Fan fav filly Thorpedo Anna was fierce in the 2024 CCA Oaks. (Chelsea Durand)
Saratoga Highlights: Week 2
NYRA Press Office/Edited
The week begins on Wednesday with Breakfast at Saratoga where fans have the opportunity to enjoy a buffet breakfast against the backdrop of morning training and go behind the scenes.
It’s also Make-A-Wish Wednesday where more than 50 Make-A-Wish kids and family members are treated to a special day. The day will also honor Wish Kid Kailey Paul, who will serve as an event day ambassador.
The stakes action kicks off with New York bred fillies in the Suzie O’Cain.
Thursday is New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day complimented by the Rick Violet Stakes on the turf for state breds. Representatives of various aftercare organizations will be at the Community Outreach Booth to talk about their efforts on behalf of New York’s retired racehorses
Friday features the fillies in the Shuvee and new refreshments at High Noon Clubhouse Grill with the Belmont Jewel and other libations (21 and over).
The fillies take the stage again on Saturday in the Grade 1, CCA Oaks. The day offers Horse Sense where Fans of all ages can pet a retired Thoroughbred.
On Sunday Saratoga gets tropical with the Hawaiian Shirt give-away. Racing continues featuring the fillies in the Grade 2, Honorable Miss. Fans can also take advantage of an Introduction to Handicapping.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16
Breakfast at Saratoga: Breakfast at Saratoga, driven by CDTA, is available on The Porch from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Reservations are not required.
Fans can also go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour. Tram tours depart from the clubhouse entrance beginning at 7:30 a.m. with the last one leaving at 9 a.m. and running every 30 minutes. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are approximately 45 minutes in length.
Breakfast at Saratoga and the free backstretch tram tours are available every live racing day with the exception of DraftKings Travers Day and Labor Day.
Admission Gates and Post Time: Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 9-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
Suzie O’Cain: Week two stakes action begins with the $150,000 Suzie O’Cain, a 1 1/16-mile inner turf test for New York-bred sophomore fillies.
Make-A-Wish Wednesday: Saratoga Race Course will host more than 50 Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York Wish Kids and family members for a special day that will include exclusive paddock tours and a visit to the winner’s circle. Make-A-Wish Wednesday will honor Wish Kid Kailey Paul, who will serve as an event day ambassador. Kailey, an accomplished equestrian, will represent Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York during a special winner’s circle presentation at Saratoga Race Course.
Saratoga Live: Saratoga Live, the critically acclaimed and award-winning show produced by NYRA in partnership with FOX Sports, returns for its 10th season to provide daily coverage and in-depth analysis of the summer meet to a nationwide audience on the FOX Sports family of networks. For the complete broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit nyra.com/saratoga/racing/tv-schedule/.
Community Outreach Booth: Make-A-Wish Vermont and Northeast New York will be in the Community Outreach Booth to coincide with Make-A-Wish Wednesday.
THURSDAY, JULY 17
Admission Gates and Post Time: Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 10-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day: NYRA will partner with the New York Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association (NYTHA) and New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB) in hosting the fifth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day. The day brings retired racehorses back to Saratoga for on-track demonstrations of the skills they’ve learned in their second careers and pays tribute to an array of organizations involved in finding new homes and careers for retired racehorses. This year’s presentations, before the first and second races, will feature western riding, jumping, and a polo match. Fans can also meet a retired racehorse at Horse Sense behind the grandstand.
Rick Violette: New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day is highlighted by the $150,000 Rick Violette, a 1 1/16-mile Mellon turf route for New York-bred 3-year-olds. Slated as Race 3 on the card, the Rick Violette is named for the late trainer and NYTHA President who spearheaded the creation of the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program and TAKE THE LEAD Retirement Program.
Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour: NYRA’s popular Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours are available every Thursday through Sunday (excluding DraftKings Travers Day and Sunday, August 10 whose tour will be offered on Wednesday, August 6). Presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), this year’s itinerary will feature Old Tavern Farm, Sugar Plum Farm and Song Hill Thoroughbreds. The package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a local breeding farm and admission to Saratoga Race Course. Each tour accommodates up to 52 guests. Tickets may be purchased at NYRA.com.
