Three jump races and one turf race will be presented by the National Steeplechase Association during the 30th annual open house at Saratoga Race Course from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 18.
Post times for the races, for which there will be no pari-mutuel wagering, are 1:30, 2:05, 2:40 and 3:15 p.m.
Presented by the New York Racing Association, the open house will include carnival games, music, inflatables, circus shows, handicapping seminars, tours, and an array of food and beverages. Admission and parking are free to the open house.
Other activities include a presentation by the Islip Horsemen’s Association Long Island Drill Team the seventh annual mascot race, which pits mascots from local sports teams and well-known brands against one another in a race down the main track.
According to a release from the New York Racing Association, proceeds from food and beverages benefit local charities and non-profit organizations such as Living Resources, the Saratoga-Wilton BPOE, the Jewish Community Center, the Children’s Museum, the Racing City Chorus, the Brookside Museum, Saratoga EOC, the Saratoga Rowing Association and the Knights of Columbus.
Visitors to the open house can have their photograph taken and placed on a magnet, with proceeds from the magent sales to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Also, the Saratoga Economic Opportunity Council, a non-profit program that provides aid to low- and/or fixed-income families in crisis, will greet patrons at the gates in an effort to collect non-perishable canned goods. With the donation of at least three non-perishable food items, patrons will receive a 2010 NYRA calendar.
Season passes for the upcoming 2010 Saratoga Race Course season will be available for purchase at the grandstand customer service center. The passes are $75 for clubhouse and $35 for grandstand. The passes are good for the entire 40-day Saratoga meet, including Travers Stakes Day on Saturday, Aug. 28.