The familiar gates of Saratoga Race Course will open five days early as the
New York Racing Association prepares to host its annual pre-season preview
party, the 32nd annual Open House. A Saratoga tradition held prior to the start
of racing season at North America’s most historic thoroughbred racetrack, Open
House returns to kick off a full day of fun and attractions on Sunday, July 15,
to benefit dozens of local non-profit organizations.
Saratoga’s Open House offers a free sneak-peek into the popular summer
meeting with a full day of games, activities, live music, food, pony rides,
behind-the-scenes tours, mascot races, handicapping seminars and non-wagering
horse racing. The 32nd annual Open House will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(EDT). Admission and parking are free.
The National Steeplechase Association will get a jump on the racing season by
presenting four hurdle races and one turf race that will serve as qualifiers for
the regular Saratoga meet. No pari-mutuel wagering is available on these races
which get underway every 45 minutes beginning at 1 p.m.
“The Open House event not only welcomes people to the summer Saratoga season
at the track,” NYRA President and COO Ellen McClain said, “but is also intended
to generate much needed funds for worthy local charities. We are proud of our
community partnerships and ability to serve as an engine to generate hundreds of
thousands of dollars for nonprofits over the entire racing season, beginning
with this signature event.”
Designed to support community organizations, Saratoga’s Open House raises
nearly $15,000 every year for local not-for-profit groups through the sale of
deeply discounted food and beverages. Visitors can choose from a variety of
tasty treats, including hamburgers, fried dough, sausage and peppers, and ice
cream sandwiches. All proceeds benefit area charitable organizations such as the
Knights of Columbus; Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York; Racing City Chorus;
Saratoga Rowing; Saratoga Elks; Watervliet Civic Center; Brookside Museum; St.
Clements School; Saratoga EOC; Jewish Community Center; and Saratoga
Preservation Foundation.
The Saratoga Economic Opportunity Council, a non-profit program that provides
aid to low- and/or fixed-income families in need, will greet patrons at the
gates in an effort to collect non-perishable canned goods.
Additionally, the American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at the Saratoga
Race Course during the Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through its Traveling
Donor Center. All presenting donors will receive a coupon for a free carton of
ice cream or sherbet, redeemable at any participating Friendly’s restaurant.
New this year to the entertainment lineup is The Puppet People, offering a
fun festival of frolics called Puppet Potpourri, which is a puppet variety show
that showcases trick marionettes, mouth puppets, rod puppets and a show full of
laughs for all ages. They will provide three performances, taking place at 11:30
a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Also new this year, locally-known equine artist and art instructor Mary
Francis Millet will be on hand with tips and a water color demonstration for
fans participating in the second annual Travers-themed poster contest. Millet
will join the staff at the Tiny Tots Tea Room booth to work with kids on their
creations. All materials will be provided. The grand prize winner will
have the opportunity to present a trophy in the winner’s circle as part of a
named race during the summer meet. Second and third place contestants will also
receive prizes, including birthday parties and play passes to the Tiny Tots Tea
Room.
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 12:15 p.m.
Open House will include the ninth-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. Post time is noon.
The Children’s Museum of Science and Technology will make a stop at the Open
House with its educational and explorative Leaping Lizards and Rocking Reptiles
exhibit. 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 11:30 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.
Open House will also feature live music from the strolling swing band Captain
Squeeze & the Zydeco Moshers.
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.
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 benefit the
Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The following organizations will have information and activity booths
displayed at Open House: Saratoga Hospital Guild; Saratoga EOC; The National
Center for Missing and Exploited Children; Southern Adirondack Independent
Living Center; Center for Donation and Transplant; HOPE (Homes for Orphaned Pets
Exist); Junior League of Schenectady & Saratoga Counties; Yaddo Garden
Association; and St. Mary’s School.
Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase a 2012 Saratoga season pass
at the Grandstand Customer Service Center during Open House. The passes, $75 for
clubhouse admission and $35 for grandstand, are good for the entire 40-day
Saratoga meet, including Travers Day on Saturday, August 25. Season passes will
be available at the Saratoga Reserved Seating Office starting Wednesday, July 11
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are also available by mail. For more information
about season passes and all ticket sales, please visit
www.nyra.com.
Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com