Saratoga Highlights: Fan Appreciation Week
- WHAT: Week 8 of the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course
- WHEN: Tuesday, August 26 – Monday, September 1
CLOSING WEEK FIRST POST TIMES AND ADMISSION GATES:
First post on Wednesday and Thursday is 1:10 p.m.
First post on Friday is 12:35 p.m.
First post on Saturday and Monday is 12:05 p.m.
First post on Sunday is 11:20 a.m.
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. on Wednesday – Friday
Admission gates open at 10 a.m. on Saturday – Monday
Fan Appreciation Week: NYRA.com/Fans
TUESDAY, AUGUST 26
Students to the Starting Gate
NYRA will donate 500 backpacks containing essential school supplies to community-based organizations serving families in Queens, Nassau and Saratoga Counties.
NYRA staff and the Saratoga Race Course mascot, Gallop, will visit Saratoga City Center at 5 p.m. to help distribute backpacks and school supplies to students at the 2025 Salvation Army Back to School Expo. NYRA is also donating backpacks locally to the Corinth Central School District, Mechanicville Area Community Services Center and the Franklin Community Center.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 9-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
Breakfast at Saratoga
Breakfast at Saratoga, driven by CDTA, is available for purchase on The Porch from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Fans have the opportunity to enjoy a buffet breakfast against the backdrop of morning training. Reservations are not required.
Fans can also go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour. Tram tours depart from the clubhouse entrance beginning at 7:30 a.m. with the last one leaving at 9 a.m. and running every 30 minutes. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fan Appreciation Week
Fan Appreciation Week will be highlighted by numerous food and beverage specials, including 50% off select beers at designated bars and concessions; $3 hot dogs, $3 Saratoga Chips and Dip, and $3 bottled soda and water; as well as a series of weeklong ticket offers available for purchase at NYRA.com/Fans.
P.G. Johnson presented by Snap-On, Funny Cide, and Jonathan Sheppard
Stakes action will include the Listed $150,000 P.G. Johnson presented by Snap-On, a 1 1/16-mile inner turf test for juvenile fillies; the rescheduled Grade 1, $150,000 Jonathan Sheppard, a 2 3/8-mile steeplechase handicap for older horses; and the $150,000 Funny Cide, a six-furlong sprint for New York-bred 2-year-olds.
Siena Basketball Day at the Races
Fans can join Siena Men’s Basketball Head coach Gerry “GMac” McNamara and Siena Women’s Basketball Head Coach Terry Primm for a meet-and-greet opportunity at the Jockey Silks Porch from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. Both coaches will present a trophy in the Winner’s Circle following the fifth race of the day named “Siena Saints MarchOn!”
Saratoga Live
Saratoga Live, the critically acclaimed and award-winning show produced by NYRA in partnership with FOX Sports, concludes its 10th season providing daily coverage and in-depth analysis of the summer meet to a nationwide audience on the FOX Sports family of networks. For the complete broadcast schedule, and additional programming information, visit nyra.com/tv.
Community Outreach Booth
The Saratoga Springs Chapter of Disabled American Veterans helps to transform the lives of veterans by advocating for access to the healthcare, disability, employment, education and financial benefits they have earned.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 11-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour
Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours are available Thursday through Sunday. Presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), the package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a local breeding farm and admission to Saratoga Race Course. Each tour accommodates up to 52 guests. Tickets may be purchased at NYRA.com.
With Anticipation
Thursday’s feature is the Grade 3, $175,000 With Anticipation, a 1 1/16-mile inner turf test for juveniles.
National Red Wine Day
Fans 21 and older can celebrate National Red Wine Day by enjoying complimentary samples of Josh Cellars’ signature wine selections at the Josh Cellars Wine Bar from noon to 4 p.m.
Taste NY Pavilion
New York-made food and beverages are available for sample and purchase at the Taste NY Pavilion where fans can enjoy New York craft beers, wines, spirits and food (must be 21 and over to sample and purchase alcoholic beverages). Featured products hail from across the state as a showcase of New York’s robust food and beverage industry.
Community Outreach Booth
Saratoga’s own FDC Next Level Cheer team, which offers tumbling and gymnastics classes for all ages, will be featured at the Community Booth.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 29 – FIRST POST 12:35 P.M.
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 12-race program getting underway at 12:35 p.m.
Perfect Sting and Bernard Baruch
Friday’s card features a pair of Listed $150,000 events on turf, including the one-mile Perfect Sting for older fillies and mares and the 1 1/16-mile Bernard Baruch for older horses.
Adirondack Thunder Day at the Races
Fans can enjoy a meet-and-greet with newly appointed Adirondack Thunder Head Coach Sylvain Cloutier from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jockey Silks Porch. The Adirondack Hockey Hall of Fame inductee will also present the trophy in the Winner’s Circle following the fifth race of the day, “Adirondack Thunder Skate into Saratoga!”.
NYRA STAR
NYRA Students of Thoroughbreds and Racing (STAR) continues every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. NYRA STAR is designed to give children, ages 12 and under, and their families, insider access into the world of thoroughbred racing. Membership for NYRA STAR is free of charge. Registration can be completed online at NYRA.com/STAR or in-person at the NYRA STAR booth in the Family Zone.
