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Saratoga plans special Travers weekend activities The New York Racing Association Inc. (NYRA), the city of Saratoga Springs, New York, and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce Monday announced a series of special events and fan-oriented activities to support a weekend of racing destined to be one for the ages. The week-long celebration comes in anticipation of this weekend's unprecedented Double Day Spectacular -- the $1 million Travers S. (G1) on Saturday and the return of the reigning Horse of the Year RACHEL ALEXANDRA (Medaglia d'Oro) in the Personal Ensign S. (G1) on Sunday. The series of fan initiatives includes an all-new Travers Eve party in downtown Saratoga; a Travers 1864 Restaurant week; and a special "Double" wager that will give fans the opportunity to select the winner of the Travers on Saturday and the Personal Ensign on Sunday. The Travers-Personal Ensign Double is the first wager offered over a period of two days at Saratoga in recent memory. "With one of the most historic and well-known events in Thoroughbred racing on Saturday and the homecoming of Rachel Alexandra on Sunday, we're gearing up for a weekend unlike any other in recent memory at Saratoga," NYRA President & CEO Charlie Hayward said. "We encourage all racing fans to celebrate by taking part in one of the many events and activities lined up in anticipation of this exciting double day spectacular." In commemoration of the historic back-to-back events, Saratoga Springs Mayor Scott Johnson on Monday issued an official proclamation declaring Saturday and Sunday a "Double Day Spectacular" in the city of Saratoga Springs. The on-track excitement will spill over into downtown Saratoga Springs with special Travers 2010 and Rachel Alexandra pole banners lining Broadway in the days leading up to the blockbuster weekend. Racing fever will continue when fans are invited to take part in a new Travers tradition, the inaugural Travers Eve Party on Friday. The first-time event, hosted by NYRA and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, will feature autograph sessions with Saratoga's leading jockeys in the parking lot of the Saratoga Downtowner motel from 7 to 8 p.m. (EDT), as well as live music and strolling entertainment from 7 to 10 p.m. Fans of all ages can stop by various downtown retailers to pick up free commemorative Travers S. items, including horse-shaped "Track Bandz" for kids and special Saratoga Race Course Mardi Gras beads for adults. The Travers Eve party will be modeled, in part, after the highly successful "Hats off to Saratoga" and "Final Stretch" festivals that take place downtown at the commencement and conclusion of the Saratoga racing season. On Travers Day NYRA will offer a special wager that will allow fans the opportunity to select the winner of both the Travers and the Personal Ensign. The Travers-Personal Ensign Double will provide a link to these two highly anticipated weekend races and will also prove a challenge for both novice bettors and experienced handicappers. With one of the largest and most competitive fields expected for the Travers in years and the likely showdown on Sunday between Rachel Alexandra and LIFE AT TEN (Malibu Moon), who comes into the Personal Ensign riding a six-race winning streak, the Travers-Personal Ensign Double may offer exceptional value. The Travers-Personal Ensign Double is part of a Travers Day wagering platform that will include the $1 million guaranteed all-graded stakes Late Pick 4 featuring the Travers, King's Bishop S. (G1), Ballerina S. (G1) and Victory Ride S. (G3).By guaranteeing the wager, NYRA will supplement the net difference if the total pool is less than $1 million. The Double Day Spectacular continues on Sunday when all fans will receive a free Rachel Alexandra button featuring her likeness and commemorating the date of her return engagement to Saratoga. The collector's edition button is available with paid admission, while supplies last. Additionally, select Rachel Alexandra merchandise will be available for purchase at the NYRA store, including T-shirts, baseball caps and 50 limited edition "Were You There?" posters autographed by Rachel's connections. The theme for the artwork was inspired by fans able to vividly recall the moment when Rachel became the first filly to triumph over older males in the Woodward S. (G1), a race that dates back more than half a century. Proceeds from the sale of Rachel posters and merchandise will benefit charity. Rachel followers will also have a chance to win a pair of reserved grandstand seats to see her run on Sunday by sharing their own Rachel story on the Times Union's popular Thoroughbred racing blog "Talking Horses." Fans can enter to win by sharing their favorite Rachel memory here. Entries must be received by 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Preceding the Double Day Spectacular will be the 15th annual Travers Festival which will feature a number