We got thrown a curve ball this year leading up to the biggest racing meet of the season; Saratoga. The information has been coming to us in bits and pieces since the spring, but one thing is for certain; the 40 days of thoroughbred racing at Saratoga means the most for NYRA and racing in the country. I'll give you the "highlights" on what I've learned and what to look forward to starting July 20th through Labor Day.
We first learned late last winter that the stakes purse structure at Saratoga would be increase for the upcoming meet. With all the hoopla about take-out and money lost for NYRA, it's nice to see that the organization is putting cash toward it's premier meet. This will lure horsemen from all across the country for NYRA's great stakes scheduled. The stakes schedule will include several key stakes that also have great meaning for this year's Breeder's Cup events in the Fall. Four events will have a point system for the winners and horses finishing in the money that will gain those horses entrance into the Breeder's Cup stakes. The four races are; the Whitney Handicap (8/4) for older stake horses, the Ballerina Stakes (8/24) for filly & mare sprinters, the Personnel Ensign Handicap (8/26) for older filly & mares going a route distance and the Three Chimney's Hopeful Stakes (9/3) for the two year old colts.
Racing at Saratoga will also be showcased on network television throughout the meet. The NBC Sports Network (locally on channel 44) will be presenting five graded stake races on their network. They'll be on Saturdays and one Sunday. Starting on Saturday, August 11th - the Fourstardave Handicap on the grass from 6pm to 7pm on the NBC Sports Network, Sunday, August 12th the next day - the Adirondack & Saratoga Special from the young two year old runners same time as the above and also on the NBC Sports Network, on August 18th - the Alabama Stakes (for 3 yr.old fillies) and the Sword Dancer Invitational (older grass runners) 5pm to 6pm on the NBC Sports Network, the biggest day of the meet August 25th Travers day from 4pm to 6pm on NBC (locally on channel 13) and will showcase the Ballston Spa on the grass, the Test Stakes & King's Bishop Stakes (for 3yr.old sprinters) and of course; the Travers Stakes - Mid-Summer's Derby. Rounding out the Summer at Saratoga schedule is the Woodward Stakes on Saturday September 1st on the NBC from 5pm to 6pm.
Giveaways always play a big part of the Saratoga season. These were announced the day that NYRA used to have the annual Saratoga press conference. First up is the Saratoga Baseball Cap on July 29th (Sunday) a sharp, two toned hat which may be the best that they have given away yet! On Sunday, August 12th there is a new item; Saratoga Picnic Mat which is a nice foldable pack and is in the iconic Saratoga traditional colors. Sunday, August 19th a Saratoga Pilsner Glass is the special giveaway. We round out the list of giveaways on Sunday. August 2nd the final Sunday with the classic Saratoga Fleece Blanket in the Saratoga red with logo. Missing for the first time in over 25 years, the famous Saratoga T-shirt giveaway.
Special event days fill the Saratoga schedule throughout the meet. There is Family Fun Fridays, each Friday of the meet. The Travers Festival from August 18th through the 26th. Party at the Spa with a later post times on July 27th (second Friday) and August 31st (last Friday) of the meet. Also, the Final Stretch Festival from Saturday, September 1st through closing day; Labor Day - September 3rd. Other daily events are; Hats Off to Saratoga (7/20 to 7/22), College Day (7/27), Mid-Summer Saint Patrick's Day (8/2), Galloping Grapes event (8/5), Fabulous Fillies Day (8/17) and Veterans Day (8/29).
These are just a few things going on during the 40 day race meet at beautiful and historic Saratoga Race Track, try to get out to the track at least once during this premier meet!
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