Racing fans will converge on Saratoga Race Course and downtown Saratoga
Springs for a pair of exciting events on the eve of the 143rd running of the
Grade 1, $1 million Travers.
The third annual
Travers Eve party will be held on Broadway in Saratoga Springs on Friday
from 7 to 10 p.m. (EDT). Presented by The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA)
and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the event features a jockey
autograph session, entertainment, live music, food and family-friendly
activities in celebration of the oldest major stakes race in the country for
three-year-olds.
The fun begins earlier in the day at noon when the backyard of Saratoga Race
Course plays host to the area’s best breweries as adults enjoy the ultimate in
beer tasting during the 15th annual
Battle of the Brews.
Fans will have their pens ready when meeting Saratoga’s world-class jockeys
during a special autograph session at the Saratoga Downtowner parking lot on
Broadway from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Top riders from Saratoga will meet fans and sign
autographs. Fans will receive a free 2012 Jockey Autograph Book while supplies
last. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys
Fund.
Visitors of all ages are invited to make their way down Broadway to various
retailers to receive a free strand of Saratoga Mardi Gras beads with a medallion
featuring the Travers 2012 logo. The commemorative giveaway item will be
available at the following locations: Ben & Jerry’s; Celtic Treasures; Crafters
Gallery; G. Willikers; Gaffney’s; Impressions; Maestro’s at the Van Dam; Olde
Bryan Inn; Phila Fusion; Plum Dandy; Soave Faire; Sushi Thai; and Wheatfield’s
(one item per person; while supplies last).
A number of family-friendly musicians and entertainers will stroll along
Broadway throughout the evening, including Olivia Quillio, Racing City Chorus,
Ron Bill’s New Orleans Stompers, Sparkles the Tall Juggler, face painter PJ
Duell and balloon artists Mr. and Mrs. Bill.
Patrons 21 years and older can begin their pre-Travers activities at Saratoga
Race Course during the day with a chance to sample microbrews from an array of
local breweries. Fans will also be able to weigh in on their favorites in
categories including “people’s choice” and “judge’s choice.” Brewers will engage
in the frothy throwdown in the backyard at Saratoga Race Course, just inside the
Union Avenue entrance, from noon to 4 p.m.
Participating breweries include Adirondack Pub & Brewery; Anchor Brewery;
Angry Orchard; Batch 19; Brooklyn Brewery; Dundee Brewing Company; Founders
Brewing Co.; Harpoon Brewery; Ithaca Beer Company; Lake Placid Brewery; Long
Trail Brewery; Magic Hat; Narragansett Brewing Company; Olde Saratoga Brewery;
Otter Creek Brewery; Palm Brewery; Peak Organic Brewery; Sam Adams; Saranac
Brewery; Sierra Nevada; Steadfast Beer Co.; Switchback; Wolaver’s Organic
Brewing; Woodchuck Cider. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will also be
available.
Admission is $30 per person, which includes a souvenir tasting glass. All
proceeds benefit the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter.
On Saturday, August 25, the gates of Saratoga Race Course will open at 7 a.m.
for the Travers at the classic distance of a mile and a quarter. The Travers Day
undercard will include the Grade 1 King’s Bishop, the Grade 1 Test and the Grade
2 Ballston Spa. First post time is 11:35 a.m.
Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com