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NYRA, Kentucky Downs Reach Simulcasting Agreement For Upcoming Meet

Kentucky Downs and the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) have reached a simulcast agreement that will allow NYRA, its affiliated racetracks, and its online betting platform NYRA Bets to wager on the six-date meet that begins Sunday at the Franklin, Ky., track.

“We are grateful and appreciative of NYRA management for this amicable resolution and delighted that all NYRA outlets will be able to wager on Kentucky Downs,” said Ted Nicholson, Kentucky Downs' Vice President for Racing.

The agreement also means horseplayers betting on-site at any Kentucky track will now be able to wager on the last two days of Saratoga's meet, Sunday and Monday.

With the agreement, the Kentucky Downs' signal will be available to every major simulcasting and online betting outlet in the country. Kentucky Downs runs Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sept. 11 and 12.

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Weekend Lineup Presented By NYRA Bets: Summer Comes To An End

The Saratoga summer comes to a close this Labor Day Weekend, but a pair of Breeders' Cup Challenge “Win And You're In” races on Saturday will end upstate New York's graded stakes action on a high note. The Jockey Club Gold Cup and the Flower Bowl each offer the winner a berth in the World Championships to be held this November at Del Mar.

On the West Coast, summer racing at Del Mar also comes to an end this weekend. A pair of turf stakes highlight Saturday's action: the Del Mar Derby and the John C. Mabee Stakes.

Sunday will highlight 2-year-old races for fillies on both coasts: the G1 Spinaway at Saratoga, and the G1 Debutante at Del Mar. Monday will offer the juvenile colts a shot at Grade 1 glory: the G1 Hopeful is scheduled at Saratoga, while the G1 Futurity will be held at Del Mar.

Sunday is also opening day at the rich Kentucky Downs meet, and racing at the European-style turf track continues on Monday.

Here's a quick snapshot of this weekend's graded stakes schedule, starting with Saratoga's big races (all times Eastern):

Saturday

6:11 p.m. – $600,000 Grade 1 Flower Bowl Stakes at Saratoga

War Like Goddess brings a three-race win streak into this 11-furlong inner turf test for older fillies and mares, chasing an expenses-paid berth to the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf for trainer Bill Mott. The daughter of English Channel has won the G3 Orchid, G3 Bewitch, and G2 Glens Falls over three different turf courses this year, and Mott is confident she can step up to the top level.

However, six-time Flower Bowl-winning trainer Chad Brown will have something to say about that. He'll saddle a pair for this year's edition: My Sister Nate, a half-sister to champion Sistercharlie and runner-up in last year's running of this race, and Great Island, last-out winner of the G3 Matchmaker.

American Bridge will make her North American debut in this spot for owner Peter Brant and trainer Jean Claude Rouget, entering off a win in a Group 3 race over 1 1/4 miles in France last out. Another in with a shot is La Signare for Brendan Walsh, who could be the main speed in the race and has earned three straight G1 placings.

Flower Bowl Entries

6:46 p.m. – $1 million Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga

Another Bill Mott trainee is the highlight in this “Win and You're In” race for the Breeders' Cup Classic. This time it's the lightly-raced but definitely talented Forza Di Oro, last year's G3 Discover Stakes winner. He'll looking to put together back-to-back starts this year after an easy allowance victory last out.

Happy Saver won this race last year and appears to be the main threat to repeat for trainer Todd Pletcher, though he'll have to do better than the third he ran in the mud last out in the G2 Suburban. The horse who beat him that day, Max Player, returns for hot trainer Steve Asmussen, and if he is able to remain consistent at this level could be a major player.

Night Ops is the unknown in the race for trainer Brad Cox. He ran second to Art Collector in the Alydar Stakes last out, and that rival came back to win the Charles Town Classic. Night Ops has yet to find the winner's circle this year, but has run four straight seconds and could work out the right trip under Manny Franco.

JCGC Entries

8:37 p.m. – $200,000 Grade 2 John C. Mabee Stakes at Del Mar

The Mabee has drawn nine fillies and mares and appears to be the kind of race where contention runs deep. Dogtag has been made a slight 3-1 favorite over Maxim Rate at 7-2, but it's 4-1 shot Going to Vegas who is likely to appeal most to handicappers off her allowance win last out.

