NYRA Announces Special Events for the 2025 Saratoga Summer Meet
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the lineup of attractions, entertainment, and events for the 2025 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course.
Highlighted by the 156th edition of the Grade I, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers on Saturday, August 23, and the Grade I, $1 million Whitney on Saturday, August 2, the 40-day summer meet will open on Thursday, July 10 and run through Monday, September 1.
Following the four-day opening week, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day.
First post will be 1:10 p.m. every day except Saturdays, when first post will be 12:35 p.m. The only exceptions are Whitney Day featuring a 12:05 p.m. first post and DraftKings Travers Day with first post at 11:40 a.m. Post times for Labor Day weekend will be announced at a later date.
Admission gates will open for live racing at 11 a.m. for all but Whitney Day, when gates will open at 10 a.m. and DraftKings Travers Day, when gates will open at 9 a.m.
Breakfast at Saratoga, driven by CDTA, will open daily at 7 a.m. and continues through 9:30 a.m., excluding DraftKings Travers Day and Labor Day. Fans can enjoy a buffet breakfast against the backdrop of morning training as well as claim the hundreds of free picnic tables in the Rivers Casino Backyard.
The Ticketmaster Box Office at Saratoga Race Course, located at Gate A on Union Avenue, is open daily beginning at 9 a.m. on all live racing days (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). It will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8 and Wednesday, July 9.
Cash will not be accepted for admission, food and beverage purchases, parking or programs (with the exception of the official Saratoga store). Reverse ATMs, also known as cash-to-card kiosks, will be available at multiple locations throughout the venue.
The 2025 summer meet will feature the following events lineup:
Opening Weekend – Thursday, July 10 to Sunday, July 13
The 2025 Saratoga summer meet will get underway on Thursday, July 10, highlighted by the Listed De La Rose stakes, followed by the Grade III Coronation Cup on Friday and the first Grade I of the season, the Dunkin’ Diana, on Saturday.
Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours – Every Thursday to Sunday, beginning July 10
Saratoga’s Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours will be offered every Thursday through Sunday, beginning with Opening Day, Thursday, July 10, and continuing through Sunday, August 31 (excluding DraftKings Travers Day and Sunday, August 10 whose tour will be offered on Wednesday, August 6). Presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), this year’s itinerary will feature Old Tavern Farm, Sugar Plum Farm and Song Hill Thoroughbreds. The package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a local breeding farm and admission to Saratoga Race Course. Tickets are $95 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under. Each tour accommodates up to 52 guests. Tickets may be purchased at NYRA.com.
Taste NY Pavilion – Every Thursday to Sunday beginning July 10
New York-made food and beverages will be available for sample and purchase at the Taste NY Pavilion, located inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch, where fans can enjoy New York craft beers, wines, spirits, jams, jellies, granola and ice cream (must be 21 and older 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.
NYRA STAR Program – Every Friday to Sunday, beginning July 11
NYRA Students of Thoroughbreds and Racing (STAR) returns beginning Friday, July 11 and continues every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through August 31. NYRA STAR is designed to give children, ages 12 and under, and their families, insider access into the world of thoroughbred racing. Participants will experience the sport through exclusive on-track events, educational opportunities and kid-friendly communications designed to ignite their interest in horses and excitement for the sport 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.
Giveaway #1: Saratoga Summer Tour T-Shirt presented by NYRA Bets – Friday, July 11, 2025
The first premium giveaway of the summer meet is a red, high performance, concert-style tour tee. The t-shirt features a silhouette of the Saratoga Race Course Grandstand and a schedule with the meet’s stakes races on the back. Presented by NYRA Bets, the t-shirt will be available in two sizes: medium and extra-large. Each premium giveaway during the season is available free with paid admission, while supplies last.
Horse Sense – Every Saturday and Sunday beginning July 12
Fans of all ages can pet a retired thoroughbred every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at Horse Sense located inside Gate A. The educational exhibit includes fun facts about the life and career of a thoroughbred.
