Newman E. Wait, Jr. Trials, presented by The Adirondack Trust Company, return to historic Oklahoma Training Track
Family-friendly activities to be held throughout the day
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association, Inc. today announced plans or its annual pre-season preview party at Saratoga Race Course – the 34th annual Open House on Sunday, July 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The annual day of family fun and attractions will feature carnival games, live music, pony rides, behind-the-scenes tours, handicapping seminars and an array of food and beverages. Admission and parking are free.
The highlight of the day will be the return of the Newman E. Wait, Jr. Trials, presented by The Adirondack Trust Company, held on the historic Oklahoma Training Track located across the street from the main facility. Named in honor of the well-known Saratoga Springs resident, businessman and philanthropist in 1984, the trials will consist of several exhibition flat runs beginning at 11:30 a.m. Pari-mutuel wagering will not be available on these races, but the public is invited to attend and enjoy the pure spirit of competitive racing in the old style of the country fair.
“Open House provides the perfect opportunity for families to sample all that Saratoga Race Course has to offer before the season officially begins. We are truly excited about the return of the Newman E. Wait, Jr. Trials and commend The Adirondack Trust Company on their vision to restore the exhibition runs to their original location,” said the New York Racing Association CEO and President Chris Kay. “We look forward to welcoming new and returning fans alike to take part in this pre-meet tradition.”
Acclaimed racing expert and lifelong Saratoga Springs resident Michael Veitch will lead a discussion for fans on the history of Saratoga and of the Newman E. Wait, Jr. Trials at the Oklahoma Training Track.
The Islip Horsemen’s Association Long Island Drill Team, which has participated in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, will demonstrate its skills as more than a dozen horses execute intricate pinwheels, circles and V formation on the main track.
Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy free family-friendly activities throughout the afternoon on the main property, including caricatures, face painting and bounce inflatables. Kids can also take part in an equine-themed art contest. Open House will also feature live music from Saratoga Riders, The Music Studio, Saratoga Soundtrack, Saratoga Springs High School Fiddle Club and Chelsea Cavanaugh.
Additionally, patrons can get a glimpse into the inner workings of the track with free backstretch tours every half hour beginning at 11 a.m. at the Clubhouse entrance. Handicapping seminars will also be held throughout the day.
This year’s event will continue the tradition of supporting local community organizations through the sale of discounted food and beverages, including hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage and pepper sandwiches, tacos, fish sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream bars, soda, lemonade, beer and water.
The annual event also marks the first day of processing for 2014 Saratoga season pass holders, who are required to have their photo taken at Saratoga Race Course in order to activate the season pass. All season pass holders who activate their season pass at Open House will receive a free scoop of ice cream, courtesy of The New York Racing Association and Stewart’s Shops.
Season passes will also be processed at the Union Avenue Box Office on Monday, July 14 through Thursday, July 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Beginning on Opening Day, Friday, July 18, activations will occur daily (except Tuesdays) from 8 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.
2014 Saratoga grandstand and clubhouse season passes are currently available at 151 participating Stewart’s Shops locations throughout the greater Capital Region. The Saratoga Race Course season passes are also available for purchase at www.nyra.com/saratoga.
The 2014 grandstand season pass is $30 and the 2014 clubhouse season pass is $50. A season pass provides racing fans with the opportunity to enjoy 40 days of world-class thoroughbred racing at Saratoga Race Course, including the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on Saturday, August 23 and the Grade 1, $1.5 million Whitney on Saturday, August 2. The season passes will remain on sale at Stewart’s Shops through August 1. Season passes are valid for one admission on all giveaway days.
The summer meet at Saratoga Race Course begins on Friday, July 18 and concludes on Labor Day, Monday, September 1. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, call (518) 584-6200 or log onto www.nyra.com.