The Saratoga Springs community will host the inaugural Steeplechase Festival at Saratoga, a day of racing set for Sept. 15. Proceeds from the first annual Steeplechase Festival at Saratoga will benefit both local and equine charities.
The New York Racing Association will be the host benefactor, teaming up with the National Steeplechase Association for this event, and will make available Saratoga. The infield will be accessible for the first time in over 30 years for sponsor and entertainment activities under corporate tents.
“We are excited to partner with the National Steeplechase Association for the first-ever Steeplechase Festival at Saratoga,” said NYRA president and CEO Charles Hayward. “The most historic and prestigious racetrack in the country will be a fitting venue for this family-friendly event that will benefit local and equine charities.”
Steeplechase Festival at Saratoga officials said they were gratified for the support of both NYRA and the NSA. “Steeplechase race meets are a wonderful way for members of the community to come together for a festive day of sport and socializing,” said Barry Potoker, local committee co-chair for the event. “The tradition of Saratoga Race Course provides the quintessential venue for this unique kind of experience, and we are grateful for NYRA’s generosity. The Steeplechase Festival at Saratoga will offer a wide range of sponsorship and entertainment opportunities for both national and regional businesses to get broad exposure at an exciting, high-profile event.”
NSA president Guy J. Torsilieri said the Steeplechase Festival at Saratoga promises to be a major event on the fall calendar for both steeplechasing and Saratoga Springs. "There's no better place to kick off our fall championship season," he said. "Saratoga is synonymous with high-quality racing and a high-quality racing experience."
The Steeplechase Festival at Saratoga will present at least five races, four of them over hurdles and carrying purses totaling $100,000. The feature race will be the $50,000 Saratoga Steeplechase Cup. “The Steeplechase Festival at Saratoga will be a very important addition to our fall championship season,” said NSA director of racing Bill Gallo Jr. “Its strong purse structure will attract top-notch horses aiming for major races later in the fall.”
Other festivities will include music, equine exhibitions, and shows, 5k walk/run on Saratoga Race Course, celebrities, an authentic barbeque along with other food selections, special carriage rides on the dirt race track, vendor village, and much more. As is the tradition at the Spa, a free giveaway is planned for all paid admissions.
For further event information and for sponsorship/entertainment opportunities, please contact Barry Potoker at 518-366-0946 or bpotoker@nycap.rr.com.