Community Outreach Booth
Capital Region Toys for Tots is a signature initiative of the United State Marine Corps Reserve to collect new, unwrapped toys each year and distribute them as holiday gifts to underserved families throughout the Greater Capital Region and Upstate New York.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30 – FIRST POST 12:05 P.M.
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 10 a.m. with the 13-race program getting underway at 12:05 p.m. Breakfast on the Porch will conclude at 9 a.m.
Spinaway, Flower Bowl and Prioress
The final Saturday of the meet offers the Grade 1, $300,000 Spinaway, a seven-furlong sprint for juvenile fillies, along with the 11-furlong turf Grade 2, $500,000 Flower Bowl for older fillies and mares, and the six-furlong Grade 3, $175,000 Prioress for sophomore fillies.
Horse Sense
Fans can pet a retired thoroughbred Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at Horse Sense. The family-friendly attraction is located inside Gate A.
Community Outreach Booth
Saratoga Center for the Family works to strengthen children, families and the surrounding community by reducing the effects of abuse, trauma and family dysfunction through advocacy, education and mental health therapy.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31 – FIRST POST 11:20 A.M.
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 10 a.m. with the 12-race program getting underway at 11:20 a.m. Breakfast on the Porch will conclude at 9 a.m.
National Anthem
Sunday’s National Anthem will be performed live by Bay Melnick Virgolino, a 10-year-old rock and blues guitarist from New York City who is currently competing on America’s Got Talent.
Saratoga Quarter Zip Sweatshirt Premium Giveaway
Labor Day Weekend ushers in the final premium giveaway of the meet with a Saratoga quarter zip sweatshirt. With summer in its final stretch, fans can stay warm with the red, medium weight quarter zip featuring a white embroidered Saratoga logo. Available free with paid admission, while supplies last.
Jockey Club Gold Cup and Disco Partner
Sunday features the Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup, a 1 ¼ mile test for 3-year-olds and up. The card is supported by the inaugural running of the restricted 5½ furlong turf $135,000 Disco Partner for 3-year-olds and up.
Jockey Club Gold Cup on FOX
A special edition of Saratoga Live presented by Caesars Sportsbook will air on FOX on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern for coverage of the 107th running of the Jockey Club Gold Cup. The Jockey Club Gold Cup offers a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic in November.
Sunday Savings
Fans can take advantage of special final Sunday ticket offers available for purchase at NYRA.com/Fans including the following:
Family 4-pack for $99, which includes four grandstand reserved seats with admission, four Post Parade programs and a $10 food and beverage credit per-person. Click Here to access the family 4-pack deal.
Sunday brunch at the Rail at the 1863 Club, starting at $110 per person, including brunch buffet; soft drinks; admission; program; tax; and gratuity.
Introduction to handicapping at the Paddock Suite, starting at $75 per person, including betting strategies from an expert handicapper, soft drinks and light fare.
Saratoga Sundays Specials
Saratoga Race Course will feature special pricing on select items at designated concessions including: classic ($6.50) and premium beers ($7); High Noon and Surfside Ready to Drink cocktails ($7); Coca-Cola products and bottled water ($3); and hot dogs, soft pretzels and Saratoga Chips & Dip ($3).
Sara-yoga
Fans are invited to enjoy yoga on the apron outside of the 1863 Club during morning training from 7:15 a.m. to 8 a.m., courtesy of Yoga Mandali. There is no fee nor pre-registration required, but participants are asked to bring their own mats. The event is weather permitting.
Family Sunday at the Family Zone
Family Sundays feature a wide variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions, and educational activities inside the Family Zone, located near Gate A at the Top of the Stretch.
Community Outreach Booth
The Community Outreach Booth will feature Stars for our Troops, which takes old, tattered and faded American Flags which have been retired from service, and passes them to members of the military, veterans and first responders.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 – FIRST POST 12:05 P.M.
Admission Gates, Post Time and Breakfast/Backstretch Tours
Admission gates open at 10 a.m. with the 11-race program getting underway at 12:05 p.m. Breakfast on the Porch and Backstretch tram tours are not offered on Labor Day.
Spendthrift Farm Hopeful and Saranac
Closing Day is led by the seven-furlong Grade 1, $300,000 Spendthrift Farm Hopeful for juveniles and the restricted Listed $135,000 Saranac for sophomores at 1 1/16 miles on turf.
Market 32, Price Chopper and Polar Beverages Presentation
Local and regional supermarket chain Market 32 and Price Chopper, in partnership with Polar Beverages, will announce the grand total of the number of meals generated for the Regional Food Bank. The presentation will follow the day’s second race which has served as the mechanism for the donation of 1,000 meals to the Regional Food Bank with each win by the #3 horse during Race 2 this summer.
Community Outreach Booth
The Gurtler Brothers VFW Post 420 preserves and strengthens comradery by assisting members, perpetuating the memory and history of deceased veterans, and assisting their widows and children.
All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA.