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SARATOGA HIGHLIGHTS: WEEK 8: FAN APPRECIATION WEEK

by Pat McKenna; Mark Bardack

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31

With Anticipation:

The 18th running of the Grade 3, $175,000 With Anticipation for 2-year-olds over the inner turf course serves as the headliner on a 10-race program that kicks off the final week of the summer meet.

Fan Appreciation Week Specials:

NYRA will thank its fans for another outstanding summer with special offers on tickets, food and beverage, and hospitality during the final week of the season at Saratoga Race Course. Fans will have an opportunity to take advantage of special discounts on tickets to the 1863 Club, Paddock Suite, Pick Six Vodka Picnic Paddock, Cutwater Stretch, Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar, Clubhouse boxes and general reserved seating. For information about all offers and to purchase tickets, visit NYRA.com/fans.

NYRA Bets Ticket Offer:

NYRA Bets members will receive complimentary access to the Cutwater Stretch during Fan Appreciation Week, Wednesday, August 31 to Monday, September 5.

Saratoga Live:

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

Community Outreach Booth:

Saratoga Bridges empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families to identify and pursue their life goals through a range of programs built on knowledge, collaboration and experience.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage:

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

P. G. Johnson:

The 18th running of the $150,000 P.G. Johnson, a 1 1/16-mile inner turf test for juvenile fillies, honors the late Hall of Fame trainer who crafted a distinguished career that spanned six decades. Philip George Johnson was the leading trainer at Saratoga in 1983 and, according to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, won at least one race each year at the Spa from 1962 to 2003.

Saratoga Race Course Runs on Dunkin’:

Dunkin’ will be on-track to keep fans running through the final Thursday of the meet. Fans can get their pictures taken with Dunkin’ mascots, who will be stationed at the gates beginning at 3 p.m. Dunkin’ will also be distributing $5 gift cards to fans departing the track later in the afternoon, while supplies last.

Taste NY Pavilion:

The Taste NY Pavilion, located inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch, features New York craft beer, cider, wine and spirits products, including offerings from: Bolton Landing Brewing Company, Brooklyn Brewery, Common Roots Brewing Company, Druthers Brewing Co., Frog Alley Brewing Co., Northway Brewing Company, Paradox Brewery, Nine Pin Cider Works, Brotherhood Winery and Old Tavern Farm Winery, and spirits from Cooperstown Distillery, Great Jones and Pick Six Vodka. It is open from noon until 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and from noon until 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Saratoga Low Roller Contest:

Horseplayers can enjoy the Saratoga Low Roller Contest every Thursday and Sunday throughout the summer meet at the Spa. Players can pre-register outside the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar on contest days. There is a $40 buy-in, of which $30 will go to the players’ bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. Winners will also receive a t-shirt in addition to the cash prize.

Community Outreach Booth:

Friends of Moreau Lake State Park partners with Saratoga County’s Moreau Lake State Park to enrich the experience for every visitor by supporting environmental education, events and stewardship.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage:

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live music from Steve Candlen Band.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Prioress and Lucky Coin:

Friday’s 10-race card will feature the Grade 2, $250,000 Prioress for 3-year-old fillies sprinting six furlongs on the main track and the $150,000 Lucky Coin, a 5 1/2-furlong Mellon turf sprint for older horses.

Giveaway: Mini Umbrella Presented by NYRA Bets:

Fans will enjoy the final premium giveaway of the 2022 season: a mini umbrella presented by NYRA Bets. The umbrella is red and white and features the traditional red Saratoga logo and black NYRA Bets logo. All fans with paid admission will receive a coupon for the giveaway, while supplies last. Season ticket and season pass holders are not guaranteed a giveaway. Fans must present a coupon at designated locations on track to receive the complimentary item.

Free Scoops from Stewart’s Shops:

Stewart’s Shops will scoop free ice cream for fans beginning at 1 p.m. Complimentary scoops will be available adjacent to the clubhouse/grandstand exchange on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last.

Community Outreach Booth:

After the Fire provides people in Saratoga County who have been victims of home fires with a place to stay as well as personal care items, clothing, food and emotional support.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage:

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

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 – FIRST POST 12:35 P.M.

Jockey Club Gold Cup Day:

Closing Weekend of the Saratoga meet will feature a pair of Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” events, led by the Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup at 10 furlongs for 3-year-olds and up vying for a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Should a Grade/Group 1 winner start in the 2022 Jockey Club Gold Cup, the purse will be increased to $1.25 million.

Saturday’s card also includes the Grade 2, $600,000 Flower Bowl, an 11-furlong turf test for older fillies and mares offering a berth in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf; along with the Grade 3, $200,000 Saranac.

Community Outreach Booth:

Floyd Warriors provides a support system – “an Army of Help” – to patients battling cancer, giving them assistance from meals to house cleaning and easing their recovery.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage:

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

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 – FIRST POST 12:35 P.M.

Spinaway:

Sunday’s card will feature the Grade 1, $300,000 Spinaway for juvenile fillies sprinting seven furlongs.

Stars at the Spa presents Bernie Williams:

Fans will have the chance to meet retired Major League Baseball player and jazz musician Bernie Williams. Fans can choose between a ticketed meet-and-greet for up to 50 guests in the Paddock Suite, featuring food, drink (beer, wine and soft drinks) and conversation with the former New York Yankees All-Star and World Series champion; or a ticketed meet-and-greet at the Jockey Silks Room Porch that includes a photo opportunity and signed headshot. Tickets can be reserved at NYRA.com. The “Stars at the Spa” series is presented by Saratoga Living.

Family Four Packs:

Families of four are invited to take advantage of a ticket special on the final Sunday of the meet. For $96, guests will receive four grandstand reserved seats with admission, four hot dogs and four fountain drinks from select concession stands. Please use offer code FAMILY during checkout at NYRA.com/fans.

Berkshire Bank Family Sundays:

The popular family-friendly weekly event features a wide variety of free activities, games, attractions and educational experiences from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, located inside Gate A near the Saratoga Race Course Box Office.

Community Outreach Booth:

The Disabled American Veterans of Cold Brook is dedicated to empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity by ensuring veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage:

The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live music from North and South Dakotas.

LABOR DAY, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 – FIRST POST 12:35 P.M.

The Hopeful and Bernard Baruch:

Closing Day will feature the prestigious Grade 1, $300,000 Hopeful for 2-year-olds going seven furlongs and the Grade 3, $200,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap to conclude the Saratoga meeting.

Community Outreach Booth:

Rounding out the season is Capital Region Toys for Tots, the signature holiday program of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, which collects new, unwrapped toys each October, November and December to distribute as Christmas and holiday gifts to children and families in need.

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage:

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

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