Leading up to the August 27th 142nd
running of the Travers Stakes, Saratoga Race Course is continuing to
increase its attendance numbers over the same period in 2010, and a host of
special events await visitors.
For example, this Thursday, Aug 18,cadets
from the U. S. Military Academy at West Point will be performing for the
crowd before the day's first race singing the national anthem in the
winner's circle. The cadets will also sing the West Point alma mater prior
to the running of the West Point Stakes, presented by Trustco Bank.
The popular nationally syndicated talk
radio show Free Beer and Hot Wings will perform live from the Race Course.
NYRA spokesperson, Dan Silver, passes along word that the " Clubhouse gate
on Wright Street will open at 5:30 a. m. for fans who wish to attend the
live broadcast."
Saratoga attracts the rich and famous, as
it has since it first opened racing in 1864, and the Grade 1, $1 million
Travers Stakes, according to Silver, " Is the oldest major stake race in the
country for 3-year olds."
The surprising thing about attending a day
at Saratoga Race Course is that you never know who you'll see. Friday's
schedule also features the Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon to be
held at the track's upper Carousel area, that will be attended by BCRF
Founder and Chairman and The Estee Lauder Companies' Senior Corporate Vice
President Evelyn H. Lauder. She'll serve as Honorary Co-Chair of the
Luncheon. The luncheon will also honor Anne Campbell of Dogwood Stable, for
what Silver describes as, "Her extensive community service and role in the
thoroughbred racing community."
If you're visiting Saratoga on August 23,
you may want to attend and The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame "
La Fiesta" from 5 p. m. to 8 p. m. celebrating the backstretch culture where
food can be purchased from El Mariachi Restaurant, and you can enjoy
authentic live music and dance. Silver says music will be provided by Jose
Conde who won Best Latin Album at the Independent Music Awards in 2008.
Carlos Osorio and Cumba Dance Spirit will also be performing. The kids will
also be able to enjoy pinatas and traditional crafts.
Funding for this special backstretch even
is provided by the New York Racing Association (NYRA), New York State
Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and Saratoga's own Marylou Whitney and her
husband, John Hendrickson.
