Thursday, September 2, 2010
Contact:
mbardack@edlewi.com or cmerrill@edlewi.com
FINAL STRETCH FESTIVAL TO CULMINATE IN FREE ADMISSION AT
Party at the Spa, Family Fun Fest, and Labor Day barbecue to highlight closing weekend activities
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The spirit of track season will permeate the region one last time this season as the 142nd meet at Saratoga Race Course draws to a close with Final Stretch weekend festivities, Friday, September 3 through Monday, September 6.
The New York Racing Association will conclude the 40-day meet with Fan Appreciation Day on Monday, September 6, closing day at the Spa. All fans will receive free grandstand and clubhouse admission.
“As another racing season at Saratoga comes to a close, we want to issue a special thank you to thoroughbred fans and the entire Capital Region community for the warm embrace we’ve received over the past 40 days,” said NYRA President and CEO
In addition to Fan Appreciation Day, the 2010 racing season will culminate in four days of events, food and entertainment throughout Saratoga Springs on Labor Day weekend. Beginning Friday with a “Party at the Spa” and closing with the annual Family Fun Fest on Sunday and Monday, the weekend promises great music, giveaways, children’s activities and first-class thoroughbred racing.
Party at the Spa: Friday, September 3
Fans are invited to stay after the races as the fun continues on-track for the meet’s final “Party at the Spa,” which features a special 2:30 p.m. post time and culminates in the last race of the day under a setting sun.
Previously held in the backyard, the post-racing event has been relocated to
Two Grade Ones & Final Stretch Music Festival: Saturday, September 4
The final Saturday of the meet will include the Grade 1, $250,000 Forego and the Grade 1, $750,000 Woodward. Quality Road, who was nipped at the wire by Blame in the Whitney Handicap, will headline a field of seven in the Woodward that will also include 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird.
The Forego has attracted a competitive group of 11, headed by three-time Grade 1 winner Vineyard Haven, who last time out won the James Marvin on July 23 and will be joined by stablemate Girolamo. Todd Pletcher will send out a capable duo in Bribon, the 2009 Met Mile winner who was most recently third in the Alfred Vanderbilt on August 8, and Checklist, a game victor of an optional claimer on July 26.
After the conclusion of the day’s races, fans can make their way downtown for the start of the two-day Final Stretch Music Festival. Nearly a dozen bands will provide free musical entertainment at familiar downtown locations on both Saturday and Sunday evenings. Music will fill the streets of downtown
Labor Day Barbecue, Family Fun Fest, Long-Sleeve T-Shirt Giveaway: Sunday, September 5
Saratoga Race Course will present a classic Labor Day barbecue on Sunday, September 5 and Monday, September 6. For the first time, the annual event has been expanded to two days.
For $24 ($14 for kids ages 3-12), fans can enjoy a selection of barbecue favorites, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, salad, dessert and more at the track’s At the Rail tent. The price includes Clubhouse admission and an official “Post Parade” program. Reservations are required. For tickets, call 1-888-516-NYRA.
The final Sunday marks the last premium giveaway of the season, a
Festivities will again spill over into downtown
Fan Appreciation Day, Family Fun Fest, Labor Day Barbecue and Three Chimneys Hopeful: Monday, September 6
All fans will receive free clubhouse and grandstand admission on Monday, September 6,
The traditional closing day race, the 106th running of the Grade 1, $250,000 Three Chimneys Hopeful for two-year-olds, will afford racing fans a preview at potential standouts in next year’s Kentucky Derby and Travers Stakes.
The Labor Day Barbecue will return for its second day in the At the Rail tent, providing fans with another chance to enjoy traditional barbecue fare while surrounded by world-class thoroughbred racing.
Families can also enjoy day two of the Family Fun Fest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with children’s activities returning to the backyard, including face painting, magicians, caricatures, and pony rides. Monday’s event will also include special performances by students from The Music Studio singing Broadway’s classic tunes under the direction of local choreographer Abby Todd. All performances will take place under the tent in the backyard near the Big Red Spring.
For up-to-date information on all Final Stretch activities, please visit www.nyra.com/saratogaevents.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
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
