 |
Welcome to On The Lead, the monthly newsletter of The New York Racing Association. We will keep you tuned in to all of the ongoing excitement at Aqueduct, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course.
In each issue, we will update you on important news and look ahead to the featured promotions, events, and stakes races for the coming month. You will read fun and enlightening interviews with our trainers and jockeys and receive the latest information about our NYRA Rewards program. And as an added bonus, you can download eye-popping wallpaper and watch thrilling race replays!
On The Lead is your one-stop communication to catch up on the action at the NYRA tracks. We hope you enjoy this issue!
Sincerely,
Gavin Landry
Senior VP - Sales & Market Development |
|  | |
|
 | |
 |
 On Sunday, August 3, don’t forget to pick up one of the season’s classic souvenirs, a sharp-looking Saratoga T-Shirt, free with paid admission while supplies last. The day features tremendous racing as well, highlighted by the Fourstardave Handicap (GII), named for one of Saratoga’s all-time great thoroughbred legends.
 Relive the history, tradition, and culture of Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, August 9. This day features the Tradition Turns 140 celebration, with a one-of-a-kind festival to mark the 140th anniversary of racing at the Spa. The day will feature an 1800’s-style early morning breakfast, vintage racing memorabilia, period costumes and historic fanfare, patriotic music, kids attractions, and much more!
 Sunday, August 10 features the hottest in giveaway items as fans will be receiving an awesome Saratoga Stadium Seat, sponsored by the Daily Racing Form. This indispensible item will be free with paid admission, while supplies last. It’s a must have for fans of any sporting event, as it will make their seating experience as comfortable as it gets!
 Men’s Day will be a classy celebration on Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10. There will be a myriad of prestigious vendors lined up outside of the Jockey’s Room area to display their wares, including hand-rolled cigars, fine men’s clothing, Cartier watches, men’s jewelry, and much more. And don’t forget about the Habana girls, whose smiles will certainly brighten everyone's day.
 Saratoga has a great event cooked up on Monday, August 11 as Sports Superfecta Day invades the meet! Sports fans hit the superfecta as the Spa showcases four separate sports – NFL, NASCAR, bobsled, and of course, thoroughbred racing. Former NFL gridiron greats, current NASCAR speedsters, and members from the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project will greet fans during an autograph session to raise money for charity.
 The ladies will dominate the day on Wednesday, August 13 as Saratoga Race Course hosts its 3rd annual Women’s Day Expo. Women will have the opportunity to peruse products related to ladies’ health and lifestyle in the Saratoga backyard. The racing action that day also features the girls, as the nation’s top 2-year-old fillies will contest the Adirondack (GII).
 The great giveaways continue on Sunday, August 17 with the Saratoga Long Sleeve T-Shirt, sponsored by The Adirondack Trust Company. This is the perfect accoutrement for those breezy, summer Saratoga nights. It is free with paid admission, while supplies last. That day also features the longest flat race of the entire meet, the John’s Call for older horses going 1-5/8 mile on the turf.
 Wednesday, August 27 is the day to show your patriotism, as it is Proud to Be An American Day. America’s racetrack will showcase its red, white, and blue spirit, paying tribute to the men and women protecting our country. Fans are encouraged to support our troops by wearing our country’s colors.
 Saratoga Race Course is the place to be for the Party at the Park on Friday, August 29! A lively atmosphere is highlighted by drink specials and a live concert. The day features a special sunset racing post time of 2:45 p.m. and great 2-year-old stakes action with the With Anticipation on the turf.
 Make sure not to miss out on our Family Fun Fest and Saratoga Cooler Bag Giveaway on Sunday, August 31. Kids and parents can enjoy an afternoon of family-friendly activities in the backyard to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region. And don’t forget to pick up the final souvenir of the summer season, a Saratoga Cooler Bag, free with paid admission, while supplies last.
|
|  |
 |
With 22 graded races on the calendar, August in Saratoga is the most prestigious month of the year to see sizzling stakes action…anywhere! The first weekend of the month features the Test (GI) on Saturday, August 2, a race that perennially draws the fastest 3-year-old fillies in the world. Run at seven furlongs on the dirt track, the Test is without a doubt one of the most sought after victories on the Saratoga calendar. In recent years it has been won by classy fillies such as Dream Rush (2007), Society Selection (2004), and You (2002).
 The future stars of the thoroughbred world will be on display Wednesday, August 13 in the Adirondack (GII) and Thursday, August 14 in the Saratoga Special (GII). Both races are contested over six-and-a-half furlongs on the main dirt track, with the Adirondack showcasing 2-year-old fillies and the Saratoga Special a battle for the juvenile colts. Past winners of these prestigious races include superstars such as Octave (Adirondack, 2006) and Henny Hughes (Saratoga Special, 2005).
