NYRA Hosts Thoroughbred Retirement Day at Saratoga Race Course

In honor of Thoroughbred Retirement Day, NYRA Chief Operating Officer, Harold G. Handel, presented checks for $5000 to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Old Friends and the Exceller Fund for their efforts in raising awareness about horse rescue and retirement.

NYRA was also pleased to welcome ReRun, Peaceful Acres and Pure Thoughts who joined us outside the Jockey Silks room where they provided informational materials about their programs and collected donations.

Earlier in the day, ESPN commentator, Jeannine Edwards, and her horse, Ashkal Way, provided a dressage presentation for our fans. Ashkal Way, formerly owned by Godolfin, began his career in Ireland. He won 7 of his 8 starts in the United States, 5 of which were at New York tracks. His earnings reach almost $800,000 before he was retired following an injury in 2007.

Jeannine Edwards took him into her care and began dressage training. Dressage is commonly referred to as horse ballet. Its goals are the "harmonius development of the physical ability of the horse, resulting in a calm, supple, and confidant animal who is in perfect understanding of his rider."

Ashkal Way is currently showing at First Level competitions and he has received a Blue Ribbon in 3 of his 4 events. According to Edwards, "Ashkal Way is proof positive that retired Thoroughbreds can and do excel at second careers."

Saratoga Race Course Celebrates Fabulous Fillies Day

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) will celebrate women and the glamour they bring to Saratoga Race Course with a special day appropriately titled “Fabulous Fillies Day” on Friday, August 20.

The day will feature a number of special events and activities designed to honor women of the thoroughbred industry while raising funds to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

The first 25,000 fans through the admission gates will each receive a pink breast cancer support bracelet, courtesy of BCRF.

“Women are a central part of the summer racing season at Saratoga Race Course. We invite ladies to join us for a stylish and fun day at the track on Fabulous Fillies Day,” said NYRA Director of Community Relations Joanne K. Adams. “We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of several extraordinary women while raising awareness and funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.”

The femme-friendly day will begin when breast cancer survivors and supporters are invited to gather in the Paddock for a Pink Parade. The parade, which honors the courage and perseverance of breast cancer survivors, will begin at 11 a.m.

Later that afternoon, representatives from Betfair TVG, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), and NYRA will present BCRF with a combined donation of $25,000 to support the organization’s efforts to find a cure for breast cancer.

The day will also honor two of Saratoga’s leading ladies: Linda Rice and Suzie O’Cain. Rice catapulted to national recognition after winning the 2009 training title at Saratoga Race Course, making her the first woman to win the title at a major race meet. As a tribute to her accomplishments, Rice will be presented with a special commemorative plate following the day’s first race, which will be named in her honor.

The Find a Cure Stable, founded by O’Cain, will be recognized for its unique mission, through which the stable donates 10 percent of all winnings to BCRF. The stable’s jockey silks reflect its mission with a white shirt and pink sleeves, emblazoned with the iconic Breast Cancer ribbon logo. The stable will sell hats and t-shirts to benefit BCRF from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in front of the Jockey Silks Room.

NYRA Vice President of Racing PJ Campo will card several filly and mare overnight races in concert with the day’s theme. In each of the day’s corresponding races, the horses will wear pink saddle towels and grooms will be outfitted in pink jackets. Participating horsemen and jockeys have pledged to donate a portion of their purse earnings from the day to support BCRF.

Saratoga Race Course will also feature a special pink NYRA flag in flight overhead. Pink bunting, ribbons and flowers will adorn the track, including a pink flower blanket on the horse statue in the Paddock.

Beginning at noon, track guests can bid on a number of luxury items at a silent auction. Auction items include a set of Judith Ripka cushion stone earrings adorned with a honey citrine stone and diamonds from Northeastern Fine Jewelry; two reserved seats at Saratoga Race Course for the 141^st Travers Stakes on Saturday, Aug. 28; and the opportunity to shadow ESPN commentator Jeannine Edwards and receive a behind-the-scenes tour at Belmont Park the day before the running of the 2011 Belmont Stakes. All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit BCRF. The silent auction will be held in the luxury tent opposite the Jockey Silks Room until 4 p.m.

