Courtesy NYRA
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will run a series of community events during the official countdown to the 150th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers.
The most famous race at Saratoga Race Course will be held Saturday, Aug. 24.
The City of Saratoga Springs, the Downtown Business Association and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce worked with NYRA on the celebration that will feature downtown events leading up to the summer season’s marquee race.
“Travers Day is always a highlight of the summer racing season and this year will be even more memorable as we mark the 150th anniversary of this historic race,” said NYRA CEO and President Dave O’Rourke. “We are excited to partner with the city and community to extend our celebration beyond the track gates and into downtown.”
“The Travers was big news when it began in 1864, and it’s been big news ever since. There is an energy downtown, and everywhere in our city, during Travers Week that cannot be compared with anything else,” said Mayor Kelly. “The city’s longstanding and rich partnership with NYRA spent working to develop new ideas and programs has had an outstanding effect. Saratoga Season Perks is one of the recent initiatives, which gives season pass holders discounts and special offers for 55 city business partners … The 150th Travers stands to be one of the best.”
As the oldest stakes race for 3-year-olds in the United States, the Travers is an annual highlight of the Saratoga meet. It will be televised on the FOX Broadcast Network in a one-hour show on Aug. 24 that begins at 5 p.m.
A highlight of the celebration will be a meet-and-greet and autograph session with Saratoga’s leading riders on Tuesday, Aug. 20. The event, which will benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund, will take place in downtown Saratoga Springs prior to the official post-position draw for the 150th Runhappy Travers.
“Besides the chance to meet up with Saratoga’s leading riders, the Chamber will work with our members to offer additional live entertainment to create a fun and festive celebration of the Travers 150th downtown,” said Chamber President Todd Shimkus. “We really appreciate NYRA, under David’s leadership, engaging with the downtown business community and partnering with us to ensure that this year’s Travers celebration attracts people and visitors to the downtown and Saratoga Race Course.”
The Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association encouraged shops, restaurants and businesses to be a part of the Travers anniversary celebration by participating in a window-decorating contest. Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges from NYRA, the Saratoga Springs DBA and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
The top three window displays will receive special recognition during the Travers post-position draw.
Fans will also have an opportunity to win a pair of Clubhouse reserved seats for the Travers by completing the enter-to-win form located at each merchant participating in the window decorating contest. Entries will be accepted through Monday, Aug. 19.
“The running of the Travers is one of Saratoga’s most exciting summer traditions,” said Saratoga Springs DBA President Deann Devitt. “The DBA is thrilled to work beside our partners to spread the excitement of this historical event past the gates of the track and into our downtown businesses.”
Grandstand admission for Travers Day may be purchased in advance for $10 or on the day of the event for $15, subject to availability. Clubhouse admission is available for $25. Clubhouse upgrades will not be available on Travers Day. Travers Day admission may be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the NYRA Box Office at Saratoga Race Course.
For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.