Mabee Entries

9:37 p.m. – $250,000 Grade 2 Del Mar Derby at Del Mar

The Derby has drawn 14 runners and is, of course, for 3-year-olds as the culminating event in the track's turf triple for sophomores, having been preceded by the Runhappy Oceanside Stakes and the Grade 3 La Jolla Stakes.

The first three finishers in both of those “prep” races are back to give it a go in this 77th edition of the Derby, which makes for a challenging wagering race. And the fact that Del Mar's morning line maker, Jon White, has made his favorite Hudson Ridge a very tepid 9-2 tells you that the race looms wide open with a thrilling finish likely to decide the winner.

Del Mar Derby Entries

Sunday

6:11 p.m. – $300,000 Grade 1 Spinaway at Saratoga

Echo Zulu will attempt to parlay a sensational debut victory into a Grade 1 win as she takes on a field of nine 2-year-old fillies assembled for Sunday's seven-furlong contest. The undeniable favorite earned the highest Beyer of any 2-year-old filly this year in her debut, a 92, and will take serious beating if she can run back anywhere close to that figure.

G3 Schuylerville winner Pretty Birdie is the likely second choice for trainer Norm Casse, but the frontrunning daughter of Bird Song will have to stretch her speed in the Spinaway.

Spinaway Entries

9:00 p.m. – $300,000 Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante at Del Mar

Undefeated Sorrento Stakes winner Elm Drive is back for more in this seven-furlong contest, and as a daughter of Mohaymen, the seven-furlong distance should be well within her scope. Recent maiden winners Dance to the Music and Grace Adler each pose a potential threat, as does the latter's Bob Baffert-trained stablemate, Sorrento runner-up Eda.

Debutante Entries

Monday

5:38 p.m. – $300,000 Grade 1 Hopeful at Saratoga

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher will saddle a pair of strong contenders in Wit and Power Agenda in this seven-furlong sprint for juveniles. Each holds wins at six furlongs, but Pletcher believes the extra eighth of a mile won't be an issue for either of his trainees.

Wit, by 2016 Hopeful-winner Practical Joke and out of the Medaglia d'Oro mare Numero d'Oro, is perfect through two starts. Wit posted a six-length maiden win over 5 1/2 furlongs in June, ahead of an eight-length score in the G3 Sanford over six furlongs on July 17.

Power Agenda, by Nyquist and out of the Afleet Alex mare Dream Dance, prevailed by a nose in a gutsy gate-to-wire debut win sprinting six furlongs on Aug. 14 at the Spa.

Hopeful Entries

8:30 p.m. – $300,000 Grade 1 Futurity at Del Mar

Best Pal winner Pappacap drew the rail in this six-horse, seven-furlong event for trainer Mark Casse, but he'll face a tough assignment from a pair of Bob Baffert-trained maiden winners.

Murray, the Baffert-trained son of Street Sense who commanded $300,000 as a yearling, won his July 25 maiden race at Del Mar by 10 3/4 lengths. His stablemate, the Twirling Candy colt Pinehurst, broke his maiden by a half-length at Del Mar on Aug. 1.

Futurity Entries

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NYRA Hosts Fan Appreciation Week At Saratoga

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will thank its fans with a series of special events, giveaways and offers during the final week of the 2021 season at Saratoga Race Course.

Racing will resume Wednesday, Sept. 1 through Labor Day, Monday, September 6 at Saratoga Race Course. Labor Day weekend will offer a total of seven graded stakes, including the Spa debut of the Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup on Saturday, Sept. 4. Sunday and Monday will feature a special first post time of 12:35 p.m.

Saratoga premium giveaway sale on Wednesday, Sept. 1

Fans will have the opportunity to secure a favorite track giveaway from yesteryear during a premium giveaway sale at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, Sept. 1 beginning at 11 a.m. near the Clubhouse exchange across from the News 10 Pavilion.

A selection of Saratoga giveaways from previous years as well as from earlier this summer will be available for purchase, including such memorable items as the Angel Cordero, Jr. bobblehead; 2015 Saratoga cooler bag and long sleeve tee; 2017 Saratoga wall clock, as well as a selection of Saratoga umbrellas, t-shirts, beach towels, hats and many more collectables from the past decade.