Sunday Brunch at The Rail of The 1863 Club – Every Sunday beginning July 13
Fans are invited to enjoy a brunch buffet while experiencing The Rail at the 1863 Club, the first-floor banquet space at the 1863 Club. Tickets start at $110 and include admission, a table seat for the day, brunch buffet, soft drinks, Post Parade program book, tax, and gratuity. Reservations are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX or online at Ticketmaster.com.
Introduction to Handicapping – Every Sunday beginning July 13
Offered every Sunday in the Paddock Suite, fans can learn betting strategies and tips from an expert handicapper. Tickets start at $85 and include admission, Post Parade program book, and a table seat for the day within the climate-controlled, shared suite overlooking the historic saddling area. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.
Family Sundays at the Family Fun Zone – Every Sunday beginning July 13
Family Sundays will feature a wide variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions, and educational activities each Sunday inside the Family Zone, located near Gate A at the Top of the Stretch.
Saratoga-Con, presented by Miller Lite – Sunday, July 13, 2025
Saratoga-Con, presented by Miller Lite, will take place from noon to 2 p.m. at the Spa. For $10, guests (21 and older) can enjoy one drink plus various Miller Lite giveaways at each of four stops which will feature activities including a wagering seminar and photo booth. Attendance is limited to 200. Tickets may be purchased by clicking here. Admission to Saratoga Race Course is required and must be purchased separately.
New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day – Thursday, July 17, 2025
NYRA will partner with the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) and New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB) in hosting the annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day. The day will pay tribute to an array of organizations involved in finding new homes and careers for retired racehorses. The featured race will be the Rick Violette, named for the late NYTHA President who was a founding member of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA).
Giveaway #3: Saratoga Hawaiian Shirt – Sunday, July 20, 2025
Say “Aloha” to the ultimate summer statement with a red-and-white floral Saratoga Hawaiian shirt. The t-shirt will be available in two sizes: medium and extra-large. Available free with paid admission, while supplies last.
First Responders Day presented by Albany Med – Thursday, July 24, 2025
Saratoga Race Course will pay tribute to first responders with free admission (ID required). Presented by Albany Med, First Responders Day will include a series of ceremonial events and feature the New York State Troopers Pipes and Drums.
Giveaway #3: Saratoga Blanket presented by Rivers Casino – Friday, July 25
Fans can get a head start on their summer weekend with a Saratoga blanket perfect for a picnic at the track. Presented by Rivers Casino, the red 50”x60” polar fleece blanket displays a one-sided print with the Saratoga emblem. Available free with paid admission, while supplies last.
Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund Awareness Day – Saturday, July 26, 2025
Joining racetracks across the country on Jim Dandy Day, Saratoga Race Course will host autograph signings and photo opportunities at the Jockey Silks Porch as part of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund (PDJF) Awareness Day across America. Suggested donations will benefit the PDJF.
Kids Day – Sunday, July 27, 2025
Kids Day will include a variety of activities for Saratoga’s youngest fans, including mascots of favorite teams from throughout the region.
Racing Hall of Fame Anniversary Weekend: Friday, August 1 – Sunday, August 3, 2025
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is celebrating its 75th anniversary with new exhibits and events, highlighted by the annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion on Friday, August 1. The Class of 2025 includes seven new inductees: contemporary category racehorse Smarty Jones; 1900-1959 Historic Review Committee racehorses Decathlon and Hermis, and trainer George H. Conway; and Pillars of the Turf inductees Edward L. Bowen, Arthur B. Hancock III, and Richard Ten Broeck.
Whitney Day: Special first post time of 12:05 p.m. – Saturday, August 2, 2025
New for 2025, the Grade 1, $750,000 FanDuel Fourstardave has been added to a blockbuster Whitney Day card that will now include four grade 1 events and six total stakes headlined by the $1 million Whitney.
