The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will celebrate women and their contributions to the Thoroughbred industry while raising funds to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) at Fabulous Fillies Day on Friday at Saratoga.
All fans who wear pink will receive free grandstand and clubhouse admission. Saratoga Race Course will also feature a pink NYRA flag in flight overhead.
NYRA will card an all-filly racing program in concert with the day's theme. In each of the day's corresponding races, the horses will wear pink saddle towels and grooms will be outfitted in pink bibs. Pink bunting, ribbons and flowers will adorn the track, including a pink flower blanket on the horse statue in the Paddock. The day's program book will also feature a pink cover.
"Women are a central part of the summer racing season at Saratoga Race Course," NYRA Director of Community Relations Joanne K. Adams said. "We invite ladies to join us for a stylish and fun day at the track on Fabulous Fillies Day. We look forward to celebrating the role of women in racing while raising awareness and funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation."
The day will feature a number of on-track special events and activities with a feminine appeal in an effort to raise funds for BCRF. Upon arrival, ladies will be invited to make a grand entrance on a red carpet leading up to the admission gates at Union Avenue and the Clubhouse.
The first 1,000 women (ages 16 and older) through the admission gates will receive a cubic zirconia. Each will be directed to bring her stone to one of two representatives from Northeastern Fine Jewelry on track to determine if she is a recipient of a genuine diamond that will qualify her to choose from one of three Hearts on Fire diamond pendants, the world's most perfectly cut diamond.
Track patrons will also have the opportunity to commemorate the day with a special professional photograph against the backdrop of one of several iconic Saratoga scenes. The photo booth will be located near the Clubhouse/Grandstand exchange. The 5x7 photographs will be available with a $10 donation to BCRF.
Women will be treated to pink hair extensions and pink polish from Complexions Spa & Salon at the Saratoga Style tent with proceeds to benefit BCRF.
Patrons will also be able to purchase a pouch of pink-foiled horse medallions from Saratoga Sweets for $5 with proceeds to benefit BCRF. The local chocolatier will be located near the Jockey Silks Room.
Additionally, pink wristbands will be distributed to fans inside the gates with donation to BCRF.
The centerpiece of the day-long affair will be the Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) in the At the Rail Pavilion.
This year's luncheon is in memory of BCRF Founder and Chairman Evelyn H. Lauder. Since founding BCRF in 1993, Lauder spearheaded the organization's efforts to raise more than $325 million to support breast cancer research.
The luncheon will feature guest speaker J. Dirk Iglehart, MD, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, leading the discussion: Breast Cancer: How We Are Winning the Race. Dr. Iglehart's research grant is funded by The Golub Foundation.
The luncheon will honor Thoroughbred owner and breeder Virginia Kraft Payson, also a pioneer woman sports journalist and author, and an avid sports enthusiast.
The event will be emceed by Jeannine Edwards from ESPN.
During the luncheon, representatives from the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) and NYRA will present BCRF with a combined donation of $10,000 to support the organization's efforts to find a cure for breast cancer by funding clinical and translational research worldwide.
Event guests will have the opportunity to shop at the Fabulous Fillies boutique featuring Encounter, Nina McClemore, Rulu New York and the Pink Paddock.
A silent and live auction will feature fabulous prizes, including the opportunity to own a piece of a Thoroughbred, courtesy of West Point Thoroughbreds. ZED will offer complimentary sparkling wine. Farrier Wine Company and Foley Family Wine are donating all wine for the event.
Co-chairs of the Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon are Adams, Debbie Finley, Tanya Luzzi and Catalina Mueller.
Additional honorary co-chairs of the event include: Theresa Behrendt, Julie Bonacio, Jane Golub, Jaynne Carr Keyes, Maureen Lewi, Suzie O'Cain, Michele Riggi, Patty Riggi and Margie Rotchford.
General tickets are $150 per person. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Tickets may be purchased by contacting NYRA Director of Community Relations Adams by phone at 518-584-6200 or via email at jadams@nyrainc.com.
Fabulous Fillies Day will take place on the eve of the running of the Grade 1 Alabama, Saratoga's signature race for three-year-old fillies.
For up-to-date information on Fabulous Fillies Day and other special events, please visit www.nyra.com/saratogaevents.
