najja thompson | Horse Racing Free Tips

Proposed Bill Would Gut Flow of Slot Money to NY Racing

Backed by a number of animal rights groups, two New York state lawmakers have introduced a bill that would end payments made to the state's racing and breeding industries from slot machine or video lottery terminal (VLT) revenue.

According to a press release issued Wednesday by the animal rights group NYCLASS, the bill would cancel out the $230-million payment made annually to horse racing and breeding and will redirect the money to “help New York's taxpayers, schools, workers and other social programs.”

NYCLASS has led the effort to ban carriage horses in New York City.

The legislation is sponsored by Linda Rosenthal in the Assembly and Zellnor Myrie in the Senate. Both are Democrats representing New York City. According to NYCLASS, it has the backing of, among others, PETA, Horseracing Wrongs, the New York State Humane Association and the Worker Justice Center of New York. NYCLASS calls the bill something that “counters decades of irresponsible waste” and will “end corporate welfare for horse racing–including millionaires and billionaires.”

“It's time we put an end to multimillion dollar taxpayer-funded subsidies that prop up a dying industry,” the press release quoted Rosenthal as saying. “The industry pockets the money to enhance purses and often abuses and neglects the horses in its care, while workers toil at low-wage jobs. We must stop subsidizing this cruel business and instead reinvest the funds where they're needed most – in public education, our human services sector, community redevelopment and wage theft prevention. My legislation is a statement of New York's evolving values, and I look forward to working with State Senator Myrie and the diverse and growing coalition of advocates to see it become law.”

The consensus among industry stakeholders Wednesday was that the bill had little chance of becoming law, but many were alarmed, nonetheless.

“This would have a disastrous effect, especially on the incentives and the momentum that the New Yor- bred program and our racing and purses have had overall,” said Najja Thompson, the executive director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders.

About $60 million, or 37.5% of all purse money paid out at the NYRA tracks, comes from VLT revenue. The percentage is much higher at Finger Lakes and at the state's many harness tracks.

The New York Racing Association was quick to denounce the effort Wednesday while labeling advocates of the bill as extremists.

“NYRA will vigorously oppose this legislation in order to protect jobs for working families, preserve the horse racing economy and ensure the sport's success now and in the future,” NYRA spokesman Pat McKenna said in a statement. “Racing support payments are not subsidies. The payments from VLT revenues are made to the thoroughbred industry in part because NYRA transferred land and other intellectual property to the state in 2008, and has acted as the steward of the properties in the years since. The VLT payments are compensation for that transaction rather than subsidies. These payments further the sport's ability to serve as an economic engine–particularly in support of the tourism and hospitality industries, which have suffered significantly due to the COVID crisis.

“NYRA looks forward to the opportunity to engage New Yorkers and lawmakers in a real conversation about the massive industry connected to horse racing throughout the state. This is precisely why NYRA joined We Are NY Racing, the diverse coalition launched in September in support of horse racing.

“Organizations like NYCLASS, PETA and Horseracing Wrongs have long been philosophically opposed to horse racing and make no secret of their desire to end the sport,” he said. “This extreme agenda would deprive working families of jobs and opportunity and would negatively impact union and hourly workers at the worst possible time. Rather than a rational public policy disagreement, these groups are only interested in how best to damage horse racing to further their own political agenda. These groups are completely out of touch with the concerns of working families here in New York, and they cannot be trusted.”

Thompson, whose group is part of the We are NY Racing Coalition, said its incumbent on everyone in the industry to educate lawmakers about the positive economic impact of the sport.

“We have to make sure we educate lawmakers and the public and let them know that these are not subsidies,” he said. “They are payments made for agreements regarding intellectual property and the transfer of land. We need to continue to stress the economic impact that horse racing provides, the jobs, the land preservation, especially from breeding farms. That is the best way to counteract these fringe groups and legislation such as this that wants to do irreparable harm to our industry.”

The post Proposed Bill Would Gut Flow of Slot Money to NY Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Ny Traffic, Shipsational Take Stakes On Empire Showcase Day

CHC Inc. and WinStar Farm's Americanrevolution, trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher and expertly piloted by Luis Saez, successfully stepped up against older company to capture the featured $300,000 Empire Classic on Saturday's lucrative Empire Showcase Day card, at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.

