WINNER’S CIRCLE News & Notes: WEEK 1 EVENTS AT SARATOGA RACE COURSE

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The 2023 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course opened on Thursday, July 13 and will continue through Monday, September 4.

Following the four-day opening weekend, 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 first week of the 2023 summer meet will feature the following events:

Opening Weekend

THURSDAY, JULY 13 - SUNDAY, JULY 16

Opening Weekend will feature the first Grade 1 of the season, the Diana, on Saturday, July 15. The four-day annual opening celebration will be highlighted by live musical entertainment and a performance by the Islip Horsemen’s Association Drill Team.

The Islip Horsemen’s Association Drill Team will perform for fans on Saturday, July 15 in the afternoon. Six riders and their horses will show off their pattern riding skills while moving in different formations to a variety of music. The Islip, NY-based team has performed across the state, including at the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.

Week 1 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 14

Coronation Cup: F3YO, 5 1/2 - Turf, Purse $150,000 The Wilton: F3YO, 1 Mile - Dirt, Purse $135,000

SATURDAY, JULY 15

GI Diana: F&M 4&UP, 1 1/8 - Turf, Purse $500,000

GIII Kelso: 4&UP, 1 Mile - Turf, Purse $175,000

GIII Sanford: 2YO, 6 Furlongs - Dirt, Purse $175,000

SUNDAY, JULY 16

GIII Quick Call presented by Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation: 3YO, 5 1/2 Furlongs - Turf, Purse $175,000

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

GI A.P. Smithwick Memorial (Steeplechase):

4&UP, 2 1/16 - Turf, Purse $150,000

NYSSS Statue of Liberty Division (R):

F3YO, 1 Mile - Turf, Purse $150,000

THURSDAY, JULY 20

NYSSS Cab Calloway Division (R): 3YO, 1 Mile - Turf, Purse $150,000

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. 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 14: Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga

Saturday, July 15: United Way of the Greater Capital Region

Sunday, July 16: Operation Adopt a Soldier

Wednesday, July 19: Veterans & Community Housing Coalition

Thursday, July 20: Saratoga Center for the Family

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 14: Twangbusters

Saturday, July 15: Diva & The Dirty Boys

Sunday, July 16: Get Up Jack

Wednesday, July 19: Garland Nelson Trio

Thursday, July 20: Heard World Music

Saratoga Breakfast And Breeding Farm Tours

EVERY WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY

BEGINNING JULY 14

Expanded for its second year, NYRA is continuing the Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour. Tours this year will be offered Wednesday through Friday throughout the meet. Wednesday tours will travel to Song Hill Thoroughbreds, while Thursday and Friday tours will visit Old Tavern Farm. Guests will enjoy a buffet breakfast at Saratoga Race Course before taking a CDTA trolley to the designated farm, where they will participate in a 60- to 90-minute guided walking tour of a working thoroughbred breeding farm. Admission to the races in the afternoon is included in the package. Tickets, which are $85 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under, must be reserved in advance at NYRA.com.

Sunday Brunch At The Rail Of The 1863 Club

EVERY SUNDAY BEGINNING JULY 16

Fans are invited to enjoy a brunch buffet while experiencing The Rail at the 1863 Club, the firstfloor banquet space at the 1863 Club. Tickets start at $100 and include admission, a table seat for the day, brunch buffet, soft drinks, two mimosa or Bloody Mary drink tickets per person, 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.

Saratoga Low Roller Contest

EVERY THURSDAY AND SUNDAY BEGINNING JULY 16

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.