Should Kevin Brockley of Gansevoort, N.Y., choose the winning horse in the Aug. 3 Whitney Invitational Handicap (gr. I) at Saratoga Race Course, he will get to take home the full on-track winnings from a $15,000 wager, not having spent a penny of his own cash. Brockley will have the opportunity to direct a $15,000 win wager at Saratoga using prominent owners Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson's money as part of the Saratoga 150 celebration.
"It is absolutely amazing, a phenomenal opportunity," Brockley said. "Wow, this has all the makings of a good time."
Whitney and Hendrickson are underwriting the $75,000 Saratoga 150 promotion that offers five fans the opportunity of betting $15,000 to win on one horse in a key stakes race. The cash presentation will take place in the winner's circle after the ninth race.
The $15,000 win wager promotion will be offered each Saturday throughout the remainder of the Saratoga racing meeting that runs through Labor Day. The other designated races are: the Aug. 10 Fourstardave Handicap (gr. II); Aug. 17 Alabama Stakes (gr. I); Aug. 24 Travers Stakes (gr. I); and Aug. 31 Woodward Stakes (gr. I).
Registration for the four remaining $15,000 fan-wager drawings can be made on the sesquicentennial website, www.Saratoga150.com/contest.
Drawings for the Win wagers are held weekly, in a random, electronic-based system. Contest winners are notified by phone and e-mail, and on the Monday before the Win wager, the contest winner is announced at Saratoga. He or she must agree to be present at the track on the day of their designated race to direct the wager.
The weekly contest winner and a guest will receive VIP Clubhouse amenities, including admission, luncheon, and programs from NYRA.
Questions about the registration process or winner drawings may be directed to info@saratoga150.com.
"Saratoga 150 is going to be the biggest celebration in our town's history," said Whitney. "It needed excitement, so John came up with a fun idea."
"We wanted to support Saratoga 150 in any way we can," Hendrickson added. "I thought this promotion would appeal to Saratoga's enthusiastic and loyal fans...and recruit new ones."
An Eclipse Award of Merit winner and Jockey Club member, Whitney is the owner of Marylou Whitney Stables and the C.V. Whitney Farm near Lexington, while Hendrickson serves as Gov. Cuomo's special advisor on Saratoga to the New York Racing Association board of directors, and is CEO of Marylou Whitney Stables.
