(Edited NYRA press release)
The Race Track Industry Program at the University of Arizona is teaming up with the New York Racing Association to offer students the opportunity to learn about the business of track management at the inaugural College Day at Saratoga Race Course. On Friday, Sept. 4, the RTIP will triple the $1,000 college scholarships NYRA will award after each race for future RTIP students.
The highlight of the day will be a drawing for college students only, featuring giveaways such as a $250 airline gift card, iPods, digital cameras, iTunes gift cards and the grand prize, $1,000 toward college tuition to be awarded after each race, courtesy of NYRA.
RTIP will supplement that offer with an additional $2,000 in scholarship money for a grand total of $3,000 for students accepted into its innovative track management program at the University of Arizona.
"The Race Track Industry Program is happy to work with NYRA to provide students an opportunity to further their education and to learn more about a possible future within the racing industry. RTIP enables students to earn a degree and gives them the experience needed to lead a successful career in race track management," said Doug Reed, director of RTIP.
On Sept. 4, all students will receive free grandstand admission with a valid college ID. The first 1,000 students also receive a free commemorative Saratoga Race Course t-shirt.
Other activities at the track that day will include such team trivia and karaoke and food and drink specials will be available throughout the day as well.
RTIP at the University of Arizona was founded in 1974 and remains today as the only program of its kind. It offers students two paths of study: the Business Path focused on race track management, regulation and pari-mutuel racing organizations; and the Equine Management Path for those students interested in racing and breeding animals. A primary component of the program is the hands-on experience students receive from internships and the insights offered by guest speakers from the racing industry.
Prospective students can learn more about the program and possible career paths from informational brochures available at College Day.
Falling on the last Friday of the meet, College Day will coincide with "Party at the Park," the first of several Labor Day weekend festivities at Saratoga Race Course. "Party at the Park" will begin with a special 2:30 p.m. post time. The event will culminate in a live post-race concert by the Guthrie Brothers in the backyard.
For up-to-date information on College Day and other special events, please visit www.nyra.com/saratogaevents.