Saturday, August 16 kicks the action up a notch with two classic races. The turf gladiators will battle it out in the storied Sword Dancer Invitational (GI). This race puts a premium on stamina and class as the would-be winners must travel 1-1/2 mile on the grass. That Saturday also plays host to the most acclaimed 3-year-old filly race of the meet, the Alabama (GI), run at the classic distance of 1-1/4 mile on the main dirt track.
The following weekend is the most prestigious of the entire meet. Friday, August 22 features the Personal Ensign (GI), a true test of class for fillies & mares going 1-1/4 mile on the dirt. Saturday, August 23 is the most highly anticipated day of the meet, Travers Day. The undercard that day features the Victory Ride (GIII) for 3-year-old filly dirt sprinters, the Bernard Baruch Handicap (GII) for turf milers, and the explosive NetJets King’s Bishop (GI), the top race for 3-year-old dirt sprinters in the world.
 And of course, the main event on Saturday, August 23 is the legendary Travers Stakes, presented by Shadwell Farm (GI). Featuring a $1 million purse, the last three renditions were won by superstar 3-year-olds Street Sense, Bernardini, and Flower Alley. Possible contenders for this year’s running include Belmont Stakes (GI) winner Da’Tara and Kentucky Derby (GI) winner Big Brown. Travers weekend concludes on Sunday, August 24 with the Ballerina (GI) for fillies and mares going seven furlongs on the dirt.
 Don't forget that the day of the Travers Stakes, presented by Shadwell Farm, features a $1 million guaranteed all-graded stakes Pick Four, featuring the Victory Ride, Bernard Baruch Handicap, NetJets King's Bishop, and the Travers Stakes, presented by Shadwell Farm. Television coverage of this sensational day will air from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. est on ESPN.
 The final weekend of the Saratoga meet is chock full of spectacular graded stakes action. Saturday, August 30 features the Woodward (GI), for 3-year-old’s and up going 1-1/8 mile on the main track, and the Forego Handicap (GI), a seven furlong affair on the dirt that propelled last year’s winner Midnight Lute to 2007 Champion Sprinter honors. The last two days of the race meeting are for the next generation of thoroughbred superstars, with the Spinaway (GI) on Sunday, August 31, and the Hopeful (GI) on Labor Day, Monday, September 1. | |  |
 |
 With Saratoga comes the launch of NYRA Nation, the official fan club of The New York Racing Association! Becoming part of NYRA Nation is completely free, and members will receive an official member card, a custom lapel pin (on-track sign-ups only), and gain access to many exclusive benefits, including automatic entry into random draws to win a VIP Day at the Races, NYRA Gift Packages, and much more. Sign up for free at the NYRA Nation entry page or in person at the track.
 Your Event...Our Venue...Imagine the Possibilities! The NYRA Group Sales team has a brand new website, located at www.nyragroupsales.com. The site features cutting edge graphics and has all the information you need to make your next group outing a tremendous success. Visit the site right now to get great information on bringing a group of any size to prestigious Saratoga Race Course in August or Belmont Park in the fall.
 Be sure to check out the Saratoga Race Course website for all of the new promotions, restaurant offerings, wagering menus, and much, much more that will be featured during the 2008 meet. One of the exciting new aspects of this year's Saratoga experience is that NYRA is offering Saratoga Restaurant Row, which highlights some of Saratoga Springs’ favorite restaurants right on track! Located in the courtyard near the Executive Offices, fans will be able to take a break from the day’s betting fun by feasting on special house items, ranging in price from $4.00 - $7.00.
 NYRA recently introduced its new mascot, Auggie the horse. He made his debut at Belmont Park on Sunday, June 29 at Family Fun Day. Auggie is looking forward to meeting lots of kids and families at the upcoming Saratoga meet, which will be the first of many for him.
 Join the Saratoga Preferred Access (S.P.A.) program and enjoy VIP service and hospitality for the duration of the 2008 Saratoga Meet. The S.P.A. program offers guests an ultra-exclusive opportunity to obtain unparalleled access to Saratoga Race Course. Situated at the finish line, the S.P.A. hospitality area offers a coveted, air-conditioned location for the entire meet. Guests will enjoy a direct view of the finish line and the winner's circle while enjoying the finest cuisine on the racetrack. Click here to see all of the great benefits that S.P.A. members will enjoy! Limited daily seating is still available.
 Get your Saratoga morning off to a great start by stopping by the new English Racing tent to watch and wager on live British racing. Premier meets like Goodwood and York will be offered. This area will feature state-of-the-art flat screen televisions and a brand new bar that will serve coffee, orange juice, and other select beverages. English racing will be available for wagering from Wednesday through Saturdays during the entirety of the meet.
 The 13th Annual Travers Festival, presented by the New York Lottery, will run from Saturday, August 16 through Sunday, August 24. With nine days of fun-filled, charity-oriented special events, the Festival will be a blast for fans of all ages. Activities will include street fairs, live music, arts and craft shows, golf tournaments, contests, galas, and much more.
