MEDIA ADVISORY/DAYBOOK ITEM
Saratoga Race Course to celebrate Fabulous Fillies; Proceeds from all-day event to support breast cancer research
WHAT: The New York Racing Association will celebrate women and the glamour they bring to Saratoga Race Course with a special day dedicated to the ladies.
WHEN: Friday, August 20
· 11 a.m. Opening Ceremony featuring Pink Parade with breast cancer survivors and supporters in the Paddock
· 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mammogram screening for backstretch employees at Union Avenue entrance; Ellis Medicine Mammogram Screening Bus
· 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. B95.5 Women’s Expo in the Backyard
· Noon Miss New York on site to collect donations from track patrons in the backyard to support BCRF
· Noon – 4 p.m. Silent Auction in Luxury Tent opposite Jockey Silks Room
· 1:10 p.m. Presentation to 2009 Saratoga Race Course leading trainer Linda Rice in the Winner’s Circle
· 1:35 p.m. Check presentation for $25,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation from Betfair TVG, NYRA & NYTHA in the Winner’s Circle
WHERE: Saratoga Race Course
267 Union Avenue
Saratoga Springs, New York
DETAILS: Fabulous Fillies Day will feature a number of special events and activities designed to shine a spotlight on women’s role in the thoroughbred industry while raising funds to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).
The day will begin when breast cancer survivors and supporters are invited to gather in the Paddock for a Pink Parade. Following the procession, Linda Rice and Suzie O’Cain will welcome guests during a special opening ceremony. Rice and O’Cain will be recognized throughout the day for their extraordinary accomplishments in the racing industry.
Rice catapulted to national recognition after winning the 2009 training title at Saratoga Race Course, making her the first woman to win the title at a major race meet.
The Find a Cure Stable, founded by O’Cain, will be recognized for its unique mission, through which the stable donates 10 percent of all winnings to BCRF.
Later that afternoon, representatives from Betfair TVG, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), and NYRA will present BCRF with a combined donation of $25,000 to support the organization’s efforts to find a cure for breast cancer.
In an effort to emphasize the importance of early detection and prevention, the mobile Ellis Medicine Mammogram Screening Bus will be stationed outside the Union Avenue gates to provide free screenings for Saratoga Race Course backstretch workers. (By appointment only).
Ladies are also invited to stroll through the backyard to visit the B95.5 Women’s Expo, where a host of interactive exhibits and demonstrations focused on beauty, health care and leisure will be on display.
Beginning at noon, track guests can bid on a number of luxury items at a silent auction, including a pair of Judith Ripka earrings courtesy of Northeastern Fine Jewelry. All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit BCRF.
Additionally, a number of refreshments will be available in an effort to raise awareness and funds to support breast cancer research. A specialty signature cocktail, The Grey Goose Pink Ribbon, and pink lemonade will be available at various locations, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit BCRF.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Mark Bardack or Caitlin Merrill
Ed Lewi Associates • 6 Chelsea Place • Clifton Park, NY 12065
ELA Main Office: (518) 383-6183 • FAX (518) 383-6755 (Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Saratoga Race Course Office: (518) 584-6200, x 4233, or 4739 (Wed. – Mon., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Weekend Numbers: M. Bardack Cell (518) 867-7943, or C. Merrill Cell (518) 867-2440
E-mail: mbardack@edlewi.com or cmerrill@edlewi.com