The recently crowned Miss New York will make a special guest appearance on Fabulous Fillies Day. Claire Buffie will be joined by several contestants from the Miss New York pageant to meet fans, sign autographs, and collect donations for BCRF throughout the afternoon in the backyard near the Big Red Spring. Miss New York will also co-present the trophy for the day’s race named in honor of Fabulous Fillies Day.

Hollywood hat designer Patricia Underwood, whose headpieces have been featured in the films Four Weddings and a Funeral and Sabrina, will also make a special appearance for the day. Pieces from Underwood’s latest line, as well as designer apparel and accessories from global luxury brand St. John Boutique, will be modeled from 1 to 4 p.m.

Additionally, a number of refreshments will be available in an effort to raise awareness and funds to support breast cancer research. A specialty signature cocktail, The Grey Goose Pink Ribbon, and pink lemonade will be available at various locations, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Donations to BCRF can be made throughout the day at the community outreach booth in front of the Jockey Silks Room, where BCRF executives and volunteers will be available to discuss the organization’s mission, goals and services.

Ladies are invited to stroll through the backyard to visit the B95.5 Women’s Expo, where a host of interactive exhibit and demonstrations focused on beauty, health care and leisure will be on display. The expo, located near the Big Red Spring, will be open from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Expo highlights include:

• Ania Hair Studio will host the only stylists in the area certified in the Ouidad, a haircut patented specifically for curly hair.
  

• Rumors, a hair salon and spa, will showcase their specialty up-dos, the perfect accessory to complement ladies’ track attire.

• The Wesley Community will provide guests with information about a variety of elder care options available at the continuum care community, plus strategies for adapting to roles as caregivers for aging parents.

• Ellis Hospital will present healthcare information specifically for women including cardiac and neurological health, stroke prevention, maternity care and breast and pelvic health.

• Wilton Mall at Saratoga will showcase the latest in track and fall fashions.

• Arbonne International will present a line of inner and outer health and beauty products.

• American Laser Centers will feature information on laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation and cellulite reduction services.

• The Crissy Sun Catcher will have on display a product designed to protect against the sun’s harmful rays to allow you to enjoy the outdoors even on the hottest days.
• Rosebud Johnnies will showcase the latest styles in handbags.

Fabulous Fillies Day is sponsored by Betfair TVG, NYTHA and NYRA. For up-to-date information on Fabulous Fillies Day and other special events, please visit www.nyra.com/saratogaevents.

About The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder as an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translational research. In October 2010, BCRF will award $33 million to over 170 scientists across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. Over the past year, more than 88 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation went directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs. And the American Institute of Philanthropy has awarded the Foundation its highest possible rating of A+. BCRF is the only breast cancer organization to receive this accolade; and is the only cancer organization to currently hold this ranking. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

NYRA hosts the RACE FOR EDUCATION at Saratoga Race Course

NYRA was pleased to host the RACE FOR EDUCATION at Saratoga Race Course on July 30th. In addition to using the Community Outreach Booth to provide information about their organization and collect donations, they presented their Annual Scholarship check during the trophy presentation for the Fleet Indian Stakes.

The Fleet Indian Scholarship was established in honor of Fleet Indian, winner of the Personal Ensign and the 2006 Eclipse Award, and presented to a New York student wishing to pursue a career in the Thoroughbred industry. This scholarship is personally funded by Paul Saylor.

Mr. Saylor along with Elisabeth Jensen, Executive Director of the Race For Education, were proud to present a check for $10,000 to Samantha Wheeler, the 2010 Fleet Indian Stakes Scholarship winner.

Coaching Club American Oaks Debut in Saratoga is Showcased in Style

Beautiful coaches from the 19th century adorned the entrances of Saratoga Race Course to celebrate the debut of the Coaching Club American Oaks race to this historic track this year!

