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News & Notes: WEEK 4 EVENTS AT SARATOGA RACE COURSE
*Key: GI= Grade 1 Stakes | GII= Grade 2 Stakes | GIII= Grade 3 Stakes
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 Day on Aug. 5.
Week 4 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, AUGUST 4
GII National Museum of Racing Hall Of Fame:
3YO, 1 Mile - Turf, Purse $500,000
GIII Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Oaks Invitational:
F3YO, 1 3/16- Turf, Purse $400,000
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5
Fasig-Tipton Lure (R): 4&UP, 1 1/16 - Turf, Purse $135,000
GI Test: F3YO, 7 Furlongs - Dirt, Purse $500,000
GIII Troy Stakes: 4&UP, 5 1/2- Turf, Purse $300,000
GI Whitney (BC): 4&UP, 1 1/8- Dirt, Purse $1,000,000
GI Saratoga Derby Invitational: 3YO, 1 3/16- Turf, Purse $600,000
SUNDAY, AUGUST 6
GIII Adirondack: F2YO, 6 1/2 Furlongs - Dirt, Purse $200,000
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9
Johnstone Mile (NYB): F&M 3&UP, 1 Mile - Dirt, Purse $125,000
THURSDAY, AUGUST 10
John Morrissey Handicap (NYB): 3&UP, 6 Furlongs - Dirt, Purse $125,000
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.
Friday, August 4: Retired Racehorse Project
Saturday, August 5:
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance
Sunday, August 6: Second Chance Thoroughbreds
Wednesday, August 9: Fleet Reserve Association
Thursday, August 10: Saratoga Automobile Museum
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, August 4: The Stony Creek Band
Saturday, August 5: Big Medicine
Sunday, August 6: Captain Squeeze & The Zydeco Moshers
Wednesday, August 9: The Red Haired Strangers
Thursday, August 10: The Rodeo Barons
Whitney Weekend Begins
FRIDAY, AUGUST 4 - SUNDAY AUGUST 6
SAMPLING SUPERFECTA: Fans will have the opportunity to sample the Saratoga Victory Vodka Lemonade at the Cooperstown Clubhouse Bar on National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Day. Additional sampling opportunities include: The Pick Six Strawberry Lemonade at the Pick Six Vodka Gazebo; Josh Cellars wines at the Josh Cellars Wine Bar; and Day Chaser canned cocktails plus Woodchuck hard cider at the Day Chaser Gazebo. Samples will be available from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last, to guests 21 and older, with valid ID.
Whitney Day
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5
Special first post time of 12:35 p.m.
One of Saratoga’s most celebrated days of the season will culminate in the 96th renewal of the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney which offers a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Breeders’ Cup Classic in November at Santa Anita Park. Cody’s Wish will attempt his seventh straight victory, which include four Grade 1 wins, when he lines up in the nine-furlong Whitney. The Whitney stakes race will headline FOX Saratoga Saturday coverage beginning at 3 p.m. Whitney Day will also feature the Grade 1, $500,000 Test and Grade 1, $600,000 Saratoga Derby Invitational.
BEST IN PINK PHOTO CONTEST:
Fans are encouraged to dress in pink in recognition of breast cancer survivors and the work of To Life!, a Capital Region nonprofit organization that provides personalized breast cancer education and support services. The fashion contest will take place across from the Travers Bar from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Each participant will take home a commemorative photo magnet, with the win, place and show finishers each receiving a complimentary bottle of Chateau d’Esclans ‘Whispering Angel’ Rose.
SAMPLING EXACTA: Fans will have the opportunity to sample the Chandon Garden Spritz cocktail across from the Travers Bar; and Cutwater Ready to Drink cocktails at the Cutwater Gazebo, across from Guest Services. Samples will be available from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last, to guests 21 and older, with valid ID.
HANDICAPPING SEMINAR AND MEET-AND-GREET
EVERY SUNDAY
Spend a Sunday at the races learning betting strategies and tips from expert handicappers in the Spa’s newest hospitality venue, the climatecontrolled Paddock Suite. Guests will also be treated to a meet-and-greet with Saratoga Race Course’s rotating cast of on-track talent. Tickets can be purchased through Fevo.