Jump Start to begin Saratoga racing season

The inaugural Saratoga Jump Start will kick off the 2008 racing season at

historic Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. The Jump Start

program will augment the traditional Saratoga Open House and benefit the

National Steeplechase Foundation and the Wesley Foundation.

Scheduled for July 20, the 22nd annual Open House features an expanded

five-race card worth $100,000. Four jump races and a flat turf race will

showcase runners prepping for the steeplechases scheduled for the regular

six-week Saratoga meeting, which begins July 23. The seven races during

Saratoga's meet carry a total purse of $576,000, including the August 28 New

York Turf Writers Cup (NSA-G1) and the August 7 A.P. Smithwick Memorial Hurdle

S. (NSA-G2).

Jump Start participants will be treated to a cocktail party at the National

Museum of Racing and a luncheon in the Clubhouse Terrace dining room as well as

valet parking, premier clubhouse seats, paddock passes and other VIP amenities.

There are three levels of participation -- $5,000 for "North Broadway," a

package for eight people; $2,000 for "Broadway," a package for four; and $1,000

for "Union Avenue," a package for two.

"We have created an event within an event," said Lou Raffetto, the National

Steeplechase Association's chief executive officer. "The idea is to boost the

racing program, showcase steeplechasing, generate some additional local interest

and, of course, raise money for two great charities. Long-term, we could adapt

this model to other racetracks around the country. We are excited about this."

Proceeds from the Jump Start program will benefit the National Steeplechase

Foundation, which helps fund the growth and development of American steeplechase

racing through initiatives that support safety, rules enforcement, amateur

racing and promotion. Also benefiting from the program will be the Wesley

Foundation, which raises funds in support of the Wesley Community. The Wesley

Community specializes in developing facilities and programs to meet the needs of

the aging and chronically ill through residential and health-oriented services.

General admission to Saratoga is free on Open House Day, which will feature

vendor tents, music, handicapping seminars and other events.

For additional information on Saratoga Jump Start, contact Mary Guessford at

410-392-0700 or visit www.nationalsteeplechase.com.