The New York Racing Association has designated Friday, Aug. 17, as “Fabulous Fillies Day” at Saratoga Race Course and activities throughout the day will help support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
All fans who wear pink will receive free grandstand and clubhouse admission that day, according to a NYRA release. An all-filly racing program will be carded that day and the horses will wear pink saddle towels. Grooms will be outfitted in pink bibs and 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 will also feature a pink cover.
“Women are a central part of the summer racing season at Saratoga Race Course. We invite ladies to join us for a stylish and fun day at the track on Fabulous Fillies Day,” NYRA director of community relations Joanne K. Adams said in the release. “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 to raise funds for BCRF, an independent, not-for-profit organization that funds scientific research aimed at prevention and a cure for breast cancer. In October 2011, BCRF awarded $36.5 million to 187 scientists.
The day’s activities will be highlighted by a luncheon that will honor Thoroughbred owner and breeder Virginia Kraft Payson, who was also a pioneering woman sports journalist and author, and an avid sports enthusiast.
The luncheon, called the "Sizzling Hot Pink Saratoga Hat Luncheon," is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. (EDT) in the At the Rail Pavilion and is being held in memory of BCRF founder and chairman Evelyn H. Lauder. It will be emceed by ESPN’s Jeannine Edwards.
The featured speaker for the event is Dr. J. Dirk Iglehart, Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, who will lead a discussion titled “Breast Cancer: How We Are Winning the Race.”
During the luncheon, representatives from the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and NYRA will present BCRF with a combined donation of $10,000 to support the organization’s efforts.
Among the items available at a silent and live auction is the opportunity to own a piece of a Thoroughbred, courtesy of West Point Thoroughbreds.
Tickets for the luncheon are $150 per person, with all proceeds from ticket sales to also benefit BCRF.
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