Aug 6, 2024
NYRA Photo
by Pat McKenna, Mark Bardack
SARATOGA HIGHLIGHTS: WEEK #5
Week #5 at Saratoga RaceCourse,Wednesday, August 7 –Sunday, August 11
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7
Johnstone Mileand Jonathan Kiser Novice Stakes:
New York-bredfillies and mares will compete in Wednesday’s $125,000 Johnstone Mile Handicapstarting from the Wilson Chute. The Johnstone Mile Handicap honors NYRA’s lateRacing Operations Manager Bruce Johnstone, who held that position for 13 years.
The card will alsofeature the rescheduled $75,000 Jonathan Kiser, part of the Saratogasteeplechase schedule.
Saratoga Live:
Saratoga Live will present live coverageand analysis of the Saratoga Race Course summer meet on the networks of FOXSports. For the complete Saratoga Live broadcast schedule, andadditional programming information, visit NYRA.com/SaratogaLive.
SaratogaBreakfast and Breeding Farm Tour presented by CDTA:
NYRA’s SaratogaBreakfast and Breeding Farm Tours are offered every Wednesday through Saturday(excluding Aug. 24). Fans will enjoy a buffet breakfast during morning trainingat Saratoga Race Course before boarding a CDTA trolley to Song Hill Thoroughbredson Wednesdays and Thursdays; Old Tavern Farm on Fridays; and Sugar Plum Farm onSaturdays. General admission to the races in the afternoon is included in thepackage. Tickets must be reserved in advance at NYRA.com.
Saratoga HappyHour:
Fans age 21 andolder can enjoy Happy Hour every racing day at the Miller Time FourstardaveSports Bar from 4:30 p.m. to end of racing. Specials include two-for-one12-ounce beers and half off select co*cktails and glasses of wine.
CommunityOutreach Booth:
NYRA will host TheSalvation Army of Saratoga Springs at the Community Booth on Wednesday. TheSalvation Army is an international movement and an organization dedicated to“doing the most good” in the communities they serve.
Purdy’s SummerConcert Stage:
The Purdy’s SummerConcert Stage will host live music from Doc Scanlon to kick off the second halfof the summer meet at Saratoga.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8
John MorrisseyHandicap:
Thursday’s card isheadlined by the $125,000 John Morrissey, a six-furlong handicap on the maintrack for New York-bred 3-year-olds and up.
Taste NYPavilion:
New York-made foodand beverages will be available for sample and purchase at the Taste NYPavilion, located inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch, where fans can enjoyNew York craft beers, wines, spirits, cheese and chocolate (must be 21 and overto sample and purchase alcoholic beverages).
CommunityOutreach Booth:
NYRA will hostSaratoga Bridges which empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities andtheir families by helping them to identify and pursue their life goals throughknowledge, collaboration and experience.
Purdy’s SummerConcert Stage:
The Purdy’s SummerConcert Stage will host live music from Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Moshers.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
Evan Shipman andUnion Avenue Handicaps:
A pair of $125,000handicaps for New York-breds highlight Friday’s card with the Evan Shipman atone-mile for 3-year-olds and up and the six-furlong Union Avenue for filliesand mares 3-years-old and up.
Betting Basicswith Matthew DeSantis:
NYRA Bets ContentProducer and Handicapper Matthew DeSantis will teach betting basics duringBreakfast at Saratoga to give fans of all ages their best shot at walking awaya winner. Classes will be held every Friday morning from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. atThe Porch.
Tequila Tasting:
Fans 21 and oldercan enjoy complimentary tastings of the Casa Cosmo at the Casa Noble ClubhouseBar, located on the second level of the Clubhouse. White Claw Hard Seltzer willalso be available for sampling at the White Claw gazebo, located adjacent to themutuels bay in the backyard. Samples are available from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., whilesupplies last.
Berkshire BankHorse Sense:
Fans of all agescan pet a retired thoroughbred every Friday through Sunday from noon to 2 p.m.at Berkshire Bank Horse Sense. The family-friendly attraction is located insideGate A and is presented by Berkshire Bank.
CommunityOutreach Booth:
NYRA will hostCaffe Lena School of Music, which teaches and encourages students to play insmall, friendly groups and master a repertoire of enduring folk songs, allgeared toward making music a “go-to” social pastime.
