Track-goers turn out for colorful blanket giveaway

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » Racing fans can stay a little cozier and warmer this winter after visiting the track Monday for a Saratoga Race Course blanket giveaway.

The colorful design shows three horses speeding toward the finish line with the historic clubhouse roof outlined against a bright blue sky.

While impressed by the creativity, Vince Verro of Saratoga Springs had a more important reason for picking up several blankets.

“I if don’t bring these home, my mother will quit making meatballs” he said with a smile. “I’ve got to keep ‘em coming.”

A long line of people formed outside the track’s main entrance on Union Avenue, waiting for a chance to get the free gift item. The blanket is the latest in a series of giveaways New York Racing Association is offering this year.

Baseball caps and umbrellas were given away previously and fans may pick up red-and-black Saratoga windbreakers on Sunday, Sept. 2.

Verro said the blanket might come in handy for a late-summer beach vacation, too.

The giveaway opened a busy week full of special track activities, leading up to the meet’s highlight — the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes on Saturday.

On Wednesday, all trackgoers will be treated to IrishAmerican Day festivities highlighted by music, dance and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Saratoga Pavilion, behind the grandstand. Also, chefs from the greater Capital Region will provide tastings of classic Irish dishes inside the pavilion such as traditional Irish soda bread, puff pastry sausage rolls; carrot, parsnip and potato soup; and chocolate Guinness brownies.

On Friday, two-time Triple Crown winning trainer Bob Baffert will be inducted to the Saratoga Walk of Fame, following a trackside Red Jacket ceremony.

In addition to the Travers, five other Grade 1 races are scheduled Saturday. They are the $1 million Sword Dancer, the $700,000 Personal Ensign, the $600,000 Forego, the $500,000 Ketel One Ballerina, and the $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial.

Gates open at 7 a.m. on Travers Day, with a special first post time of 11:35 a.m. All guests are subject to enhanced screening upon entering the grounds.

For safety reasons, fans will not be allowed to run to secure a picnic table in the back yard. This policy will be strictly enforced.

Some people left the track Monday with huge armloads of blankets, which they plan on giving to relatives and friends.

“I’m vacationing with my husband and three kids,” said Joy Fiacco of Duanesburg. “The giveaway was definitely a good reason to come.”

PHOTOS BY PAUL POST — PPOST@DIGITALFIRSTMEDIA.COM The giveaway blanket shows horses racing toward the finish line with the clubhouse in the background.

A young Saratoga Race Course visitor picks up one of the many blankets fans were given on Monday.

Carol Moyer, left, of South Glens Falls, and Bonnie George, right, of Glens Falls, were among the many fans who turned out Monday for the Saratoga Race Course blanket giveaway.

A large crowd of people formed outside the track’s Union Avenue entrance on Monday, waiting for a Saratoga Race Course blanket giveaway.

Track employee Pat Huggins carries an armload of blankets for fans waiting to pick up the latest giveaway item.

Vince Verro of Saratoga Springs shows off some of the colorful Saratoga Race Course blankets he picked up Monday.

Joy Fiacco of Duanesburg picked up blankets for her husband and three children with whom she’s vacationing locally.