Saratoga Race Course will host a Best in Pink fashion photo contest from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jockey Silks Porch.
Adirondack Day – Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Presented by the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council, fans will enjoy local products and attractions representative of the Adirondack region of New York State.
Giveaway #4: Saratoga Pennant – Friday, August 8, 2025
Fans can commemorate the midway mark of the meet by claiming a red and white commemorative felt pennant featuring the familiar images of historic Saratoga Race Course. Available free with paid admission, while supplies last.
Corgi Competition – Sunday, August 10
Fans will have the chance to register their Corgis to compete on the main track at Saratoga Race Course. Fans are encouraged to check back for more information about this dogged competition at NYRA.com.
Stewart's Shops Day at the Races – Wednesday, August 13
Stewart’s Shops will delight fans with free scoops of its award-winning ice cream, while supplies last. Fans can purchase their Saratoga season pass at a $5 savings off the regular price at more than 175 Stewart’s Shops until July 13, in addition to $50 NYRA Bets Gift Cards, which are available through August 31.
Military Appreciation Day presented by Rivers Casino – Thursday, August 14, 2025
NYRA will pay tribute to active military members and veterans in appreciation of their sacrifice and service to our nation. All veterans and active-duty military will be honored with a special ceremony in the Winner’s Circle and receive free admission with a military ID.
Lustgarten Foundation and Alabama Day – Saturday, August 16, 2025
Saratoga Race Course will honor the legacy of beloved trainer Dominic Galluscio with a day to benefit the Lustgarten Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance scientific and medical research related to pancreatic cancer. Many of the sport’s most popular trainers will sign autographs for fans with suggested donations to benefit the Lustgarten Foundation in Galluscio’s memory.
New York Breds in the Spotlight
Thursday and Friday, August 21-22, and Sunday, August 24, 2025
Travers Week features numerous stakes to showcase the depth of the New York breeding program with a pair of $200,000 New York-bred events taking center stage on Thursday, including the Albany presented by The Albany Distilling Company and the Fleet Indian. The state-bred action resumes on Friday with two $150,000 tilts in the Seeking the Ante and the Yaddo presented by STIHL. A pair of $150,000 state-bred races closes out the week on Sunday, including the West Point Handicap and the Funny Cide presented by Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital.
Giveaway #5: Saratoga Tote Bag – Friday, August 22
Functional and fashionable, this 14”x16” tie-dye cotton Saratoga tote bag is the ideal trackside accessory available on the eve of the DraftKings Travers. The Saratoga tote is perfect for stashing racing forms, sunscreen, or Spa souvenirs. Available free with paid admission, while supplies last.
DraftKings Travers Day: Special first post time of 11:40 a.m. – Saturday, August 23, 2025
DraftKings Travers Day features five Grade 1 races headlined by the $1.25 million DraftKings Travers and including four additional $500,000 races - the Personal Ensign, Forego, H. Allen Jerkens Memorial and the Resorts World Casino Ballerina.
Fan Appreciation Week: Wednesday, August 27 to Monday, September 1
NYRA will thank its fans with special offers on tickets, food and beverage, and hospitality during the final week of the season at Saratoga Race Course.
Giveaway #6: Saratoga Quarter Zip Sweatshirt – Sunday, August 31, 2025
Labor Day weekend ushers in the final premium giveaway with a Saratoga quarter zip sweatshirt. With summer in its final stretch, fans can stay warm with this red, medium-weight quarter zip featuring a white embroidered Saratoga logo. Available free with paid admission, while supplies last.
Season-long daily events and activities include:
Backstretch Tram Tours
Fans can 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 and are approximately 45 minutes in length. Tours are available every live racing day with the exception of DraftKings Travers Day and Labor Day.
Purdy's Music Summer Stage
The Purdy’s Summer Music Stage will host live musical performances each afternoon of the season from popular local and regional bands. This year’s summer music stage is presented by Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor in Saratoga Springs.
For additional information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com
All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA.