Highlights: July 4th Opening Weekend
- WHAT: Opening Weekend and July 4th Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course
- WHEN: Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5
- TICKETS: 3-day General Admission pass is $15; select Grandstand reserved seats are $17.76 at NYRA.com/Deals (service fees may apply).
Cooler Policy
Fans with regulation size coolers must ensure all ice is contained within sealed bags upon arrival. Designated inspection lanes are located at Gate B (Union and East Avenue) and Gate C (Nelson Avenue). Fans with coolers must enter through either gate.
Breakfast at Saratoga
Offered daily from 7 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., and presented by CDTA, fans can enjoy a buffet breakfast against the backdrop of morning training. Reservations are not required.
Saratoga Live
Produced by The New York Racing Association, Inc (NYRA) in partnership with FOX Sports, the award-winning show begins its 11th season featuring daily coverage and in-depth analysis of the summer meet on the FOX Sports family of networks. For the complete broadcast schedule, visit nyra.com/saratogalive.
Friday, July 3: Opening Day
Admission and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Saratoga Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tours
Presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), the popular Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tours kick off the season with Old Tavern Farm. The package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of Old Tavern Farm and general admission to Saratoga Race Course. Tickets may be purchased at NYRA.com.
Schuylerville
The $200,000 Schuylerville headlines the action as the traditional Opening Day stakes.
Saratoga Tumbler Giveaway
Presented by Saratoga 250
Fans can celebrate America’s 250th anniversary on Friday and Saturday with a Stars and Stripes Saratoga tumbler presented by Saratoga 250. The 16-ounce, double-walled insulated clear tumbler features the logos of Saratoga Race Course and Saratoga 250, which is spearheading next year’s major events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga. Free with paid admission, while supplies last.
Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track Fundraiser
Fans can purchase a specially designed T-shirt to support those impacted by the recent fire at Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track. Available at the NYRA Gift Store with 100 percent of all sales donated to the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association.
FIFA World Cup 26™ Viewing Parties presented by Michelob Ultra and Saratoga Eagle Sales & Service
Michelob Ultra, the official beer sponsor of FIFA World Cup 26™, will host FIFA World Cup 26™ Viewing Parties in partnership with Saratoga Eagle Sales & Service each day of Opening Weekend. Fans on-track will enjoy big-screen televisions in the Backyard Festival Tent with the opportunity to take home official giveaways from Michelob Ultra and other FIFA World Cup 26™ partners, while supplies last. Drink specials, soccer-themed décor, interactive activations and an inflatable soccer shootout game will be part of the entertainment. For more information, visit NYRA.com/soccer.
Saratoga 250, America's Turning Point Cannon
A three-pound replica cannon will be prominently displayed near the paddock throughout the holiday weekend. This exact working replica of a 1777 Saratoga Campaign cannon will be part of the 250th commemoration of the "Henry Knox Noble Train of Artillery."
Victory at Saratoga Samplings
All weekend long, fans 21 and older can enjoy complimentary samplings of the Saratoga 250 signature summer cocktail, Victory at Saratoga, which features Freeman’s Farm at Saratoga Bourbon produced by War Cannon Spirits of Crown Point, NY. Available at the Saratoga 250 Tent by the paddock.
Taste NY Pavilion
Fans 21 and older will enjoy New York craft beers, cider, wines and spirits at Taste NY, located inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch featuring products exclusively produced in the Empire State. Operating every Thursday-Sunday of the summer meet.
Horse Themed Carnival Game
Fans can win prizes on Friday and Saturday at a horse-themed roller ball carnival game, located in the backyard near Horse Sense.
Community Outreach Booth
Yaddo Gardens is a nonprofit retreat for artists whose mission is to nurture the creative process by providing an opportunity for writers and artists to work without interruption in a supportive environment.
Saturday, July 4: Independence Day
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 12:35 p.m.
Belmont Derby and Belmont Oaks
Independence Day will feature a 12-race card headlined by the Grade 1, $750,000 Belmont Derby and Grade 1, $600,000 Belmont Oaks, in addition to the Grade 2, $500,000 Suburban, presented by Subourbon Life, and Grade 3, $225,000 Sanford.
Dollar Dogs
Dollar Dogs will return on July 4, with $1 Carnegie Deli Hot Dogs available at concession stands where hot dogs are traditionally sold.
Saratoga Tumbler Giveaway
presented by Saratoga 250
Fans can take home a Stars and Stripes themed Saratoga tumbler presented by Saratoga 250. Free with paid admission, while supplies last.
1776
Saratoga’s Home Made Theater will perform a musical selection from the Tony Award-winning production “1776,” bringing the story of America’s founding to life through song.
Ma’alwyck Fife and Drum Corps and Historical Reenactors
The Scotia-based Ma’alwyck Fife and Drum Corps will help transport guests back to the Revolutionary War era. The ensemble will feature percussionist Andrew Janack, who performs regularly with the Albany Symphony Orchestra, alongside flutist and fife player Dr. Yvonne Chavez Hansbrough. The musicians will be accompanied by historical reenactors in period attire roaming the grounds and interacting with fans.
Declaration of Independence Reading
Following the 4th race, Town of Saratoga Historian and Vice Chair of the Saratoga 250 Commission Sean Kelleher will offer a reading of the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence.
Uncle Sam
A beloved American icon whose roots are traced back to nearby Troy, NY, Uncle Sam will stroll the track grounds in celebration of Independence Day.
Adirondack Dreamcatcher Farm
Complimentary pony rides, a petting zoo and opportunities for children to interact with friendly farm animals will be available free of charge in the Saratoga Family Zone.
Subourbon Life Samplings
Fans 21 and older can enjoy complimentary samples of Subourbon Life Bourbon-based Ready-to-Drink cocktails just outside Subourbon Beverage Express, while supplies last.
Community Outreach Booth
Represented by Chapter 38 in nearby Troy, Disabled American Veterans provides a lifetime of support for veterans and their families.
Saratoga Springs Fireworks
Saratoga’s All-American Celebration will culminate with a spectacular fireworks display from atop the Saratoga Springs City Center Parking Garage at 9 p.m.
Sunday, July 5
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Leo O’Brien Steeplechase
Opening Weekend will conclude with the Grade 1, $150,000 Leo O’Brien Steeplechase, named in memory of the legendary trainer who conditioned fan-favorite Fourstardave among many other notable graded-stakes winners.
Yankee Doodle Band
The patriotic Opening Weekend celebration continues with performances from the Yankee Doodle Band of Rensselaer, NY. Founded in 1927, the Yankee Doodle Band has earned recognition at American Legion events, parades and patriotic ceremonies.
Adirondack Dreamcatcher Farm
Complimentary pony rides, a petting zoo and opportunities for children to interact with friendly farm animals will be available free of charge in the Saratoga Family Zone.
Community Outreach Booth
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany serves 14 counties and approximately 78,000 residents, providing housing, food and emergency assistance to those in need.
All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA.