The special 10-race card devoted to horses bred in the Empire State boasted six stakes worth a combined $1.35 million.

“Today's Empire Showcase Day was a prime example of the success and integral role the New York-bred program has in the thoroughbred racing industry,” said Najja Thompson, Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. “Each of our three annual showcase days highlight the quality of talent being produced by the breeders of our state and the opportunities available in incentives for breeders, along with exceptional purses for owners and horsemen.”

Americanrevolution, a sophomore son of Constitution bred by Fred W. Hertrich, III and John D. Fielding, completed a hat trick of wins in August with an impressive five-length win in the nine-furlong Albany on New York Showcase Day at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

The talented chestnut entered Saturday's test from a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby on September 25 at Parx Racing in Bensalem, Penn. He made his return to state-bred company a winning one with a convincing 11 3/4-length score in the nine-furlong event for 3-year-olds and up which was contested over a sloppy and sealed main track in Race 9.

Sea Foam, winner of the Evan Shipman in August at the Spa, led the field through splits of 22.85 and 45.84 with two-time Empire Classic winner Mr. Buff tracking in second and Americanrevolution outside rivals and clear in third. Americanrevolution advanced at will through the turn, overtaking Sea Foam at the head of the lane and powered home to a visually-impressive score in 1:49.11.

Wild Banker completed the exacta by a nose over Sea Foam. Danny California, Captain Bombastic, Tiergan, Three Jokers, and Mr. Buff rounded out the order of finish.

Americanrevolution graduated at second asking sprinting six furlongs against older company over Big Sandy on June 20 and followed with a romping 7 1/4-length score in the New York Derby at Finger Lakes ahead of his Albany coup. A $275,000 purchase at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Preferred New York-bred Sale, Americanrevolution is out of the Super Saver mare Polly Freeze. Sent to post as the 2-5 mutuel favorite, Americanrevolution paid $2.90 for a $2 win bet.

Elliott Walden, President and CEO of WinStar Farm, said the Constitution chestnut has proven to be among the elite sophomores currently in training.

“He's a very nice horse. I think he's probably the ninth or tenth best 3-year-old in the country right now,” Walden said. “Some of the better ones are retiring after this year so if he comes back well, who knows how it goes next year. He's certainly done nothing wrong and I'm very excited of what's ahead for him.”

Barry Schwartz's Sharp Starr made a triumphant return to stakes company, rallying from last-of-10 to post a 3 1/4-length victory in the $250,000 Empire Distaff for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up going 1 1/16 miles in Race 8.

The 4-year-old Munnings filly, who won the Grade 3 Go for Wand to cap her sophomore season in December at Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park, N.Y., looked fresh in her first start in more than two months, overtaking Make Mischief at the top of the stretch and powering home a winner in a 1:44.23 final time for trainer Horacio DePaz.

Sharp Starr, off at 16-1, was put under a hold by Jose Ortiz as Trinni Luck led the field through the opening quarter in :23.19, the half in :46.62, and three-quarters in 1:10.91. Ortiz utilized a ground-saving trip before tipping Sharp Starr out entering the turn. With Make Mischief overtaking the tiring pacesetter, Sharp Starr took aim at her rival and overtook her in the stretch to register her first win in five starts this year. Sharp Starr, bred by Stonewell Farm, returned $34.40 in improving to 4-3-3 in 14 starts while increasing her career bankroll to $224,545.

DePaz said Sharp Starr could look to defend her title in the one-mile $250,000 Grade 3 Go for Wand on December 4 at Aqueduct.

“It's definitely a possibility,” DePaz said. “She handled the mile and a sixteenth fine here, so we'll see what her perfect distance will be. We'll keep that race under consideration.”

Ice Princess rallied for second under Saez, with Make Mischief running third. Mrs. Orb, Bank Sting, Maiden Beauty, Dancing Kiki, Byhubbyhellomoney, Trinni Luck, and Vienna Code completed the order of finish.

Iris Smith Stable's Shipsational kicked off the stakes action on Empire Showcase Day by fending off 4-5 favorite Overstep's re-rally effort to win the $250,000 Sleepy Hollow for juveniles contesting a one-turn mile in Race 3.

