Battle of Saratoga Handicapping Challenge
All Day Event
More than 215 horseplayers will vie for more than $250,000 in prize money during the sixth annual Battle of Saratoga Handicapping Challenge.
The tournament will offer three berths into the 2016 Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship in Las Vegas. First place in the two-day tournament, which continues on Thursday, is worth $100,000 and cash prizes will be offered to the top 25 finishers. Entry fee is $1,000 with all entry fees returned as prize money. All entries are full. This year’s handicapping challenge will be held in the upper Carousel.
Irish-American Day
11:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Saratoga will bring racing fans extra luck during Irish-American Day. The day-long celebration of culture and heritage will feature traditional Irish music, dance, food and entertainment at the Saratoga Pavilion from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The day-long festivities will feature Irish music, dance, entertainment and food. Fans are encouraged to celebrate by wearing green and decorating their backyard picnic
tables with Irish-themed décor.
Noon – Bagpipers with the Scotia-Glenville Pipe Band will be joined by Irish step dancers from The Boland School of Irish Dance to greet guests outside the Clubhouse and Union Avenue entrances.
2:15 pm – Dancers from The Boland School of Irish Dance will perform on the track apron following the day’s third race.
3:15 pm – NYRA will welcome Patricia Ward Kelly, wife of renowned actor, dancer and choreographer Gene Kelly, who was of Irish descent and best known for his roles in the classic films “Singin’ in the Rain” and “An American in Paris”. Ward Kelly will present the trophy for the day’s fifth race, named “Saratoga Salutes Hollywood Legend Gene Kelly”.
11 am to 5 pm – A number of chefs from the greater Capital Region will conduct cooking demonstrations of classic Irish dishes inside the Saratoga Pavilion during the afternoon, including Traditional Irish Soda Bread from Chef Harold Qualters of the Irish American Heritage Museum; Chocolate Orange Guinness Cake from Chef and Questar III Culinary Educator Peter Desmond; Apple Parsnip Irish Cheddar Soup from Fáilte Hospitality Consulting Chef Michael Galbraith; and Braised Corned Beef with Guinness Mustard from Wayside Country Inn Chef and Owner Sean McCarthy. Limited samples will be available.
11 am to 5 pm – Performances from An Clar School of Irish Dance, Irish band Blame Arthur Guinness, The Boland School of Irish Dance, Capital District Irish American Association Set Dancers, local Irish musician Kevin McKrell, and the Scotia-Glenville Pipe Band will take place at the Pavilion and bandstand.
11 am to 5 pm – Acclaimed exhibits highlighting Irish culture, traditions and history will be on display at the Pavilion. Participating organizations and individuals include the Irish American Heritage Museum, Capital District Irish American Association, Kerry Cattle Association, Kate Mullany House, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Albany Rebels Gaelic Football and artwork from Kevin McKrell.
Speciality food items to include:
- 4star daves – corned beef sandwiches an d Guinness brat hoagies.
- Sausage & Pepper Carts – located in the area near Moe’s and on clubhouse near carousel will have bangers and mash added to the menu.
- Beer specials and Jameson specials throughout Saratoga Race Course concessions.
- Just Spuds will have “Shamrock Spuds” on the menu – beer butter glazed fries with parsley, fried bangers, garlic, salt & cheese
- Irish Themed specials at all restaurants.
Stakes Race
General Information
40 days, July 24-September 7
Dark Tuesdays
Gates open:
Weekdays – 11:00 a.m.
Weekends- 10:30 a.m.
Travers Day – 7:00 a.m.
Post times:
1 p.m. daily (Dark Tuesdays)
11:45 a.m. on Travers Day, Saturday, August 29
12:30 p.m. on Whitney Day, Saturday, September 5 through Labor Day (Sept. 7)
For information prior to the meet please phone (718) 641-4700 or (516) 488-6000.
For information during the 2015 Saratoga meet (July 24 to Sept. 7), please call (518) 584-6200.
Event Categories: EventsEvent Tags: saratoga race course 2015