One of Saratoga’s only evening events is the Travers Celebration on Thursday, August 21. Returning for the eighth straight season, this year’s celebration will honor Street Sense, the winner of the 2007 Travers Stakes, presented by Shadwell Farm, with a unique nighttime fundraiser featuring fine dining, dancing, and silent auctions. This multifaceted event has raised over $700,000 for charity in its first seven years. For reservations, call (518) 383-6183.
 On Wednesday, August 20 at 6:30 p.m., the Belmont Child Care Association (BCCA) Invites You to a Western Round Up. This event, held in the Saratoga Springs City Center, is to benefit the BCCA’s Anna House, a child care center for the working families at NYRA’s tracks. This year’s dinner is honoring Tracy and Todd Pletcher, and will feature celebrity auctioneer D. Wayne Lukas. More details on the event are available at the BCCA website.
 NYRA’s new partnership with NetJets Inc. gives the world’s leading private aviation company an extensive, multi-tiered presence at Saratoga Race Course for the 2008 racing season. The deal includes under-the-rail signage, hospitality, and race sponsorship of the August 23 NetJets King’s Bishop, the world’s premier Grade I dirt sprint for three-year-olds. |
|  |
 |
.jpg) Each month we’ll take a trip to the backstretch and visit with a different jockey or trainer. For this all-Saratoga issue, the focus is on two-time Eclipse winning jockey John Velazquez. This Puerto Rican-born pilot owns the record for wins at a Saratoga meet with 65 in 2004. Velazquez, 37, boasts four New York riding titles from 2001-2004. He captured his first Breeders’ Cup win in 1998 with Da Hoss, and has won six more since.
Velazquez makes his residence in West Hempstead, N.Y. with his wife Leona, their daughter, Lerina, 10, and their son, Michael Patrick, 5.
Q: How did you first get involved with horses?
In Puerto Rico, I grew up around friends who had pleasure horses and got used to being around them. Then at the age of 16 I met an agent who helped enroll me in the Puerto Rican jockey school.
Q: What did it feel like getting your first Breeders’ Cup victory with Da Hoss in 1998?
It was absolutely amazing. The circumstances surrounding that race heightened the drama and excitement. I was actually fourth in line to get the mount on Da Hoss, and fortunately, the three jockeys in front of me ended up with other commitments. The race was filled with the best horses in the world, which made the victory even sweeter.
Q: You won a thrilling Belmont Stakes with Rags to Riches in 2007. How exciting was that ride?
The Belmont victory was one of the biggest thrills I have had in racing. It was not only my first win in that race, but it was also my first Triple Crown victory. The combination of winning it with a filly and also beating Curlin, one of the best horses in racing, made it even more special. When we stumbled at the start of the race, to be quite honest, I thought it was over. ‘No way she recovers,’ I’m thinking. However, when we got to the first turn she settled pretty well and I started believing we might have a shot. I kept my eyes on Curlin and made sure to get the jump on him entering the stretch, and I think that really made the difference.
Q: You demolished the record for wins during the Saratoga meet with 61 in 2003, and then broke your own record the next year with 65. How important are those prestigious records to you?
To tell you the truth, when I did broke those records, I didn’t even realize how big of an accomplishment it was. But now looking back, it has started to sink in how special those achievements were.
Q: What is your favorite part of the Saratoga meet?
The entire experience is enjoyable. The races are fantastic, the town is terrific, and the fans are phenomenal. When it comes down to it, the fans are the ones that keep this sport going, and they come out in full force for the Saratoga meet. It is great to interact with them both at the track and during the wonderful Saratoga nightlife.  | |  |
 |
 NYRA Rewards Internet Wagering now features online funding! Log in at wagering.nyra.com and click on the yellow Funding tab for more information. Click on the e-check icon to deposit by Electronic Funds Transfer, the easiest way to fund your wagering account without paying costly transaction fees. Your personal checking account is listed if you have registered before. If not, click on the “Add” link to set up your bank routing number and checking account information. Also with Electronic Funds Transfer, you have the option of Express Funding to receive immediate credits to your wagering account. Our Express Funding service is free and you can instantly deposit up to $500 per day! Daily and weekly limits apply. Just click on the “Enroll in Express Funding” link to sign up or complete and submit an enrollment form.
 Featuring top thoroughbred racing, the summer at Saratoga is already a great time for all to bet the horses. However, if you don’t have a NYRA Rewards account, now is the time to sign up as Earn a Cool $500 is back! Simply open a NYRA Rewards account and earn 20,000 points during the Saratoga race meet, July 23 – September 1, and you will receive a phenomenal $500 real money credit to your account. This bonus is in addition to any normal cash back earned according to the NYRA Rewards schedule. Only new NYRA Rewards members are eligible. Click here for details.
To apply for a NYRA Rewards account, visit here or complete and submit an application form. Internet wagering is currently available to residents of New York State only. |
|  |
| |
|
