Saratoga Race Course Hosts Exciting Fan Appreciation Week

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – Fan Appreciation Week at the historic Saratoga Race Course is in full swing, offering a vibrant mix of racing events, activities, and giveaways designed to enhance the experience for attendees. From August 28 to September 1, 2023, visitors can enjoy a packed schedule featuring world-class horse racing, community engagement, and culinary delights.

Daily Highlights and Special Events

On Thursday, August 31, admission gates open at 11 a.m., with the first of 11 races commencing at 1:10 p.m. The highlight of the day is the Grade 3, $175,000 With Anticipation, a 1 1/16-mile turf race catering to juvenile horses.

Throughout the week, Saratoga Race Course is also hosting the Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours, presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB). These tours, running from Thursday to Sunday, include a buffet breakfast, transportation, and a guided tour of a local breeding farm, along with admission to the racecourse. Each tour accommodates up to 52 guests, and tickets can be purchased online at NYRA.com.

For wine enthusiasts, Thursday marks National Red Wine Day, celebrated at the Josh Cellars Wine Bar, where complimentary samples of their premium selections are available from noon to 4 p.m.

The Taste NY Pavilion showcases local food and beverage products, offering a taste of New York’s vibrant culinary scene, including craft beers, wines, and spirits.

Engaging Community Activities

Friday, September 1, sees admission open again at 11 a.m., with the first race at 12:35 p.m. The day’s card features two Listed events, including the one-mile Perfect Sting for older fillies and mares and the 1 1/16-mile Bernard Baruch for older horses.

Fans can meet the newly appointed Adirondack Thunder Head Coach Sylvain Cloutier from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jockey Silks Porch. Cloutier, an inductee of the Adirondack Hockey Hall of Fame, will also present the trophy for the fifth race of the day.

The NYRA STAR program continues on weekends, offering children under 12 and their families an insider’s look at thoroughbred racing, with free membership available online or at the racecourse.

Community engagement is a key theme, with the Capital Region Toys for Tots collecting new, unwrapped toys to distribute to underserved families during the holiday season.

On Saturday, September 2, the gates open at 10 a.m., and the first of 13 races begins at 12:05 p.m.. The day features three prominent races, including the Grade 1, $300,000 Spinaway and the Grade 2, $500,000 Flower Bowl, along with family-friendly activities such as the Horse Sense initiative, where attendees can interact with retired thoroughbreds.

As the weekend wraps up, Sunday, September 3, offers a special performance of the National Anthem by Bay Melnick Virgolino, a talented 10-year-old guitarist competing on America’s Got Talent. The day also features the Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup, a significant race for 3-year-olds and older horses, promising an exciting conclusion to the week.

Special ticket offers are available, including a Family 4-pack for $99 and Sunday brunch packages at the 1863 Club. Additionally, fans can enjoy discounts on selected concession items throughout the venue.

As the curtain comes down on Fan Appreciation Week, the final day, Labor Day, September 4, will host several notable races, including the Grade 1, $300,000 Spendthrift Farm Hopeful for juveniles.

The event aims to foster community spirit, with local partnerships and initiatives like the presentation by Market 32 and Price Chopper, announcing meals generated for the Regional Food Bank.

Amidst the excitement of racing, Saratoga Race Course continues to emphasize its commitment to community outreach, ensuring that the legacy of this historic venue extends beyond the racetrack.