Vintage and current items will be available for $10 and less, while supplies last. Cash only accepted. All sales are final.

Special ticket offers and drink specials all week long, including buy-one, get-one reserved seats and tables; and Labor Day BBQ at The Rail at the 1863 Club

Fans will enjoy Buy One, Get One Free offers on reserved seats in The Cutwater Stretch and Grandstand, and reserved tables in the Fourstardave Sports Bar and Miller Lite Picnic Paddock all week long.

Reserved tables, including buffet and soft drinks, are also available for $85 per person throughout the week ($100 on Saturday) in The Rail at the 1863 Club, which will serve up a special Labor Day-inspired BBQ menu all week long featuring such classics as smoked brisket; pulled pork; candied sweet potatoes and cornbread. The menu on Sunday will offer brunch-style fare.

Fans will also enjoy special savings during the final week of Cutwater Spirits' ready-to-drink cocktails and Babe Rosé Wine. The beverages will be available for only $10 at The Cutwater Stretch, Cutwater Gazebo and all on-track restaurants.

For more information, visit NYRA.com/FanWeek.

Ticket giveaways on Thursday, Sept. 2

Pending approval by the New York State Gaming Commission, fans will have the opportunity to enter-to-win tickets to numerous Capital Region events and attractions.

Prizes include tickets to the Zac Brown Band concert at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Oct. 3; NYRA Bets Gift Cards valued at $50; and tickets to two of the Capital Region's top sports teams: the Adirondack Thunder and Tri-City ValleyCats.

Entry forms will be available at all Guest Services locations beginning at 11 a.m. No purchase necessary to enter.

Saratoga welcomes 2020 Tokyo Olympic Bronze Medalist Emma White plus Happy Hour Drink Specials on Friday, Sept. 3

NYRA will celebrate the accomplishments of 2020 Tokyo Olympic Bronze Medalist Emma White of Duanesburg, NY. White, who was part of the U.S. cycling team that captured the bronze medal during the Olympic Games in Tokyo earlier this summer, will appear in the winner's circle for a race named in her honor during the afternoon.

Fans will enjoy numerous Happy Hour specials on Friday, including a selection of cocktails for $10. Featured drinks include the Toga Peach Tea, Washington Lemonade and Chandon Garden Spritz Cocktail. Several beers will be available for the special price of $5, including Blue Moon Light Sky, Yuengling and Brooklyn Lager.

Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup makes Saratoga debut on Saturday, Sept. 4

Saturday will feature the Saratoga debut of a pair of stakes previously held in the fall at Belmont Park: The Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup at 1 1/4 miles for 3-year-olds and up, and the $600,000 Flower Bowl, an 11-furlong turf test for older fillies and mares. The day's card will also include the Grade 2, $250,000 Prioress for sophomore fillies sprinting 6 furlongs and the Grade 3, $200,000 Saranac for sophomores going 1 1/16 miles on the turf.

Saratoga long-sleeve t-shirt hoodie giveaway and Berkshire Bank Family Sundays' free school supplies on Sunday, Sept. 5

The final Sunday of the season will feature a first post time of 12:35 p.m. and an 11-race card headlined by the Grade 1, $300,000 Spinaway.

Fans will enjoy the final giveaway of the season – a Saratoga long-sleeve t-shirt hoodie. The gray hooded pullover, adorned with the red Saratoga logo, will be available free with paid admission, while supplies last. Limited supplies available. NYRA strongly encourages fans to limit redemption to one item per person.

Children attending Berkshire Bank Family Sundays at the Berkshire Bank Family Zone will receive free colorable drawstring bags with back-to-school items, while supplies last, during the final edition of the popular kid-oriented weekly event. Kids will be able to color their back-to-school bags as well as enjoy a wide variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions and educational activities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Berkshire Bank Family Zone, located inside Gate A near the Saratoga Race Course Box Office.

Families can take advantage of a Family 4-Pack, which includes four Grandstand reserved seats and vouchers for two hot dogs and one soda per person for $84. Clubhouse boxes for five people are also available for $150. Packages are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX or in-person at the NYRA Box Office near Gate A.