The Edward Barker-trained Shipsational, who captured the Bertram F. Bongard on September 26 at Belmont, notched his second consecutive stakes win by leading the six-horse field through an opening quarter-mile in :24.09, the half in :47.74, and three-quarters in 1:12.45 over a sloppy and sealed track.

Entering the stretch, Saez kept 6-5 Shipsational to task, repelling Overstep's bid from the outside under Irad Ortiz, Jr. to post a half-length victory, completing the course in a final time of 1:38.32 while paying $4.60 on a $2 win bet. Following Overstep was Who Hoo That's Me, Sterling Hill, Excursionniste, and Sundaeswithsandy completing the order of finish.

Shipsational, now 3-for-4 to start his career, could now target the 1 1/8-mile $250,000 Grade 2 Remsen on December 4 at Aqueduct Racetrack. Barker said he is looking forward to trying the Midshipman colt [bred by Mr. and Mrs. Bertram R. Firestone] around two turns for the first time in a race that offers 10-4-2-1 qualifying points to the 2022 Grade 1 Kentucky Derby.

John Fanelli, Cash is King, LC Racing, and Paul Braverman's Ny Traffic splashed to an emphatic 8 3/4-length victory in the $150,000 Hudson, a 6 1/2-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up in Race 5.

Trained by Saffie Joseph, Jr and piloted by Irad Ortiz, Jr., the 4-year-old Cross Traffic gray, bred by Brian Culnan, returned from a two-month layoff with vigor, taking over from pacesetter Foolish Ghost at the top of the lane and powering home in a final time of 1:17.51. The late-running Chestertown, who advanced up the rail through the turn before angling out for the stretch run, completed the exacta. Jemography, Foolish Ghost, Amundson, Our Last Buck, Judge N Jury, and Bronx Bomber rounded out the order of finish. Kaz's Beach was scratched.

Joseph, Jr. said the 2020 Grade 1 Haskell runner-up will now target the $750,000 Grade 1 Cigar Mile Handicap on December 4 at the Big A.

“He won well. The slop was a bit of a concern, but he had trained really well into this race and ran good,” Joseph, Jr. said. “It seems like one-turn is what he wants to do. I think we'll give the Cigar Mile a shot.”

Ny Traffic improved his record to 16-4-4-2 with purse earnings of $754,920. He paid $3.90.

Bloom Racing Stable homebred The Important One broke sharp and led the six-horse field gate-to-wire to notch her first career stakes win by posting a 6 1/4-length score in the $150,000 Iroquois for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up sprinting 6 1/2 furlongs in Race 6.

Trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, The Important One was sent to the front from post 2 under jockey Jose Lezcano, posting an opening quarter-mile in :23.04 with the half in :45.70. In the stretch, the 4-year-old Majestic City filly drew away from runner-up Miss Jimmy, hitting the wire in 1:18.03. The Important One, making her first stakes appearance in eight starts, ran her win streak to three while improving to 5-0-3 in 13 career starts for purse earnings to $278,190.

The Important One, one of three horses in the race off at 2-1, returned $6.20. Completing the order of finish behind Miss Jimmy was slight favorite Espresso Shot, Hannah Dances, Fight On Lucy, and Letmetakethiscall.

NY Final Furlong Racing Stable and Parkland Thoroughbreds' Venti Valentine, trained by Jorge Abreu with Ortiz Jr. up, made her stakes debut a winning one in the $250,000 Maid of the Mist, a one-turn mile for juvenile fillies in Race 7.

Sandy's Garden set splits of :23.24 and :46.68 under pressure from Sue Ellen Mishkin as Venti Valentine, who broke a step slow, saved ground in third. Ortiz, Jr. gave Venti Valentine her cue through the turn, advancing with purpose and finding racing room outside the tiring Sandy's Garden as the field straightened away. Once presented, the Firing Line chestnut, bred by Final Furlong Racing Stable and Maspeth Stable, drew off impressively to win by 3 3/4-lengths in a final time of 1:39.78. Captainsdaughter rallied from far back to complete the exacta.

Dufresne, Velvet Sister, Classic Lynne, Sandy's Garden, Vallelujah, and Sue Ellen Mishkin rounded out the order of finish. Luz was pulled up in the stretch run and vanned off. Starship Laoban was scratched.

