On August 8, Saratoga Race Course will host Whitney Day, a marquee event that blends top‑tier thoroughbred racing with a tribute to the United States’ newest hockey icons. The program will feature four Grade 1 races, headlined by the $1 million Whitney Stakes, drawing fans from across the country.
Joining the celebration are Olympic gold medalists Haley Winn and Hayley Scamurra, alongside their general manager, Katie Million. All three were born in New York and have become symbols of the sport’s rapid rise. Winn, a Rochester native, was selected second overall by the Boston Fleet in the 2025 PWHL Draft and earned Rookie of the Year honors. Scamurra, who captured a silver medal at the 2022 Beijing Games and helped the U.S. win gold in Milan, also played a pivotal role in the PWHL’s Montreal Victoire championship run.
A Tribute on the Track
The trio will take part in a fan meet‑and‑greet from 3 to 4 p.m., and a race will be named in their honor, underscoring their impact on and off the ice. Million, whose career spans more than two decades in sports management, previously served as general manager of the 2022 Olympic team and directed women’s national team programs for USA Hockey.
NYRA President and CEO David O’Rourke expressed enthusiasm about welcoming the team, noting that Whitney Day will showcase the $1 million Whitney Stakes alongside the other Grade 1 events. Gates will open at 10 a.m., with the first post scheduled for 11:45 a.m., and general admission tickets are priced at $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the event.
Beyond the race, the ceremony reflects a broader momentum for women’s hockey in the United States. From collegiate programs at Clarkson University and Northeastern University to the professional arena of the Professional Women’s Hockey League, the sport enjoys growing support from institutions such as the Olympic Regional Development Authority and the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, all of which share a commitment to developing the next generation of talent.