of new events and activities: * Travers 1864 Restaurant Week: Through Thursday, nearly 40 area restaurants and eateries will offer a special three-course meal at the prix-fixe cost of $18.64, the year of the inaugural running of the Travers, the oldest major stakes race in the country for three-year-olds. For a complete list of participating restaurants and to view the prix-fixe menus, please visit http://www.nyra.com/Saratoga/RestaurantWeek.shtml. * Stewart's Shops Ice Cream Eating Contest: The chilly competition returns for another year on Wednesday, giving fans of all ages the chance to chow down for the prize of gift certificates for free Stewart's Shops ice cream. Registration for the kid, teen, or adult categories begins at noon in front of the Jockey Silks Room. * Belmont Child Care Association Benefit: Two of the industry's most respected trainers and jockeys will be honored for their commitment to the racing community during the 13th annual Belmont Child Care Association Benefit on Wednesday. The "Down Home Rodeo" Dinner and Auction benefits the Anna House, an early childhood education center for working families at Belmont Park. This year's event will honor Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas as well as world-class jockey John Velazquez and his wife, Leona. To purchase tickets, contact 516-527-4746. * San Gennaro Day: Track patrons will be invited to celebrate their Italian heritage as Saratoga reprises the famous Italian outdoor street festival on Thursday. This time-honored festival, which was first celebrated in Italy to commemorate the martyrdom of St. Januarius (San Gennaro), the patron saint of Naples, in the year 305, was transplanted to New York City by Neapolitan immigrants in 1926. Traditional Italian food, music, folk dance and bocce ball demonstrations will mark the featured activities. * Jump Jockeys Autograph Session: In honor of the running of the $100,000 New York Turf Writers Cup (NSA-G1), the National Steeplechase Association and the Steeplechase Owners and Trainers Association will host a special autograph signing with a number of the jockeys riding in the day's feature race. The autograph signing will take place outside the Jockey Silks Room from 2 to 3:30 p.m. * Ronald McDonald House Fashion Show: Start the day at Saratoga Race Course with a fashion show and luncheon presented by Saratoga Trunk to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region on Thursday. Held in the "At the Rail Pavilion," the luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. and is sponsored, in part, by Northeastern Fine Jewelry. * 10th annual Travers Celebration: As dusk settles over Saratoga Race Course on Thursday, the annual gala held "At the Rail" will return to honor 2009 Travers winner Summer Bird and his winning connections: owners Drs. Kalarikkal K. & Vilasini D. Jayaraman, trainer Tim Ice and jockey Kent Desormeaux. With approximately $100,000 raised each year during the event, the Travers Celebration expects to celebrate its 10th anniversary by reaching the milestone donation total of $1 million for the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.), the Double H Ranch and other prominent local charities. Northeastern Fine Jewelry, the official jeweler of this year's Travers Celebration, will feature a collection of signature pieces from top Hollywood bridal and fashion jewelry designer Simon G. * 13th annual Battle of the Brews: The backyard will play host to the area's best brews as adults enjoy the ultimate in beer tasting on Friday. The festival will feature nearly 20 of the area's best micro-breweries with proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter. Admission is $25 per person; which includes a souvenir tasting glass. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. The event runs from noon to 4:30 p.m. * Jockey & Saratoga VIP Charity Softball Game: On Monday, Saratoga's world-class jockeys will go up against some of the Capital Region's best-known personalities in a Charity Softball Game to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. A special meet and greet with the participating jockeys will be held following the game, which will take place at East Side Recreation Park on Lake Avenue. Presented by STAR 101.3 FM, the evening will also feature a raffle and food and beverages from Mike's Hot Dogs and Ben & Jerry's. The first 100 adult paid admissions will receive a free T-shirt, while supplies last. Gates open at 6 p.m. with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; $2 for children. For more information, contact John J. Steve at 518-379-6251 or via email at johnstevepdjf@yahoo.com. The Double Day Spectacular will begin on Saturday, when gates open at 7 a.m. for the 141st running of the Travers. First post time is 11:35 a.m. For more information about the events and activities to celebrate the Double Day Spectacular at Saratoga Race Course, visit www.nyra.com/saratogaevents.
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