The New York Racing Association, in conjunction with the Capital District Transportation, announced on July 6 the return of a summer tradition— breakfast at Saratoga Race Course.
In mid-June, with growing adult vaccinations among adult New Yorkers, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced the removal of COVID-19 protocols and restrictions for nearly all activities and industries, including outdoor sports and entertainment venues. Accordingly, NYRA opened all sections at Saratoga Race Course at 100 percent capacity.
Breakfast at Saratoga welcomes guests to enjoy a morning meal on The Porch of the Clubhouse at Saratoga Race Course while the thoroughbreds train on the main track. Breakfast is held daily from 7-9:30 a.m. and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted.
There is no breakfast on Runhappy Travers Day, Saturday, Aug. 28 and Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6.
NYRA also announced a attractions, entertainment and events for the season.
“We are excited to welcome everyone back for the 2021 Saratoga racing season,” said Jonathan Scherzer, CDTA director of marketing. “We’re expecting full trolleys and a lot of excitement for the meet as the Capital Region resumes all the special events we have come to enjoy. There is so much history and tradition surrounding Saratoga Race Course. There just isn’t a better place to be this summer.”
The morning breakfast buffet is $20 for adults and $12 for kids under 12 years of age. Admission is free during breakfast hours. NYRA TV analyst and handicapper Anthony Stabile, who also serves as the host of Breakfast at Belmont, will provide commentary and conduct interviews with trainers and connections during Breakfast at Saratoga.
Mornings at Saratoga also welcome fans to go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour, courtesy of CDTA. Tram tours run from 7:30-9 a.m. and depart from the Clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length.
Tram tours are not offered on Runhappy Travers Day and Labor Day.
“In addition to world-class thoroughbred racing, fans this season will once again enjoy an outstanding lineup of entertainment and events designed to enhance an afternoon at Saratoga Race Course,” said NYRA Senior Director of Communications Pat McKenna. “This will be a summer to remember and we very much look forward to welcoming fans back to Saratoga for a reunion like no other.”
The 2021 Saratoga summer meet will include:
Berkshire Bank Family Sundays, featuring a wide variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions and educational activities each Sunday at the Berkshire Bank Family Zone.
Military Appreciation Day, Thursday, July 22. All veterans and active-duty military will receive free Grandstand admission with military ID.
Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund Awareness Day, Saturday, July 31. Saratoga Race Course will have autograph signings and photo opportunities as part of Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund (PDJF) Day Across America.
Fabulous Fillies Day, Thursday, Aug. 5 will honor local breast cancer survivors while supporting To Life!, a Capital Region nonprofit organization which provides personalized breast cancer education and support services.
Saratoga Cooler Bag Giveaway, presented by Saratoga Casino Hotel, Sunday, Aug. 15. Free with paid admission, while supplies last.
Runhappy Travers Day, Saturday, Aug. 28. The card will include seven stakes. Gates open at 7 a.m.
Saratoga fleece hoodie giveaway. Free with paid admission, while supplies last.