmmaker John Scheinman, who will also handicap select races from the Saratoga Race Course card, including the featured Alabama Stakes. 191 Union Avenue. Equine Eyes will also be available for demonstration. 

Sunday, August 23

The $200,000 Albany for New York-bred 3-year-olds, 1 1/8 miles, dirt

Low Roller Contest. Register on contest days outside the Fourstardave Sports Bar. $40 buy-in, $30 of which goes to the player’s bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. The winner will receive a Saratoga Low Roller championship T-shirt in addition to the cash prize.  

Introduction to handicapping. Every Sunday (excluding August 2), customers can learn betting strategies from a handicapper in the air-conditioned Paddock Suite, the upper level of the hospitality area overlooking the paddock.  Tickets start at $95 and include admission, Post Parade program, and a table seat within the shared suite overlooking the saddling area. Tickets can be purchased here. 

Horse Sense. Every Saturday and Sunday, fans of all ages can pet a retired Thoroughbred from noon to 2 p.m. at Horse Sense located in the backyard towards the top of the stretch. The educational exhibit includes information about the life and career of a Thoroughbred.

Mini law jockey statue giveaway. A six-inch resin collectible available at random in five different sets of silks, including an all-gold painted jockey. Each statue comes packaged in a commemorative display box. While supplies last. 

Family Sundays at the Saratoga Family Zone. Enjoy a variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions and educational assignments inside the Family Zone, in the backyard towards the top of the stretch. 

Taste NY Pavilion. Customers 21 and older can taste and purchase New York State-produced beverages Thursdays through Sundays in the backyard behind the grandstand towards the top of the stretch, including War Cannon Spirits’ Freeman’s Farm at Saratoga Bourbon Whiskey serves as the foundation of the Victory at Saratoga specialty cocktail, created in partnership with Saratoga 250 to commemorate America 250 celebrations and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga.

Sunday Specials: Enjoy $3 hot dogs and save 50% on domestic and premium beer, water and soda at the High Noon Clubhouse Grill, Finish Line Grill and Track Snacks. Additional specials may be available on select items at these locations.

NYRA STAR Program: The Students of Thoroughbred Racing (NYRA STAR) program is offered Thursdays through Sundays and features tours of the Paddock and Winner’s Circle during Races 1 through 5, in addition to morning tours of the backstretch. NYRA STAR provides children ages 12 and under, and their families, with insider access into the world of thoroughbred racing. Membership is free of charge. Registration can be completed online or in person at the NYRA STAR booth in the Family Zone. 

In the Community Outreach Booth: ACTT Naturally

Beyond the track…

Sunday Stroll with Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. This week’s stroll will take participants on a walking tour on North Broadway with a focus on the architecture and houses of those associated with horseracing. The tour will be led by SSPF’s executive director Samantha Bosshart and Hall of Fame communications director Brien Bouyea. $15 for SSPF members, $20 for non-members. The stroll will take place rain or shine; wear comfortable walking shoes. Meet in front of Witt Construction at 563 Broadway. Info and tickets here. 

Monday, August 24

No racing

Tuesday, August 25

No racing

Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Polo Classic. This fundraiser takes place from 4:30 – 7:30 pm at Bloomfield Farm, 18 Bloomfield Road. Bring your favorite drinks and snacks for tailgating; local food and beverage trucks will also be onsite. General admission tickets ($75 each) include admission to the match (bring your own chair). Tailgating tickets ($375) include one tailgating spot and admission for up to six passengers. Food packages by Franklin Square Market are also available. Details and tickets here. 

Rood & Riddle Tour. This equine medical facility is partnering with the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame to offer this tour and Q&A session. Free of charge. More information and registration here. 

• Due to the nature of this facility, guests may witness medical procedures in-progress. If you are squeamish, please reconsider this tour.
• Photography is prohibited on this tour.
• This tour does not include petting/feeding of horses.
• No children under the age of 10 are permitted on this tour. 

Party at Old Friends at Cabin Creek. Hang out with the equine retirees (Diversify, Naughty New Yorker, Mr. Cowboy, Be Bullish, among others) and honor the New York Racing Association starting gate crew. Enjoy food truck offerings, caricature artist Joe Ferri, and basket raffle. No reservations or tickets required. 438 Sand Hill Road, Greenfield Center (about a 15-minute drive from downtown Saratoga).