NYRA Makes Changes to the 2023 Saratoga Breakfast and Farm Tour

Just recently, the New York Racing Association reported that it will be making improvements to the Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour package. Due to the high demand last year, the tour will be available every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday during the Saratoga Race Course meet and will include two active Thoroughbred breeding farms.

For this year’s edition, the tours will be able to take up to 52 guests each day starting from Friday, July 14, 2023, until Friday, September 1, 2023. The tours will be available every Wednesday at Song Hill Thoroughbreds at 290 County Road 75 in Mechanicville, and every Thursday and Friday at Old Tavern Farm, 45 Brown Road, in nearby Stillwater.

Improvements for Fans

The improved fan experience package is presented by the Capital District Transportation Authority and features a buffet breakfast at the historic Saratoga Race Course. A chance for fans to witness some of the world-class thoroughbreds during morning training, and a round-trip trolley ride from the track to one of the three farms. Depending if it is Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.

In addition to that it will feature a 60 to 90-minute guided walking tour of an active thoroughbred farm and admission to Saratoga Race Course. NYRA informed the Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm package is US$85 for adults and US$35 for children 12 and under. Tickets will be sold on the basis of first-come, first-served and are available on its official website.

Presented by the CDTA, the tour will also see the organization be a sponsor of Breakfast at Saratoga which is offered daily at the track, with the exception of Travers Day. As part of the package, after the breakfast fans will be transported to one of the farms. There they will embark on an experiential walking tour, before being taken back to the track just in time for the start of the racing events.

Song Hill Thoroughbreds stretches over 100 acres and homes mares, foals, weanlings, yearlings, and thoroughbreds. It was founded in 2005 and is owned by Jim and Tina Bond, and is focused on breeding sales and producing champions. Meanwhile, Old Tavern Farm in Saratoga Springs was established in 2016 by Walt and Michelle Borisenok in near proximity to the racetrack.

This summer meet at Saratoga Race Course promises to be an exciting one, as it will be highlighted by the 154th running of Grade 1, US$1.25 million Travers. The event is scheduled for August 26, 2023. Another one to look forward to is the Grade 1, US$1 million Whitney on August 5, 2023. The season kicks off on July 14, 2023, and will run through September 4, 2023.

State Approves Borrowing Plan

Recently, NYRA also informed the public that its request for a US$455 million renovation of its Belmont Park track has been approved by state officials. However, the measure is yet to be endorsed by Gov. Kathy Hochul. She said there was a condition for her to sign the loan. She wants the NYRA to meet certain criteria for union jobs.

Source: “NYRA Enhances 2023 Saratoga Breakfast and Farm Tour” Blood Horse, May 12, 2023