Saratoga is the only racetrack in the country where fans can catch a glimpse
of all three 2009 classic winners, and on August 21, three lucky individuals
will win a chance to meet one of these great horses face-to-face.
Saratoga patrons may enter the “Triple Crown Connection” drawing to win a
meeting with Kentucky Derby (G1) winner MINE THAT BIRD (Birdstone), Preakness S.
(G1) queen RACHEL ALEXANDRA (Medaglia d’Oro) or Belmont S. (G1) victor SUMMER
BIRD (Birdstone), as well as breakfast for four on the Porch and a Clubhouse box
for four on August 26.
“We are so fortunate to have the winners of all three Triple Crown races this
year stabled here at Saratoga,” Director of Marketing Neema Ghazi said. “While
it’s a treat to watch them on track in the mornings, we wanted to give race fans
the exclusive opportunity to meet this diverse group of classic winners
one-on-one.”
Each guest will receive a blank entry slip with paid admission to the track
on August 21. Completed entries will be accepted beginning at 11 a.m. (EDT) at
the Paddock information booth, Bunbury’s Pub in the backyard and the first floor
Grandstand information booth. All entries must be received by 3 p.m. in order to
be included in the drawing; limit one entry per guest.
Just after the day’s 5TH race, at approximately 3:30 p.m., five winning
numbers will be called by announcer Tom Durkin and winners will have 45 minutes
(until 4:15 p.m.) to report to the first floor Grandstand information booth to
claim their prizes. At 4:30 p.m., each individual winner will be invited to the
winner’s circle to choose a prize envelope.
Three of the five prize envelopes will contain “Golden Tickets” redeemable
for a “Classic Connection” with one of this year’s Triple Crown race winners.
The other two envelopes will contain consolation “Silver Tickets” redeemable for
breakfast on the Porch for two and reserved Clubhouse seating for two on August
26. Winners must be present to collect and redeem a Triple Crown Connection
prize package.
On August 26, each of the three lucky winners and three guests will enjoy
breakfast on the Porch while watching the horses exercise in the morning. From
there, each group of four will spend the day watching the races live from a
private Clubhouse box.
At approximately 10 a.m. the Mine That Bird and Summer Bird winners along
with their guests will depart for a meeting with their classic winner. The
Rachel Alexandra meeting is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. All winners will receive a
photo of their meeting with the horse as a keepsake.