Saratoga Race Course will welcome college students with the track's first-ever College Day on Friday, Sept. 4, featuring prizes, giveaways and $1,000 scholarships to be awarded after each race by The New York Racing Association.

All college students will receive free grandstand admission to the thoroughbred horse racing track on Union Avenue with a valid college ID.

"We are excited to provide our college students with a reason to visit Saratoga as they arrive back on campus," said NYRA executive vice president Hal Handel.

Beginning at noon, students may enter to win the scholarships and many other prizes at the Big Red Spring. The first 1,000 students to register will receive a commemorative College Day T-shirt, white with the phrase, "My favorite course ... Saratoga Race Course" and corresponding artwork.

SUNY Cobleskill and the University of Arizona are partnering with NYRA to supplement the $1,000 scholarships with additional money toward tuition for equine-related course work.

SUNY Cobleskill is offering to double the scholarship money awarded to students admitted to its Equine Studies program. Students interested in working directly with thoroughbreds or in equine business management will receive $2,000 total toward their education.

The University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program (RTIP) will supplement NYRA's offer with an additional $2,000 in scholarship money, for a grand total of $3,000 for those students accepted into its track management program.