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Saratoga Highlights: Fan Appreciation Week 2024

by Pat McKenna, Mark Bardack

Week #8 at Saratoga Race Course: Wednesday, Aug. 28 – Monday, Sept. 2

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28

FIRST POST: 1:10 P.M.

P. G. Johnson:

Saratoga’s final week kicks off with the running of the $150,000 P.G. Johnson, a 1 1/16-mile inner turf test for juvenile fillies.

Saratoga Live:

Saratoga Live will present live coverage and analysis of the Saratoga Race Course summer meet on the networks of FOX Sports. For the complete Saratoga Live broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit NYRA.com/SaratogaLive.

Buy One, Get One Ticket Offers:

Fan Appreciation Week will be highlighted by several buy one, get one ticket deals, including: buy one ticket, get one free on the same day for reserved seats in the Clubhouse, Grandstand and Cutwater Stretch Premium Reserved section; and buy one reserved table, get one free on the same day in the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar and Pick Six Vodka Picnic Paddock. Fans can also receive $50 savings on Clubhouse boxes and NYRA Bets members can enjoy complimentary admission to the Cutwater Stretch (reserved seating not included) throughout the week. Tickets can be purchased at NYRA.com/Fans.

Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour:

NYRA’s Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours will be offered Wednesday through Saturday. Fans will enjoy a buffet breakfast during morning training at Saratoga Race Course before boarding a CDTA trolley to Song Hill Thoroughbreds on Wednesday and Thursday; Old Tavern Farm on Friday; and Sugar Plum Farm on Saturday. General admission to the races in the afternoon is included in the package. Tickets must be reserved in advance at NYRA.com.

Saratoga Happy Hour:

Fans 21 and older can enjoy Happy Hour every racing day at the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar from 4:30 p.m. to end of racing. Specials include two-for-one 12-ounce beers and half off select cocktails and glasses of wine.

Community Outreach Booth:

NYRA will host the American Red Cross – Eastern New York whose purpose and humanitarian mission is to meet immediate needs following a disaster for individuals, families and communities.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage:

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host the Steve Candlen Band.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29

FIRST POST: 1:10 P.M.

With Anticipation:

Thursday’s feature is the Grade 3, $175,000 With Anticipation, a 1 1/16-mile inner turf test for juveniles.

Taste NY Pavilion:

New York-made food and beverages will be available for sample and purchase at the Taste NY Pavilion, Thursday through Sunday, at the Top of the Stretch, where fans can enjoy New York craft beers, wines, spirits, cheese and chocolate (must be 21 and over to sample and purchase alcoholic beverages).

Community Outreach Booth:

Founded in 1962, the Arts Center of the Capital Region serves as a leader in arts advocacy, education, investment and programming. The center’s mission is to enable people to create and to engage in the arts.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage:

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live music from The Jonathan Newell Band.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 30

FIRST POST: 12:35 P.M.

Saranac:

Friday’s feature is the Grade 3, $175,000 Saranac for sophomores traveling 1 1/16 miles on the turf.

Betting Basics with Matthew DeSantis:

NYRA Bets Content Producer and Handicapper Matthew DeSantis will teach betting basics from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Porch during Breakfast at Saratoga to give fans their best shot at walking away a winner.

Berkshire Bank Horse Sense:

Fans can pet a retired thoroughbred Friday through Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at Berkshire Bank Horse Sense. The family-friendly attraction is located inside Gate A and is presented by Berkshire Bank.

Community Outreach Booth:

NYRA will host After the Fire, which is committed to families who are victims of fire by providing them with emotional support, information and referrals to resources, personal hygiene products, clothing and lodging.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage:

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live music from Joe Adee & The Lug Nuts.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31

FIRST POST: 12:05 P.M.

GATES OPEN: 10:30 A.M.

Flower Bowl, Prioress and Spinaway:

Labor Day weekend kicks off with a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” event in the Grade 2, $500,000 Flower Bowl [Filly and Mare Turf] for older fillies and mares traveling 1 3/8 over the turf. The Saturday card also includes the Grade 1, $300,000 Spinaway for juvenile fillies, as well as the Grade 3, $200,000 Prioress for sophomore filly sprinters.

Community Outreach Booth:

Disabled American Veterans – Troy Chapter helps to transform the lives of veterans by advocating for access to the healthcare, disability, employment, education and financial benefits they have earned, and giving ill and injured veterans the opportunity to live with respect and dignity.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage:

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live music from Bluz House Rockers.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

FIRST POST: 12:05 P.M.

GATES OPEN: 10:30 A.M.

Bernard Baruch Handicap and Jockey Club Gold Cup:

Sunday features another Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” event in the Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup [Classic] at 10 furlongs for 3-year-olds and up. The card will also include the $150,000 Bernard Baruch at 1 1/16 miles on turf for older horses.

Giveaway #4: Saratoga Windbreaker

Labor Day weekend ushers in the season’s final premium giveaway: a Saratoga windbreaker. Presented by NYRA Bets and available in two adult sizes, medium and extra-large, the black jacket boasts a white Saratoga logo embroidered on the upper left side. The giveaway is free with paid admission, while supplies last.

Sunday Savings:

Fans can take advantage of special final Sunday ticket offers available for purchase at NYRA.com/Fans including the following:

Family 4-pack for $99, which includes four Grandstand reserved seats with admission, four Post Parade programs, and a $10 food and beverage credit per person;

Surfside Sunday 4-pack, which includes four general admission tickets and four Surfside canned cocktails for $44; or four Grandstand reserved seats and four Surfside canned cocktails for $84 (must be 21 years of age to purchase);

Sunday brunch in the Rail at the 1863 Club, starting at $105 per person and includes brunch buffet, soft drinks, admission, program, tax and gratuity;

Introduction to handicapping within a luxury suite at the 1863 Club, starting at $75 per person, and featuring sweeping views overlooking the main track from the third-floor balcony; complimentary soft drinks and light fare; betting strategies from an expert handicapper; and a meet-and-greet with special guests.

Family Sundays at the Family Fun Zone:

The popular family-friendly event includes a wide variety of free activities, games, attractions and educational experiences from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Family Zone. This week’s theme is Back to School.

Community Outreach Booth:

Stars for Our Troops takes old, tattered and faded U.S. flags that have been retired from service and passes them on to members of the military, veterans and first responders.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage:

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live music from IMI.

LABOR DAY, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

FIRST POST: 12:35 P.M.

NO BREAKFAST OR BACKSTRETCH TRAM TOURS

Harvey Pack and Hopeful:

Closing Day will feature the $150,000 Harvey Pack for older turf sprinters and the prestigious Grade 1, $300,000 Hopeful for 2-year-olds going seven furlongs to conclude the 2024 Saratoga meeting.

Breakfast and Backstretch Tram Tours: Not Available

Buffet breakfast on the Porch and Backstretch tram tours are not offered on the final day of the summer meet.

Community Outreach Booth:

Capital Region Toys for Tots will close out the 2024 Community Outreach Booth. The organization works with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to collect and distribute new, unwrapped toys as holiday gifts to less fortunate children in the Capital Region each year.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage:

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live music from Drank The Gold.

All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA.