WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20

Racing from Across the Pond, Saratoga Race Course, 9:15 a.m. Racing fans can watch and wager on the best of British racing from the comfortable confines of Bunbury’s Pub in the backyard of Saratoga Race Course every morning and afternoon from Wednesday through Saturday. With a full bar featuring authentic British brews and traditional English pub-style décor – right down to the Union Jack – fans will feel as if they’re really “across the pond” during special Thoroughbred racing simulcasts from such legendary courses as Sandown, Newmarket and York. Through August 30, fans must purchase a wristband to get admission to Racing UK during traditional “Breakfast at Saratoga” hours from 7 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. That wristband, however, will allow fans to stay in the area as the breakfast crowd is cleared out. It also allows them to remain at the track throughout the day. During the afternoon, with no cover and no admission charge, the pub’s four high-definition flat screen televisions will feature courses such as Sandown, Kempton Park and Salisbury as well as twilight simulcasting from Del Mar in Southern California. For a complete Racing UK simulcast schedule, please visit nyra.com and click on the banner.

Stewart’s Shops Ice Cream Eating Contest, Saratoga Race Course, 2 p.m. Contestants are divided into three age groups – kids, teens and adults – to compete in the ultimate in chilly contests, ice cream eating. The winners receive gift certificates for free Stewart’s Shops ice cream. Registration begins at 1 p.m. by the Jockey Silks room; contest gets underway following the third race.

The Albany (Big Apple Triple), Saratoga Race Course, post time 4:56 p.m. Travers Week stakes action begins with the 31st running of the $150,000-added Albany for New York-bred three-year-olds at nine furlongs. The race is the final leg of the OTB’s Big Apple Triple, and if Tin Cup Chalice, who has already won the Mike Lee at Belmont Park and the New York Derby at his home track of Finger Lakes, can win the Albany, he will receive a $250,000 bonus for owner/trainer Michael Lecesse. (Raymond Lecesse, Michael’s father, owned 1981 Whitney winner Fio Rito).

Saratoga Race to the Altar, Saratoga Springs. Voting continues as Capital Region residents help plan the Saratoga Race Course wedding of Jim Barbetta and Michelle Mattiske of Waterford, NY, winners of the first-ever Saratoga Race to the Altar. This week, the public can visit www.timesunion.com/saratoga to vote on Michelle’s hairstyle for her wedding in the Winner’s Circle on Friday, August 29. Hairstyle provided by Sanctuary Spa. Last week, the public voted on Jim’s tuxedo, provided by Tuxego. The winning outfit is The Classic Peak made of 100% Worsted Wool, Satin Peak lapel, one button, non-vented with besom pockets.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21

Thursday Team Trivia, Saratoga Race Course, Big Red Spring, 3 p.m. The ultimate test of sports, history, geography, entertainment and pop culture knowledge, Saratoga Race Course hosts Time Warner Team Trivia in the backyard. Racing fans can create teams to compete in the 20-question trivia test for great prizes and bragging rights as the track’s fact fanatic.  

The 10th Annual Saratoga Fashion Show, Saratoga Race Course, 11:30 a.m. Fans of fashion will be treated to fine designs from the area’s best boutiques, an elaborate luncheon buffet and a silent auction at the 10th annual Saratoga Fashion Show. Runway models will feature the latest in design and millenary wear to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, a home-like environment providing comfort, support and respite for families of seriously ill children. For ticket information and reservations, call 518-438-2655.

Gary Vaynerchuk, Saratoga Race Course, Clubhouse Porch. 8:30 a.m. The Spa will add a bubbly twist to its traditional breakfast at the track as celebrity wine expert Gary Vaynerchuk uncorks the history and popularity of champagne with a special tasting on the clubhouse porch. During breakfast, diners can partake in a free lesson with Vaynerchuk who will educate racing fans on the sparkling wine while sampling some of this favorite “bubbly”. A 32-year old, self-taught wine connoisseur, Vaynerchuk has earned national attention with his revolutionary online webcast, “The Thunder Show” on www.winelibrarytv.com. Known for his bold enthusiasm and vast knowledge, Vaynerchuk has appeared on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and has been featured in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post.

The 11th Annual Battle of the Brews, Saratoga Race Course, 12 Noon to 5 p.m.  Kicking off the party one day prior to the Travers Stakes presented by Shadwell Farm, Saratoga Race Course will host a different kind of battle in its backyard when some of the area’s best microbreweries clash in a competition of their own.  Known as the “Battle of the Brews,” patrons 21 years and older will have a chance to sample some great microbrews and vote for their favorite. Tickets are $25. Proceeds benefit the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

TRAVERS DAY, Saratoga Race Course, gates open 7 a.m., first post time 12 Noon. The 139th running of the Grade 1, $1 million Travers Stakes presented by Shadwell Farm is the oldest stakes for three-year-olds in North America and the centerpiece of the Saratoga Race Course season. There will be 12 races on Travers Day. There will be a guaranteed $1 million Pick 4 starting with the Victory Ride in the eighth race (4:03 p.m.), and continuing with the Grade 2 Bernard Baruch Handicap (race 9, 4:38 p.m.), the Grade 1 NetJets King’s Bishop (10th race, 5:10 p.m.) and the Travers (11th race, 5:45 p.m.). ESPN will televise the graded stakes races live during its two-hour telecast that begins at 4:30 p.m.