Saratoga hosts 31st annual Open House

The gates to Saratoga Race Course will swing open for the 31st annual Open

House on Sunday, just five days prior to the start of the 143rd season on July

22.

Entertainment at this year's event will include pony rides, clowns, musical

acts, carnival games and non-wagering racing, all providing a memorable start to

America's premier meet.

New for this year is the Open House Poster Parade. Fans can bring a

Travers-themed poster to the track or create one on-site with staff from the

Tiny Tots Tea Room. All materials will be provided. Registration will be from 11

a.m. to 2 p.m. (EDT). The poster parade will take place on the apron at 2:30

p.m. before a panel of judges. The grand prize winner will have the opportunity

to name a race and present a trophy in the winner's circle during the summer

meet. Second and third place contestants will also receive prizes.

Open House will also include the eighth annual mascot race, which pits

recognizable local mascots against one another in a one-of-a-kind race down the

main track at noon. Favorite characters include Bernie the Saint Bernard from

Siena College; Damien the Great Dane from University at Albany; Puck from RPI;

Dax from the Adirondack Phantoms; Southpaw and Rowdy from the Tri-City

ValleyCats; Devil Dawg from the Albany Devils; Twinkle from Star 101.3; and

Cuppie, Iced Coffee and Donut representing Dunkin' Donuts. 

Another highlight is the Islip Horsemen's Association Long Island Drill Team.

The team, which has participated in events including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day

Parade, will perform on the main track at 11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

The race course will unleash its wild side as the Children's Museum of

Science and Technology brings its educational and explorative Leaping Lizards

and Rocking Reptiles exhibit to the Spa. Kids and families will have a chance to

meet these cold-blooded creatures while learning about their behaviors, habitats

and lifestyles.

Families can participate in a number of activities including pony rides, face

painting, caricatures, photo magnets, and a petting zoo. Young racing fans can

join the interactive Backyard Circus in the festival tent or catch some air on

the popular bounce inflatables.

Fans can enjoy musical entertainment throughout the day from strolling swing

band Captain Squeeze and the Zydeco Monsters.

On the racing front, the National Steeplechase Association will help Saratoga

get a jump on the season with four hurdle races and a training flat race,

beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Open House. Races will take place every 45

minutes with the day's final post at 4 p.m. There will be no pari-mutuel

wagering on the steeplechase action at Open House.

Steeplechasing will have an enhanced presence during the upcoming 40-day

meet. Steeplechase Thursdays will now feature a total of nine races throughout

the season, a 50 percent increase from the 2010 lineup. Steeplechase action will

lead off the card each Thursday of the meet with a second steeplechase race

added to Thursdays in weeks two, four and six.

Admission and parking are free for the Open House. All proceeds from food and

beverage sales and other activities will support an array of local

not-for-profit groups.