NYRA opens the 142nd race meet at Saratoga Race Course

NYRA opened the 142nd race meet at Saratoga Race Course on July 23rd with the new arrival of restauranteur Danny Meyer's Shake Shack, Blue Smoke and The Paddock Bar. Located next to the paddock, this exciting new addition will allow our fans to enjoy fine fare in a beautiful setting until 9pm.
Opening weekend will feature the Saratoga debut of the Betfair TVG Coaching Club American Oaks on July 24th and NYRA will showcase this day with a display of antique coaches from the late 19th century.
NYRA is proud to offer the Community Outreach Booth for the race season. Organizations from the surrounding communities will have an opportunity to showcase their mission and collect donations on track. In addition, NYRA is proud to support our local organizations through the donation of our Community Outreach Box which has assisted in raising thousands of dollars for charity. For information about the Booth or Box, all interested parties may contact me at 518-584-6200, extension 4805.

"Kiaran's Kids" Enjoy Summer Outing at Belmont Park

Thursday was a great afternoon for a group of elementary school students from Elmont, starting with a behind-the-scenes backstretch tour of trainer Kiaran McLaughlin’s barn and finishing with a winner’s circle celebration at Belmont Park.

McLaughlin, who has hosted small groups of sixth-graders as part of an after-school program with Gateway Youth Outreach since last fall, received an expanded audience Thursday as 29 children in grades 4-6 assembled at his barn for a horseshoeing demonstration from farrier Liam Goodwin and an equine anatomy lesson and x-ray demonstration from veterinarian Kristian Rhein, DVM, CVA.

Artie Magnuson, McLaughlin’s assistant trainer, and office manager Cate Masterson toured the kids through the barn area and shared details about the thoroughbreds’ daily routine, feeding, and care.

"The program was great today and we have Kiaran, Artie and Cate to thank,” said Patrick Boyle, executive director of Gateway Youth Outreach, Inc. “It’s a relationship that we look forward to keeping up throughout the year. These kids listened very attentively to everything that they heard today and got a great lesson."

Gateway Youth Outreach supports the youth of Belmont Park’s neighboring community of Elmont, with a number of programs and services including counseling, education and recreation. Thursday’s program at Belmont Park was sponsored by Capital One, and three Capital One Community Corps volunteers also attended.

After their morning on the backstretch, the group returned to the front side for lunch at Belmont Park, then assembled in the winner’s circle to cheer the McLaughlin-trained Hatheer as she opened up in the stretch to win a first-level allowance race on the Widener Turf Course.

“It’s a lot of fun,” McLaughlin said. “Cate and Artie take a lot of time with the kids and it’s nice to see them get into the horse racing scene a little bit and see what goes on behind the fences here. We enjoy it as much as they do.”

Both McLaughlin and The New York Racing Association, Inc., were presented with honors from Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray late last year for their efforts in arranging the weekly educational sessions. Two more student groups from Gateway Youth Outreach are expected to attend similar sessions with McLaughlin planned for July 22 and 29 at Belmont Park.

Jockey Autograph Session at Belmont Park Raises $1000 For Barbaro Fund

On Saturday, June 26th, a jockey autograph session hosted by Pfizer Animal Health at Belmont Park raised $1000 to be shared equally by the Barbaro Fund for Equine Health and Safety Research and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Jockeys who participated in the autograph session included Barbaro's regular rider Edgar Prado, John Velasquez, Javier Castellano and Mike Luzzi.

Dr. Dean Richardson, Chief of Surgery, George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center, accepted a check for $37,276 which reflected the final disbursement from the NTRA Charities - Barbaro Memorial Fund.

"Barbaro's legacy was on full display on Saturday, raising money for two outstanding causes," said Barkley Porter, VP of Sales and Business Development for the NTRA. We sincerely thank Pfizer Animal Health and Belmont Park for their invaluable assistance in making the day possible."