The 14th Annual Travers Celebration Returns to Celebrate Mid-Summer Derby
Tickets still available for the official party of the Travers
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The 14th annual Travers Celebration at Saratoga Race Course will return this summer to support the Backstretch Employee Service Team and the Times Union Hope Fund on Thursday, August 21 at 7 p.m.
The official party of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers will take place just two days before the 145th edition of the Mid-Summer Derby. This year’s event will honor owner Willis D. Horton; trainer D. Wayne Lukas; and jockey Luis Saez, the connections of 2013 Travers winner Will Take Charge.
“We look forward to honoring these outstanding racing professionals while raising funds for two vital organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for essential sectors of our community,” said The New York Racing Association CEO and President Chris Kay. “We encourage all of our stakeholders to show their gratitude to the work performed by the Backstretch Employee Service Team and the Times Union Hope Fund by attending the official party of the Travers.”
Sponsored by The New York Racing Association, Ketel One Vodka and Coors Light, the elaborate event will begin with cocktails circling the famed jockey fountain outside the Clubhouse gates. A formal seated dinner catered by Mazzone Hospitality will be served inside the At the Rail Pavilion at 8 p.m. The evening will also include a silent auction; as well as dancing and music from the Times Square Orchestra.
The 2014 Travers Celebration is co-chaired by Mrs. Jo Ann Oreffice, Mr. D. Wayne Lukas, and Mr. George R. Hearst III.
Cocktail attire is suggested. Tickets are available for $300 per person. A limited number of VIP tables for ten are available for $5,000 each. Tickets are available via email at [email protected] or by phone at 718-659-2332.
The Travers Celebration has raised more than $1 million for non-profit organizations in the thoroughbred industry and throughout the greater Capital Region since its inception.
The Backstretch Employee Service Team is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing care and service to maintain the health and well-being of employees in the backstretch.
The Times Union Hope Fund, a component fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, raises money and awards grants to after school and summer programs serving at risk children in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties.
The 145th edition of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers will be run at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, August 23. For up-to-date information on the Travers Celebration and other special events, please visit www.nyra.com/saratogaevents.