Closing Day on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6

Saratoga Race Course will open its gates for one last time as the season comes to a close on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6 with a special first post time of 12:35 p.m.

The day's card will feature the Grade 2, $200,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap, as well as the prestigious Grade 1, $300,000 Hopeful for 2-year-olds going seven furlongs to conclude the 2021 Saratoga meet.

NYRA will present more than 100 pounds of Dunkin' coffee to the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.) on Closing Day. The coffee donation is based on a pledge from Dunkin' to supply B.E.S.T. with one pound of coffee for every win by the leading owner, trainer and jockey of the 2021 Saratoga meet.

For complete details about Fan Appreciation Week at Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com/FanWeek.

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Baffert Seeks $162K in Legal Fees from NYRA

Even though trainer Bob Baffert has secured only a preliminary injunction in his ongoing lawsuit against the New York Racing Association (NYRA) that allows him to race at New York's three major tracks pending the final resolution of the case, his attorneys filed a motion in federal court Aug. 25 seeking $162,086 in legal fees and expenses from NYRA based on the claim that Baffert is due that money as the “prevailing party.”

The three attorneys Baffert engaged for work on this case have billed him at rates between $450 and $975 hourly, according to court filings in which the lawyers detailed their costs. NYRA on Wednesday countered with its own court filing, which came in the form of a “notice of motion to dismiss” the original complaint. Essentially, that response was NYRA's way of telling Baffert's legal team that the case is not yet over.

According to a schedule that had been ordered back on July 22 by Judge Carol Bagley Amon of United States District Court (Eastern District of New York), NYRA had until Aug. 27 to “serve, but not file, its motion to dismiss.” Oral arguments for that motion aren't even scheduled until Nov. 16.

In a civil complaint filed by Baffert June 14, the seven-time GI Kentucky Derby-winning trainer had alleged that NYRA's banishment of him since May 17 over the issue of his repeated equine drug violations violates his constitutional right to due process.

On July 14, the eve of the lucrative Saratoga Race Course season, Amon granted Baffert a preliminary injunction, writing in her order, “I find that Baffert has established a likelihood of proving that NYRA's suspension constituted state action, and that the process by which it suspended him violated the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution.”

Yet Amon also wrote, “although NYRA's actions have functionally deprived Baffert of his trainer's license, NYRA has not formally suspended that license. In sum, it is not likely that Baffert will be able to prevail on his claim that NYRA had no legal authority to take the action that it did.”

In Tuesday's filing on behalf of Baffert, his attorneys wrote, “Baffert qualifies as a prevailing party in this suit because the Court entered a preliminary injunction against NYRA enjoining it from enforcing its indefinite suspension of Baffert from all of its thoroughbred racetracks…”

The filing continued: “Under any view of the case, Baffert has fully prevailed on all of his due process claims asserted under Section 1983….It further cannot be disputed that the Court's Opinion altered the legal relationship between the parties by nullifying NYRA's suspension of Baffert–he is no longer barred from participating in NYRA races and he has entered horses at Saratoga as a direct consequence of the Court's order. As a result, Baffert has essentially achieved his main objective in this litigation [and] the Court's preliminary injunction is to Baffert the functional equivalent of a final judgment on the merits with respect to his claims and relief sought.”

One of Baffert's attorneys, the Kentucky-based W. Craig Robertson, the lead counsel in the case, wrote in a declaration that accompanied the motion that he charged Baffert $475 hourly for his work, and that his hourly fee and those of his firm's associate attorneys ($255 and $220), plus a paralegal ($265), are “well within the range of typical fees charged in commercial litigation cases in this District.”

Another attorney retained by Baffert since the inception of the case, the New York-based Charles Michael, wrote in a separate declaration, “my $975 hourly rate is within the reasonable rate customarily charged by attorneys with comparable experience.”

A third attorney, the Oklahoma-based Clark Brewster, wrote that he billed $450 hourly since being retained July 3, and “the rate charged to Baffert is reasonable with respect to equine matters and the rates fall within the standard range for commercial and equine litigators.”

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