Taste NY Pavilion: New York-made food and beverages are available for sample and purchase at the Taste NY Pavilion, located inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch, where fans can enjoy New York craft beers, wines, spirits, food and ice cream (must be 21 and over to sample and purchase alcoholic beverages). Featured products hail from across the state as a showcase of New York’s robust food and beverage industry.
Community Outreach Booth: Representatives of various aftercare organizations including ACTT Naturally, Lucky Orphans, New Vocations, Old Friends at Cabin Creek, ReRun, Second Chance Thoroughbreds, TAKE2 and TAKE THE LEAD, Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, and Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation will be on hand in the Community Booth to talk about their efforts on behalf of New York’s retired racehorses.
FRIDAY, JULY 18
Admission Gates and Post Time: Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 10-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
Shuvee: Friday’s stakes action features the Grade 2, $200,000 Shuvee for older fillies and mares going nine furlongs on the main track.
NYRA Star: NYRA Students of Thoroughbreds and Racing (STAR) continues every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through August 31. NYRA STAR is designed to give children, ages 12 and under, and their families, insider access into the world of thoroughbred racing. Participants will experience the sport through exclusive on-track events, educational opportunities and kid-friendly communications designed to ignite their interest in horses and excitement for the sport of thoroughbred racing. Membership for NYRA STAR is free of charge. Registration can be completed online at NYRA.com/STAR or in-person at the NYRA STAR booth in the Family Zone.
High Noon and Belmont Jewel Sampling: Fans 21 and over will have an opportunity to sample High Noon and Lucky one at the High Noon Clubhouse Grill; as well as the Belmont Jewel, the official cocktail of the Belmont Stakes, at the Jim Dandy Bar presented by Redemption Bourbon. Samples will be available from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last.
Community Outreach Booth: The Community Outreach Booth will feature the National Multiple Sclerosis Societywhose mission is to cure MS while empowering those impacted to live their best lives.
SATURDAY, JULY 19
Admission Gates and Post Time: Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 12-race program getting underway at 12:35 p.m.
Coaching Club American Oaks: Saturday’s card features a trio of graded stakes led by the Grade 1, $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks (won in 2024 by Thorpedo Anna), a nine-furlong invitational for sophomore fillies. The day also includes the Grade 2, $400,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt, a six-furlong sprint for older horses, and the Grade 3, $175,000 Caress, a 5 1/2-furlong Mellon turf sprint for older fillies and mares.
Horse Sense: Fans of all ages can pet a retired Thoroughbred every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at Horse Sense. The educational exhibit includes fun facts about the life and career of a thoroughbred. The family-friendly attraction is located inside Gate A.
Community Outreach Booth: Great Strides Equestrian will occupy the Community Outreach Booth raising support to provide polo and horseback riding lessons to underfunded, inner city teens and to encourage them to become lifelong equestrian enthusiasts.
SUNDAY, JULY 20
Giveaway #2: Saratoga Hawaiian Shirt: All fans with paid admission can say “Aloha” to the ultimate summer statement with a red-and-white floral Saratoga Hawaiian shirt. The button-down shirt will be available in two sizes: medium and extra-large, while supplies last.
Admission Gates and Post Time: Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 10-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
Honorable Miss: The Grade 2, $200,000 Honorable Miss wraps up the second week of action, as older fillies and mares sprint six furlongs on the main track.
Sunday Brunch at the Rail of the 1863 Club: Fans are invited to enjoy a brunch buffet while experiencing The Rail at the 1863 Club, the first-floor banquet space at the 1863 Club. Tickets start at $110 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 or online at Ticketmaster.com.
Introduction to Handicapping: Offered every Sunday in the Paddock Suite, fans can learn betting strategies and tips from an expert handicapper. Tickets start at $85 and include admission, Post Parade program book, and a table seat for the day within the climate-controlled, shared suite overlooking the historic saddling area. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.
Family Sundays at the Family Fun Zone: Family Sundays will feature a wide variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions, and educational activities each Sunday inside the Family Zone, located near Gate A at the Top of the Stretch.
Community Outreach Booth: Sunday’s Community Outreach Booth will feature Christie’s Heartoberfest of the Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation to generate support and awareness for this potentially fatal condition among children and young adults.
TICKETS: NYRA.com. All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA.
