Ready for a picnic fit for royalty? Gather your squad of six and let the bidding wars begin!

The Saratoga Hospital Foundation and the New York Racing Association (NYRA) are thrilled to bring an exciting opportunity to you! As part of their commitment to supporting critical non-profit organizations, NYRA has graciously donated a reserved picnic table for each of the festival’s racing days to Saratoga Hospital for fundraising purposes.

Bid in our online auction for a chance to win a paddock picnic table which includes admission for six people to each of the four days of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course – June 6-9, 2024. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Staff Appreciation Fund at Saratoga Hospital.

Auction details:

Thursday, June 6 - valued at $150.00
Friday, June 7 - valued at $300.00
Saturday, June 8 (Belmont Stakes day) - valued at $450.00
Sunday, June 9 - valued at $90.00

RULES:

Highest bidder wins.
Non-transferrable

Bidding opens 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 1

Bidding closes 11:59 p.m. Friday, May 31

PICNIC TABLE RULES:

Coolers no larger than 12” x 18” containing food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted.

The following items ARE NOT PERMITTED:

• Alcohol

• Additional chairs

• Pop-Up Tents/Umbrellas

Your participation in this auction directly supports Saratoga Hospital Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Saratoga Hospital. The Foundation conducts a full complement of philanthropic programs, including an annual campaign, memorial gifts, special events, major gifts, capital campaigns, and planned giving, all of which serve to support the mission of Saratoga Hospital and our facilities.

A Brief History of the Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes, often referred to as “The Test of the Champion,” is one of the oldest and most prestigious horse races in the United States. It was first held in 1867 at Jerome Park Racetrack in the Bronx, New York, before moving to its current location at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, in 1905.

The race is the third and final leg of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. While the Kentucky Derby is known as the “Run for the Roses” and the Preakness is dubbed the “Run for the Black-Eyed Susans,” the Belmont Stakes is often called the “Run for the Carnations” due to the floral blanket traditionally draped over the winning horse.

Throughout its storied history, the Belmont Stakes has witnessed many memorable moments and legendary champions. Some of the most notable include Secretariat’s historic 31-length victory in 1973, which still stands as the fastest time in Belmont Stakes history, and American Pharoah’s triumphant win in 2015, ending a 37-year Triple Crown drought.

Over the years, the Belmont Stakes has evolved into a cherished tradition. With its rich heritage and thrilling competition, the Belmont Stakes continues to captivate audiences and showcase the timeless allure of thoroughbred racing.

This year, due to construction at Belmont Park, Saratoga Race Course has been chosen as the host venue for the prestigious 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. This announcement marks a historic moment for Saratoga, bringing tourists and racing enthusiasts from around the globe to our charming city.

C - Saturday June 8 Reserved Picnic Table