New York writers staging benefit

The New York Turf Writers Association will auction off seasons to top New York-bred stallions, a Travers Day box, and seats for this year's Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Champion-ships, among other items, at its annual awards dinner and dance on Monday, Aug. 22 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Also included in the benefit are New York Yankees memorabilia, a foursome at Saratoga National Golf Club, and house seats to a Broadway show. Proceeds from the silent auction will go to several charities, including the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Belmont Child Care Association, and the Backstretch Employee Assistance Team.

Among the stallions whose seasons are on offer at the auction are Best of Luck, Freud, Gold Token, Kelly Kip, Mayakovsky, Prime Timber, Rizzi, and Strategic Mission. Bids will also be taken on a bat autographed by Derek Jeter and a New York Yankees jersey signed by Alex Rodriguez.

Also up for bid will be a print from equine artist Anthony M. Alonso; a laser-on-canvas print from Eclipse Award-winning photographer Michael J. Marten; a portfolio of prints from Daily Racing Form illustrator Pierre Bellocq; gift certificates from the Springwater Bistro, The Polo Club, and the Wishing Well; merchandise packages from Daily Racing Form and the National Basketball Association; and a gift certificate for an ice sculpture.

Tickets for the dinner are $100 and can be obtained by calling Charlotte Quinn at 518-584-6200, extension 4235, or by email at cquinn@nyrainc.com.