Undefeated in two starts, Venti Valentine returned $8.70.

[Story Continues Below]

Due to significant rainfall from a coastal storm that impacted Long Island Tuesday and Wednesday, a pair of $200,000 state-bred turf races originally scheduled for Saturday – the Ticonderoga for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up, and the Mohawk for 3-year-olds and up – have been rescheduled for Friday, November 5, and Saturday, November 6, respectively.

Live racing returns Sunday at Belmont Park with a nine-race card highlighted by $200,000 Grade 3 Bold Ruler Handicap, a seven-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up along with two divisions of the $100,000 Pumpkin Pie at seven furlongs over Big Sandy for fillies and mares. First post is 12:35 p.m. Eastern.

The post Ny Traffic, Shipsational Take Stakes On Empire Showcase Day appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Saturday’s Empire Showcase Day Draws Top New York-Breds To Belmont

A total of 100 New York-breds are entered for a special 10-race card on Saturday at Belmont Park to celebrate the best of New York for the annual Empire Showcase Day, featuring six stakes races worth $1.35 million, topped by the $300,000 Empire Classic and $250,000 Empire Distaff.

“Empire New York Showcase Day highlights the very best New York-breds in competition, displaying the talented thoroughbreds our state's breeders contribute to all divisions across New York racing,” said Najja Thompson, Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. “The day is a credit to not only our breeders, but horsemen, owners, and NYRA who have invested in the New York bred program with tremendous results. The lucrative purses and incentives eligible to New York breds makes our state-bred program exceptional. Empire Showcase Day caps our three annual stakes-laden all New York-bred cards on the NYRA circuit which have proven to be an attractive wagering product to bettors as well.”

Trainer Rudy Rodriguez, who has won 11 individual meet titles on the NYRA circuit, will be represented across four stakes by five horses Saturday, including Sundaeswithsandy [Sleepy Hollow], Bronx Bomber [Hudson], Trinni Luck [Empire Distaff], Danny California [Empire Classic] and Tiergan [Empire Classic].

“It's a very important day for us. We're here year round in New York and to be able to compete in these kinds of races is extra special,” Rodriguez said. “These type of horses don't come around often and this year we're lucky to have a couple horses that we claimed that are doing well right now.”

To win the nine-furlong Empire Classic, which is slated as Race 9, Michael Dubb and Karen Murphy's Danny California [post 6, Many Franco] will have to topple a talented field led by two-time race winner Mr. Buff and the upwardly mobile Americanrevolution.

Bred by West Point Thoroughbreds and 3C Thoroughbreds, the 6-year-old Afleet Alex chestnut was claimed for $40,000 in April and has posted a record of 1-1-2 in five starts for his new connections led by an optional-claiming score against open company on August 7 at Saratoga Race Course.

“He loves Saratoga so we gave him three races there this summer and he showed up every time,” Rodriguez said. “We've freshened him up and pointed him to this day and so far, so good.”

Tiergan [post 8, Irad Ortiz, Jr.], owned by Rodriguez in partnership with Michael Imperio and Andrew Gurdon, sports a ledger of 21-5-7-1. The 5-year-old Afleet Alex gelding, bred by Hibiscus Stables, captured the nine-furlong Ashley T. Cole over a muddy and sealed main track last out on September 24 at Belmont.

Chester and Mary Broman's homebred Mr. Buff [post 3, Junior Alvarado] has won the last two editions of the Empire Classic. The 7-year-old Friend Or Foe chestnut launched his current campaign with a pair of open-company stakes scores at Aqueduct Racetrack, taking the Jazil in January and the Stymie in February.

Trainer John Kimmel said he is hoping the strapping millionaire will return to winning from after a pair of off-the-board efforts.

“He's been training well into the Empire Classic,” Kimmel said. “It'll be a tough race, but he's been working really well.”

CHC Inc. and WinStar Farm's Americanrevolution [post 5, Luis Saez], bred by Fred W. Hertrich, III and John D. Fielding, boasts a record of 5-3-0-1 with purse earnings of $367,035. The Constitution sophomore won the New York Derby in July at Finger Lakes and the Albany in August at the Spa.

Trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, the $275,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Preferred New York-bred Yearling Sale purchase enters from a good third in the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby on September 25 at Parx.

“He's coming off a big third against some more seasoned horses in the Pennsylvania Derby,” Pletcher said. “He's come a long way in a short period of time so the Empire Classic makes sense for him.”

Rounding out the field are Captain Bombastic [post 1, Jose Lezcano], Three Jokers [post 2, Jose Ortiz], Wild Banker [post 4, Dylan Davis], and Sea Foam [post 7, Kendrick Carmouche].

[Story Continues Below]

Ryan Racing's homebred Trinni Luck [post 10, Franco] steps into stakes company for the first time in the 1 1/16-mile Empire Distaff in Race 8.

The 4-year-old Trinniberg bay enters on a three-race win streak, including a gate-to-wire 5 1/2-length romp last out traveling 1 1/16-miles against open company, garnering a career-best 87 Beyer Speed Figure.

“She beat some nice horses in that race and she was comfortable doing it. She's improving every time we run her,” Rodriguez said. “The race is coming up deep which is expected because it's $250,000 and a stakes.”

A talented field is led by Gary Barber's multiple graded-stakes placed Make Mischief [post 4, Ortiz, Jr.] for Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse.

Make Mischief worked five-eighths in 1:00.91 Friday over Big Sandy in preparation for the 1 1/16-mile Empire Distaff.

“She worked really well. She loves it here. I like the way she gets across the main track,” Casse assistant Shane Tripp said.

The Into Mischief bay graduated at first asking in June 2020 Belmont and followed with runner-up efforts in the Grade 3 Schuylerville and Grade 2 Adirondack, both at Saratoga.

Through nine sophomore starts, Make Mischief has posted a record of 3-1-2, including a win in the Maddie May in February at the Big A and a close third in the Grade 1 Acorn in June at Belmont. She finished second by a neck last out in the nine-furlong Fleet Indian on August 27 at the Spa.

A talented Empire Distaff field includes Ice Princess [post 1, Luis Saez], Sharp Starr [post 2, Jose Ortiz], Dancing Kiki [post 3, Jose Lezcano], Vienna Code [post 5, Jalon Samuel], Mrs. Orb [post 6, Dylan Davis], Bank Sting [post 7, Joel Rosario], Maiden Beauty [post 8, Kendrick Carmouche], and Byhubbyhellomoney [post 9, Eric Cancel].

The stakes action kicks off in Race 3 with the $250,000 Sleepy Hollow for juveniles going a one-turn mile as Iris Smith Stable's Shipsational [post 4, Saez] will attempt consecutive stakes victories for trainer Eddie Barker.

Bred by Mr. and Mrs. Bertram R. Firestone, the son of Midshipman will stretch out in distance following a two-length conquest of the Bertram F. Bongard on September 26 at Belmont Park.

Pletcher, a two-time winner of the Sleepy Hollow, will saddle Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable's Overstep [Ortiz, Jr., post 2] – a 6 ¾-length debut winner September 25 over Big Sandy.

Bred in New York by Chester and Mary Broman, who were named New York Breeder of the Year in six of the past ten years, Overstep was geared down at the wire of his last out maiden coup going six furlongs. The son of Into Mischief was acquired for $360,000 at the 2020 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.

Completing the field are Sundaeswithsandy [post 1, Manny Franco], Who Hoo Thats Me [post 3, Dylan Davis], Excursionniste [post 5, Jose Lezcano], and Sterling Hill [post 6, Eric Cancel].

John Fanelli, Cash is King, LC Racing, Paul Braverman and Team Hanley's Ny Traffic [post 8, Ortiz, Jr.], a 4-year-old Cross Traffic gray bred by Brian Culnan, returns to sprinting in the 6 1/2-furlong $150,000 Hudson for 3-year-olds and up in Race 5.

Trained by Saffie Joseph, Jr., Ny Traffic enjoyed a productive sophomore season through a record of 7-1-3-1, including a game runner-up effort to Authentic in the Grade 1 Haskell at Monmouth.

Ny Traffic opened his current campaign with a dominant 6 3/4-length score in a seven-furlong state-bred optional claiming sprint, garnering a career-best 103 Beyer. He returned with a good second to Informative in the Grade 3 Salvator Mile ahead of off-the-board efforts traveling nine furlongs in the Grade 3 Monmouth Cup in July and the Grade 2 Charles Town Classic on August 27.

A loaded Hudson field includes Judge N Jury [post 1, Saez], Chestertown [post 2, Lezcano], Foolish Ghost [post 3, Samuel], Amundson [post 4, Jose Ortiz], Jemography [post 5, Davis], Bronx Bomber [post 6, Jorge Vargas, Jr.], Our Last Buck [post 7, Franco], and Kaz's Beach [post 9, William Otero].

NY Final Furlong Racing Stable, Maspeth Stables and Parkland Thoroughbreds' Espresso Shot [post 6, Jose Ortiz] will make her final career start in the 6 1/2-furlong $150,000 Iroquois for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up in Race 6.

Trained by Jorge Abreu and bred by Twin Creeks Farm, the multiple stakes winning 5-year-old Mission Impazible mare boasts a record of 23-5-3-3 with purse earnings of $498,625. A two-length winner of the Biogio's Rose in March at the Big A, Espresso Shot will look to improve upon last year's fifth-place finish in this event.

Opposition will be provided by Miss Jimmy [post 1, Davis], The Important One [post 2, Lezcano], Hannah Dances [post 3, Luis Perez], Letmetakethiscall [post 4, Carmouche], and Fight On Lucy [post 5, Benjamin Hernandez].

In the $250,000 Maid of the Mist, a one-mile test for juvenile fillies carded as Race 7, Gold Square's homebred Sue Ellen Mishkin [post 6, Saez] will attempt to make amends from a distant seventh after a troubled trip in the Grade 1 Spinaway at Saratoga for trainer Jorge Abreu.

The daughter of Mohaymen dazzled in her August 13 debut at Saratoga, tracking a close second and drawing away to a 7 ¼-length triumph.

Abreu will also send out NY Final Furlong Racing Stable and Parkland Thoroughbreds' Venti Valentine [post 1, Ortiz, Jr.], who will attempt to parlay her come-from-behind debut maiden victory into stakes success. The daughter of Firing Line bested 11 other New York-bred juvenile fillies going six furlongs on September 26 at Belmont Park, overcoming a wide post and trip down the backstretch to find her best gear in the stretch to win by a nose.

Bred by NY Final Furlong Racing Stable and Maspeth Stable, Venti Valentine is a half-sister to Espresso Shot.

Stonestreet Stables' Velvet Sister [post 7, Jose Ortiz] will vie to recapture her winning form from a first-out maiden victory in June at Belmont Park for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen. The Bernardini bay, bred by Godolphin and Michelle Nevin, was a 9 ¾-length winner against open company going 5 ½ furlongs over Big Sandy en route to stakes placings against her New York-bred counterparts in the Seeking the Ante on August 17 at Saratoga and the Joseph A. Gimma on September 24 at Belmont Park.

Completing the field are Starship Laoban [post 2, Abner Adorno], Vallelujah [post 3, Jacqueline Davis], Classic Lynne [post 4, Dylan Davis], Sandy's Garden [post 5, Manny Franco], Captainsdaughter [post 8, Kendrick Carmouche], Dufresne [post 9, Jose Lezcano], and Luz [post 10, Samuel].

First post on Saturday's 10-race card is 12:35 p.m. Eastern.

The post Saturday’s Empire Showcase Day Draws Top New York-Breds To Belmont appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Saratoga: New York Showcase Day To Be Celebrated On Aug. 27

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will shine a spotlight on the robust breeding program in New York State during New York Showcase Day at Saratoga Race Course on Friday, August 27.

The afternoon will feature six stakes reserved exclusively for New York-breds headlined by the $250,000 Albany, a nine-furlong test for sophomores. Also featured are a trio of $200,000 stakes in the Fleet Indian for sophomore fillies; the Funny Cide, presented by Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, for juvenile sprinters; and the Seeking the Ante for juvenile filly sprinters. Rounding out a special Empire State-bred slate are a pair of $150,000 turf events with the West Point Handicap presented by Trustco Bank for 3-year-olds and up and the Yaddo for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up.

