Monday, July 12, 2010
Contact:
Mark Bardack
Gates Swing Open Early at
the 30th Annual Open House
Presented by the New York Racing Association (NYRA), the 30th annual Open House at Saratoga Race Course will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature carnival games, lively music, giant inflatables, circus shows, handicapping seminars and an array of food and beverages - all to benefit local charities. Admission and parking are free.
The National Steeplechase Association will get a jump on the racing season, presenting three hurdle races and one on the turf. No pari-mutuel wagering is available on these races at Open House. The races get underway at 1:30, 2:05, 2:40 and 3:15 p.m.
Another highlight of the day for horse lovers is the Islip Horsemen’s Association Long Island Drill Team. The team, which has participated in various distinguished events including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, will demonstrate its moves and skills as more than a dozen horses execute intricate pinwheels, circles, and V formations. The team will perform on the main track at 11:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.
Open House will also include the seventh annual mascot race, which pits famed mascots from local sports teams and well-known brands against one another in a one-of-a-kind race down the main track. This year’s participants include Bernie the Saint Bernard from Siena College; Damien the Great Dane from SUNY Albany; likenesses of Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings, Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton and Troy Mayor Harry Tutunjian; Southpaw and Rowdy from the Tri-City ValleyCats; the cat from country radio station 104.9; and newcomers Cuppie and Donut representing Dunkin’ Donuts, the title sponsor of the early and late daily doubles at Saratoga Race Course for the 2010 season: the Dunkin’ Donuts Daily Double. The mascot race will begin at noon.
The Children’s
Kids and families will have a chance to meet these fascinating cold-blooded creatures, while learning about their behaviors, habitats and lifestyles. These captivating demonstrations can be enjoyed under the Carousel at 11:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The backyard will play host to a variety of activities including pony rides, inflatables, face painting, caricatures and a petting zoo. Young racing fans can participate in the interactive Backyard Circus in the festival tent or catch some air on the popular bounce inflatables.
Open House will feature a fantastic variety of live music, including jazz favorites from the strolling swing band Captain Squeeze & The Zydeco Moshers. Musician Mark Rabin will take the stage underneath the bandstand and perform cover songs from renowned artists such as Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Elvis Presley and The Beatles.
Open House will also offer patrons a glimpse into the inner workings of the track with free backstretch tours. The tours will run every half hour beginning at 11 a.m. at the Clubhouse entrance.
Committed to supporting local community organizations,
For a small fee, visitors can have their day at the races commemorated with a special photo laminated on a 3”x 4” photo magnet. All proceeds from the photo magnet sales will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation, who in 2010 is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the inaugural wish granted by the organization.
Again this year, the Saratoga Economic Opportunity Council, a non-profit program that provides aid to low- and/or fixed-income families in crisis, will greet patrons at the gates in an effort to collect non-perishable canned goods. With the donation of at least three non-perishable food items, patrons will receive a 2010 NYRA calendar.
Visitors can also choose from a variety of tasty treats, including hamburgers, fried dough, sausage and peppers, and ice cream sandwiches. All proceeds from food and beverages benefit local charities and non-profit organizations such as Living Resources, the Saratoga-Wilton BPOE, the Jewish Community Center, the Children's Museum, the Racing City Chorus, the
Season passes for the upcoming 2010 Saratoga Race Course season will be available for purchase at the
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