Purdy’s SummerConcert Stage:
The Purdy’s SummerConcert Stage will host live music from The Swingin’ Palms.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
FIRST POST: 12:35 P.M.
Four GradedStakes featuring the FanDuel Fourstardave and Saratoga Derby Invitational:
The Grade 1,$500,000 FanDuel Fourstardave, a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Grade 1Breeders’ Cup Mile, headlines a blockbuster day at Saratoga Race Course thatwill now include the rescheduled Grade 1, $600,000 Saratoga Derby Invitationalat 1 3/16-miles on turf for sophom*ores; Grade 2, $300,000 Troy for older turfsprinters; Grade 2, $200,000 Saratoga Special for 2-year-olds on the main trackand the $150,000 Galway for turf filly sophom*ore sprinters.
The Saratoga DerbyInvitational will serve as an international qualifier for the Group 1, AUD$5million Ladbrokes Cox Plate.
FOX SaratogaSaturday:
Live broadcastcoverage from Saratoga Race Course returns to FOX from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. FOXSaratoga Saturday will air for consecutive weeks through Saturday, Aug. 24.
Tasting Exacta:
Fourstardave Daywill feature a pair of complimentary samplings outside the Cutwater Stretch andat the Hendrick’s Gin Bar on the second level of the Clubhouse. Cutwater cannedco*cktails and the Hendrick’s Gin Daisy will be available for fans 21 and olderto enjoy from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last.
CommunityOutreach Booth:
Gurtler BrothersVFW Post 420 preserves and strengthens comradeship by assisting worthy members,perpetuating the memory and history of our dead and assisting their widows andorphans.
Purdy’s SummerConcert Stage:
The Purdy’s SummerConcert Stage will host live music from IMI.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11
Mahony:
Sunday’s feature isthe $150,000 Mahony, a 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint for sophom*ores. The race isnamed in honor of Patrick Mahony, the longtime senior vice president of mutuelsat NYRA who spent more than 50 years in the racing industry before retiring in2016.
Special SundaySavings:
Fans can takeadvantage of special Sunday ticket offers available for purchase at NYRA.com/Deals including the following:
$20 Sunday SaverPass, valid for general admission for each of the four remaining Sundays.Standard daily admission is $10 on race day for a savings of up to 50 percent.
$99 Sunday SaverFamily 4-Pack, which includes four grandstand reserved seats, four admissions,four Post Parade programs and $40 in loaded value that may be redeemed atselect on-track concessions.
$44 Surfside Sunday4-Pack, which includes four general admission tickets and four Surfside cannedco*cktails; or the $84 Surfside Sunday 4-Pack, which includes four grandstandreserved seats and four Surfside canned co*cktails. Surfside ready-to-drink co*cktailsare available at the Surfside Gazebo, Jim Dandy Bar, Surfside portable bar onthe second level of the Grandstand and at other select bars and concessions.This package is available to fans 21 years of age and older.
Sunday Brunch atThe Rail at the 1863 Club:
Fans are invited toenjoy a brunch buffet in The Rail at the 1863 Club, the first-floor banquetspace. Tickets start at $105 and include admission, a table seat for the day,brunch buffet, soft drinks, Post Parade program book, tax and gratuity.Reservations are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX oronline at Ticketmaster.com.
SundayIntroduction to Handicapping and Meet-and-Greet:
Enjoy a Sunday inthe Paddock Suite, learning betting strategies and tips from experthandicappers. Tickets start at $75 and include admission, Post Parade programbook, light fare platters, and a table seat for the day within theclimate-controlled, shared suite overlooking the historic saddling area. Fanswill also be treated to a meet-and-greet with Saratoga Race Course’s trackannouncer Frank Mirahmadi. Tickets can be purchased online through Fevo.
Family Sundaysat the Family Fun Zone:
The popularfamily-friendly weekly event includes a wide variety of free activities, games,attractions and educational experiences from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the FamilyZone, located inside Gate A near the Saratoga Race Course Box Office. Thisweek’s theme is Summer Olympics.
CommunityOutreach Booth:
North Country WildCare will close out week five at the Community Outreach Booth. The nonprofitassists Wildlife Rehabilitators in Albany, Essex, Fulton, Montgomery,Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren and Washington counties.
Purdy’s SummerConcert Stage:
The Purdy’s SummerConcert Stage will host live music from Twangbusters.
All events andactivities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA.
