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WINNER’S CIRCLE News & Notes: WEEK 2 EVENTS AT SARATOGA RACE COURSE
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2023 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course is underway and will continue through Monday, September 4. Racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day. Admission gates will open for live racing at 11 a.m. First post time is 1:10 p.m. (with exceptions for Whitney and Travers Days and closing weekend; Travers Day gates will open at 7 a.m.) The 2023 summer meet will feature the following events:
Week 2 Stake Races
*Mondays and Tuesdays = Dark Days. No racing. Saratoga Live presents daily coverage of the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course on FOX Sports. For the complete Saratoga Live broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit NYRA.com/SaratogaLive.
FRIDAY, JULY 21
Curlin (R): 3YO, 1 1/8 - Dirt, Purse $135,000
GIII Lake George: F3YO, 1 Mile - Turf, Purse $175,000
SATURDAY, JULY 22
GIII Caress:
F&M 4&UP, 5 1/2 Furlongs - Turf, Purse $200,000
GI Coaching Club American Oaks:
F3YO, 1 1/8 - Dirt, Purse $500,000
SUNDAY, JULY 23
GII Shuvee: F&M 4&UP, 1 1/8 - Dirt, Purse $200,000
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26
GII Honorable Miss Handicap:
F&M 3&UP, 6 Furlongs - Dirt, Purse $200,000
THURSDAY, JULY 27
Birdstone: 4&UP, 1 3/4 - Dirt, Purse $150,000
Premium Giveaways
FRIDAY, JULY 21
COOLER JUG
PRESENTED BY NYRA BETS
The first giveaway of the season is a Saratoga branded, 64-ounce, red and white cooler jug, presented by NYRA Bets.
Community Outreach Booth
As part of NYRA’s season-long commitment to spreading awareness of local non-profits, NYRA will again host one organization each day in the Community Outreach Booth, located adjacent to the Jockey Silks Room, inside Gate B. On Opening Day, NYRA will host Jewish War Veterans Post 36 – Saratoga Springs, a leading Veterans Service Organization that supports and advocates for all uniformed service members, veterans and their families.
Friday, July 21: Saratoga Bridges
Saturday, July 22: After the Fire
Sunday, July 23: Amplify Horse Racing
Wednesday, July 26:
Ávila Independent Retirement Community
Thursday, July 27: Saratoga Springs Fire Department
PURDY’S SUMMER CONCERT STAGE
The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live musical performances each afternoon of the season from popular local and regional bands. This year’s summer music stage is presented by Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor in Saratoga Springs.
Friday, July 21: Mark and Jill Blues
Saturday, July 22: IMI
Sunday, July 23: The Hawthornes
Wednesday, July 26: Bluebillies
Thursday, July 27: Fenimore Blues
HANDICAPPING SEMINAR AND MEET-AND-GREET
EVERY SUNDAY BEGINNING JULY 23
Enjoy your Sunday at the races in the Spa’s newest hospitality venue, the climate-controlled Paddock Suite, learning betting strategies and tips from expert handicappers. Guests will also be treated to a meet-and-greet with Saratoga Race Course’s new track announcer Frank Mirahmadi, along with a rotating cast of on-track talent, personalities and VIPs. Tickets can be purchased through Fevo.
Berkshire Bank Family Zone
Fans will enjoy 40 days of the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, an interactive play area for children located near Gate A, which will be supplemented by Berkshire Bank Family Sundays.
Berkshire Bank Family Sundays - Every Sunday: 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. For July 23, the theme is Christmas in July and will feature a holiday DIY craft station, giant snow globe, carnival booth and photo opportunities with Santa Claus.
First Responders Day
THURSDAY, JULY 27
First Responders Day pays tribute to first responders with free general admission (proper ID required). Special events will include a Police K-9 infield show, performances by the New York State Trooper Pipes and Drums, and demonstrations by several first responder agencies.
Saratoga Low Roller Contest
EVERY THURSDAY AND SUNDAY
Horseplayers can enjoy the Saratoga Low Roller Contest held exclusively on-track every Thursday and Sunday at Saratoga Race Course. Fans can pre-register on contest days outside the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar. There is a $40 buy-in, of which $30 will go to the player’s bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. The winner will receive a Saratoga Low Roller championship T-shirt in addition to the cash prize.
Taste Ny Pavilion
EVERY THURSDAY - SUNDAY
New York-made food and beverages will be 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 beer, cider, wine, spirits, cheese, chocolate and gelato. This year marks a decade since the launch of the Taste NY program.