Saratoga Open House scheduled for July 15

The familiar gates of Saratoga Race Course will open five days early as the

New York Racing Association prepares to host its annual pre-season preview

party, the 32nd annual Open House. A Saratoga tradition held prior to the start

of racing season at North America's most historic thoroughbred racetrack, Open

House returns to kick off a full day of fun and attractions on Sunday, July 15,

to benefit dozens of local non-profit organizations.

Saratoga's Open House offers a free sneak-peek into the popular summer

meeting with a full day of games, activities, live music, food, pony rides,

behind-the-scenes tours, mascot races, handicapping seminars and non-wagering

horse racing. The 32nd annual Open House will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(EDT). Admission and parking are free.

The National Steeplechase Association will get a jump on the racing season by

presenting four hurdle races and one turf race that will serve as qualifiers for

the regular Saratoga meet. No pari-mutuel wagering is available on these races

which get underway every 45 minutes beginning at 1 p.m.

"The Open House event not only welcomes people to the summer Saratoga season

at the track," NYRA President and COO Ellen McClain said, "but is also intended

to generate much needed funds for worthy local charities. We are proud of our

community partnerships and ability to serve as an engine to generate hundreds of

thousands of dollars for nonprofits over the entire racing season, beginning

with this signature event."

Designed to support community organizations, Saratoga's Open House raises

nearly $15,000 every year for local not-for-profit groups through the sale of

deeply discounted food and beverages. Visitors can choose from a variety of

tasty treats, including hamburgers, fried dough, sausage and peppers, and ice

cream sandwiches. All proceeds benefit area charitable organizations such as the

Knights of Columbus; Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York; Racing City Chorus;

Saratoga Rowing; Saratoga Elks; Watervliet Civic Center; Brookside Museum; St.

Clements School; Saratoga EOC; Jewish Community Center; and Saratoga

Preservation Foundation.

The Saratoga Economic Opportunity Council, a non-profit program that provides

aid to low- and/or fixed-income families in need, will greet patrons at the

gates in an effort to collect non-perishable canned goods.

Additionally, the American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at the Saratoga

Race Course during the Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through its Traveling

Donor Center. All presenting donors will receive a coupon for a free carton of

ice cream or sherbet, redeemable at any participating Friendly's restaurant.

New this year to the entertainment lineup is The Puppet People, offering a

fun festival of frolics called Puppet Potpourri, which is a puppet variety show

that showcases trick marionettes, mouth puppets, rod puppets and a show full of

laughs for all ages. They will provide three performances, taking place at 11:30

a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Also new this year, locally-known equine artist and art instructor Mary

Francis Millet will be on hand with tips and a water color demonstration for

fans participating in the second annual Travers-themed poster contest. Millet

will join the staff at the Tiny Tots Tea Room booth to work with kids on their

creations. All materials will be provided.  The grand prize winner will

have the opportunity to present a trophy in the winner's circle as part of a

named race during the summer meet. Second and third place contestants will also

receive prizes, including birthday parties and play passes to the Tiny Tots Tea

Room.

Another highlight of the day for horse lovers is the Islip Horsemen's

Association Long Island Drill Team. The team, which has participated in various

distinguished events including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, will

demonstrate its moves and skills as more than a dozen horses execute intricate

pinwheels, circles, and V formations. The team will perform on the main track at

11:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

Open House will include the ninth-annual mascot race, which pits famed

mascots from local sports teams and well-known brands against one another in a

one-of-a-kind race down the main track. Post time is noon.

The Children's Museum of Science and Technology will make a stop at the Open

House with its educational and explorative Leaping Lizards and Rocking Reptiles

exhibit. Kids and families will have a chance to meet these fascinating

cold-blooded creatures, while learning about their behaviors, habitats and

lifestyles. These captivating demonstrations can be enjoyed under the Carousel

at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The backyard will play host to a variety of activities including pony rides,

inflatables, face painting, caricatures and a petting zoo.

Open House will also feature live music from the strolling swing band Captain

Squeeze & the Zydeco Moshers.

Patrons can get a glimpse into the inner workings of the track with free

backstretch tours every half hour beginning at 11 a.m. at the Clubhouse

entrance.

For a small fee, visitors can have their day at the races commemorated with a

special photo laminated on a 3"x 4" photo magnet. All proceeds benefit the

Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The following organizations will have information and activity booths

displayed at Open House: Saratoga Hospital Guild; Saratoga EOC; The National

Center for Missing and Exploited Children; Southern Adirondack Independent

Living Center; Center for Donation and Transplant; HOPE (Homes for Orphaned Pets

Exist); Junior League of Schenectady & Saratoga Counties; Yaddo Garden

Association; and St. Mary's School.

Fans will also have the opportunity to purchase a 2012 Saratoga season pass

at the Grandstand Customer Service Center during Open House. The passes, $75 for

clubhouse admission and $35 for grandstand, are good for the entire 40-day

Saratoga meet, including Travers Day on Saturday, August 25. Season passes will

be available at the Saratoga Reserved Seating Office starting Wednesday, July 11

from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are also available by mail. For more information

about season passes and all ticket sales, please visit

www.nyra.com.

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