“New York Showcase Day is the flagship event on the calendar for our state's breeders and owners,” said New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. Executive Director Najja Thompson. “We're proud to partner with NYRA to feature an all New York-bred card at the premier racing meet in the country with lucrative purses and six state-bred stakes totaling $1.15 million.”

“New York Showcase Day is an event we look forward to each year as we highlight the strength and success of the New York thoroughbred breeding program,” said NYRA Senior Director of Communications Pat McKenna. “We encourage fans to join us for an outstanding afternoon of racing, entertainment and offerings that underscore the diverse products and talent from the Empire State.”

Designed to supplement the day-long celebration, fans will enjoy New York craft beer specials and complimentary samples from New York-based spirits producer Cooperstown Distillery.

Free grandstand admission tickets to select days during the final week of Saratoga will be available with a donation of canned food to benefit a Saratoga Springs non-profit organization.

Tiz the Law commemorative poster autograph session

Fans will have the opportunity to celebrate New York-bred Tiz the Law, last year's Belmont Stakes and Runhappy Travers winner, during a special autograph session with owner Jack Knowlton of Sackatoga Stables; trainer Barclay Tagg; and jockey Manny Franco.

The trio will offer autographed editions of a commemorative Tiz the Law poster at the Jockey Silks Room Porch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a recommended donation to the Backstretch Employee Service Team and the New York Race Track Chaplaincy. Tiz the Law hats and t-shirts will be available for an additional donation.

Tiz the Law posters are free throughout the day at NYRA Bets Squad kiosks and Guest Services locations, while supplies last.

Annual canned food drive to benefit LifeWorks Community Action

NYRA will welcome the Saratoga Springs-based non-profit organization LifeWorks Community Action to Saratoga Race Course to host its annual canned food drive.

Fans who donate at least three non-perishable items will receive one free Grandstand admission ticket for Wednesday, Sept. 1 or Thursday, Sept. 2.

The collection will take place at the Community Outreach Booth next to the Jockey Silks Rooms Porch from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Suggested donation items include pasta, peanut butter, cereal, rice, soup and canned vegetables.

Special performances from West Point Knight Caps Glee Club

The Knight Caps, the official glee club of the United States Military Academy at West Point, will begin the day with a special performance of the National Anthem.

The cadets will again perform for the crowd from the winner's circle following the $150,000 West Point Handicap, presented by Trustco Bank.

New York craft beer and spirits specials

Fans will enjoy a variety of drink specials highlighting New York craft beverages, including a commemorative Jockey Boot filled with a 20-ounce New York craft beer, for $10.

The New York craft portfolio at Saratoga Race Course features: Saranac Brewery Blueberry Blonde Ale, Druthers Brewing Company All-In IPA, Druthers Brewing Company Strawberry Dare, Adirondack Lake George Cider Project, Adirondack Saratoga Lager, Brooklyn Brewery Summer Ale, Ithaca Beer Company Flower Power, Mad Jack Brewing Company Pinhead Pilsner and Lake Placid Brewery UBU Ale.

The craft beer specials will be available at the Fourstardave Sports Bar and nearby Druthers Brewing Company Gazebo, as well as the Saranac Brewery portable bar on the second floor of the grandstand.

New York-based spirits producer Cooperstown Distillery will offer complimentary samples of its Fenimore Gin Cucumber Cooler from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jim Dandy Bar, presented by Cooperstown Distillery. The Fenimore Gin Cucumber Cooler will be the featured drink of the afternoon available at all dining areas, including The Porch, Club Terrace and Turf Terrace.

New York Showcase Day takes place on the eve of the 152nd edition of the Runhappy Travers on Saturday, Aug. 28. Gates on Runhappy Travers Day open at 7 a.m. with first post time of 11:35 a.m.

General admission tickets are $15 when purchased in advance. The walk-up price on Runhappy Travers Day is $20. Tickets may be purchased in-person at the NYRA Box Office by Gate A or online at NYRA.com/Travers (service fees apply online).

The 2021 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course runs through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6. Racing is conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, with the exception of the final week, when the meet concludes on Labor Day.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.

The post Saratoga: New York Showcase Day To Be Celebrated On Aug. 27 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post