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Jockeys-Versus-Horsemen Charity Basketball Game Returns To Saratoga On Sept. 1

The 13th annual jockeys-versus-horsemen charity basketball game, which benefits the programs of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, will be played Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 6:30 p.m.

The game, which was not able to be played last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is one of the most popular events on the Saratoga social calendar and it routinely attracts more than 300 fans. Admission is free.

The jockey team will again be coached by Hall of Fame jockey Ángel Cordero Jr., with trainer Todd Pletcher and agent Kiaran McLaughlin coaching the horsemen team. Mitch Levites of the NYRA television department will serve as the announcer and provide lively commentary.

Proceeds from this event serve to benefit signature programs of the NY Race Track Chaplaincy.

“We are delighted to be able to play the game this year,” said Humberto Chavez, the New York Chaplaincy lead chaplain and executive director. “This is a cherished tradition, and everyone really missed it last year. The funds go to support the backstretch community and Saratogians are great supporters of those who take care of the horses behind the scenes.”

Fans will be able to participate in raffles and one lucky fan will leave with a custom, autographed bobblehead of champion jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.

The NY Race Track Chaplaincy provides the backstretch community with children's enrichment, social service, and recreational programs, as well as educational opportunities, and non-denominational religious services.

Horsemen, individuals, or organizations who would like to sponsor the game may do so via the NY Chaplaincy website at www.rtcany.org or by contacting Eleanor Poppe at info@rtcany.org or 516-428-5267.

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COVID-19: Prairie Meadows Reinstitutes Mask Mandate

Effective Aug. 1 at 8 a.m., Prairie Meadows' guests and employees must wear a face mask or covering while on property. Prairie Meadows will be continue to do their part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

Prairie Meadows safety measures include:

• Face masks or coverings are required to be worn at all times on property.
• 100% of the air is exchanged every 15 minutes through a two-stage filtration process that includes an anti-microbial treatment.
• High-grade disinfectants and electrostatic sprayers are used on a rigorous cleaning schedule to sanitize the property daily.

To review Prairie Meadows entire health and safety measures plan, visit https://www.prairiemeadows.com/safety.

About Prairie Meadows
Prairie Meadows began operations as a nonprofit organization in 1989 with the goal of promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in the state of Iowa. Through taxes, grants, and charitable donations, Prairie Meadows has given more than $1.9 billion to the state of Iowa, Polk County, City of Altoona, City of Des Moines, and Polk County Schools, and numerous other local and state charities. Prairie Meadows offers slot machines, table games, sports wagering, live and simulcast racing, hotel accommodations, entertainment, and more.

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The Queen’s Plate To Welcome Back Spectators

One of Canada's most prestigious annual sporting events is excited to welcome back spectators for the first time since June of 2019.

The $1 million Queen's Plate, the longest continuously run Thoroughbred stakes race in North America, will be raced on Sunday, August 22 in front of a crowd of fans at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. It is the first jewel of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown and showcases Canada's top three-year-old Thoroughbreds.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome back spectators as this event just really isn't the same without them,” said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “Last year we were proud to be able to run this historic race in very challenging circumstances due to the pandemic, but our fans were greatly missed. This year, we can't wait to host spectators and return The Queen's Plate traditions of fashion, live music, and gourmet food and drinks, all centered around the very best horse racing in the country.”

With Ontario currently in Step 3 of its “Roadmap to Reopen Plan”, horse racing facilities are permitted to have up to 50% of their typical capacity. For The Queen's Plate at Woodbine Racetrack this includes grandstand seating, general admission (access to the second and third floor of the grandstand but no assigned seat), seating in its restaurants (Post Parade and The Patio at Champions), and the Premium Trackside Experience which includes two drink tickets, gourmet BBQ, racing programs and front row/rail side access to watch the big race and a special musical performance. The total inventory is estimated at approximately 5,000 tickets. In years past, upwards of 35,000 spectators have attended The Queen's Plate with expanded hosting areas which will not be permitted this year.

More details about the event, including a special musical performance, will be announced in the coming days.

Well-established COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place to offer spectators a safe and enjoyable experience.

“As excited as we are to welcome back fans to The Queen's Plate, we take the safety of our guests, employees, and horse racing participants extremely seriously and have throughout the pandemic,” said Lawson. “Fans can expect to be and feel safe, and have a great experience.”

Tickets for The 162nd Queen's Plate go on-sale to the general public tomorrow at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. Dining tickets go on-sale on Tuesday, August 3 at 10 a.m. General admission tickets are $20 and grandstand tickets start at $35.

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With Loosening Travel Restrictions, Woodbine Readies For U.S. Participants

With lucrative stakes races approaching and travel restrictions loosening, Woodbine Entertainment is ready to welcome participants from the United States to Woodbine Racetrack.

As of Aug. 9, 2021, Canada will begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel.

Fully vaccinated travelers will not have to quarantine upon arrival in Canada. Any unvaccinated travelers entering Canada will be required to quarantine for 14 days, unless granted a quarantine exemption.

All travelers arriving in Canada are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test conducted within the prior 72 hours. Woodbine will also seek proof of this negative COVID-19 test for its own records.

August and September mark the richest months of racing during the 2021 Woodbine Thoroughbred season with more than $8 million in stakes to be contested plus additional world-class racing opportunities. A total of 15 graded stakes, including five Grade 1 events, will be contested through August and September. To view the entire stakes schedule, click here.

With this significant part of the racing season nearing, owners, trainers and jockeys from the United States should familiarize with the new Canada border measures ahead of its reopening on Aug. 9. An “Entering Canada Checklist” can be found by clicking here.

Ahead of the Aug. 9 border reopening, any individual coming from outside Canada seeking immediate access to Woodbine Racetrack will be permitted if a quarantine exemption is granted and a negative COVID-19 test is provided. Those individuals will be enrolled in Woodbine's Enhanced Screening Program.

Woodbine Entertainment looks forward to welcoming all members of the racing community over the coming weeks and months. Participants can find all relevant racing information and contact information by visiting www.Woodbine.com/Horsepeople/.

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