NYRA celebrates women on 'Fabulous Fillies Day'

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) will celebrate women and the glamour

they bring to Saratoga Race Course with a special day appropriately titled

"Fabulous Fillies Day" on Friday.

The day will feature a number of special events and activities designed to

honor women of the Thoroughbred industry while raising funds to support The

Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). The first 25,000 fans through the admission gates will each receive a pink

breast cancer support bracelet, courtesy of BCRF.

"Women are a central part of the summer racing season at Saratoga Race

Course," NYRA Director of Community Relations Joanne K. Adams said. "We invite

ladies to join us for a stylish and fun day at the track on Fabulous Fillies

Day. We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of several

extraordinary women while raising awareness and funds for The Breast Cancer

Research Foundation."

The femme-friendly day will begin when breast cancer survivors and supporters

are invited to gather in the Paddock for a Pink Parade. The parade, which honors

the courage and perseverance of breast cancer survivors, will begin at 11 a.m.

(EDT).

Later that afternoon, BCRF will be presented with a

combined donation of $25,000 to support the organization's efforts to find a

cure for breast cancer.

The day will also honor two of Saratoga's leading ladies: Linda Rice and

Suzie O'Cain. Rice catapulted to national recognition after winning the 2009

training title at Saratoga, making her the first woman to win the

title at a major race meet. As a tribute to her accomplishments, Rice will be

presented with a special commemorative plate following the day's 1ST race,

which will be named in her honor.

The Find a Cure Stable, founded by O'Cain, will be recognized for its unique

mission, through which the stable donates 10 percent of all winnings to BCRF.

The stable's jockey silks reflect its mission with a white shirt and pink

sleeves, emblazoned with the iconic Breast Cancer ribbon logo. The stable will

sell hats and T-shirts to benefit BCRF from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in front of the

Jockey Silks Room.

NYRA Vice President of Racing P.J. Campo will card several filly and mare

overnight races in concert with the day's theme. In each of the day's

corresponding races, the horses will wear pink saddle towels and grooms will be

outfitted in pink jackets. Participating horsemen and jockeys have pledged to

donate a portion of their purse earnings from the day to support BCRF.

The Spa will also feature a special pink NYRA flag in flight

overhead. Pink bunting, ribbons and flowers will adorn the track, including a

pink flower blanket on the horse statue in the Paddock.

Beginning at noon, track guests can bid on a number of luxury items at a

silent auction. Auction items include a set of Judith Ripka cushion stone

earrings adorned with a honey citrine stone and diamonds from Northeastern Fine

Jewelry; two reserved seats at Saratoga for the 141st

Travers S. (G1) on August 28; and the opportunity to shadow ESPN

commentator Jeannine Edwards and receive a behind-the-scenes tour at Belmont

Park the day before the running of the 2011 Belmont S. (G1). All proceeds from

the silent auction will benefit BCRF. The silent auction will be held in the

luxury tent opposite the Jockey Silks Room until 4 p.m.

The recently crowned Miss New York will make a special guest appearance on

Fabulous Fillies Day. Claire Buffie will be joined by several contestants from

the Miss New York pageant to meet fans, sign autographs, and collect donations

for BCRF throughout the afternoon in the backyard near the Big Red Spring. Miss

New York will also co-present the trophy for the day's race named in honor of

Fabulous Fillies Day.

Hollywood hat designer Patricia Underwood, whose headpieces have been

featured in the films Four Weddings and a Funeral and Sabrina,

will also make a special appearance for the day. Pieces from Underwood's latest

line, as well as designer apparel and accessories from global luxury brand St.

John Boutique, will be modeled from 1-4 p.m.

Additionally, a number of refreshments will be available in an effort to

raise awareness and funds to support breast cancer research. A specialty

signature cocktail, The Grey Goose Pink Ribbon, and pink lemonade will be

available at various locations, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit The

Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Donations to BCRF can be made throughout the day at the community outreach

booth in front of the Jockey Silks Room, where BCRF executives and volunteers

will be available to discuss the organization's mission, goals and services.

Ladies are invited to stroll through the backyard to visit the B95.5 Women's

Expo, where a host of interactive exhibit and demonstrations focused on beauty,

health care and leisure will be on display. The expo, located near the Big Red

Spring, will be open from 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For

up-to-date information on Fabulous Fillies Day and other special events, please

visit www.nyra.com/saratogaevents.