Saratoga Highlights: August 5-9 | Whitney Week
WHAT: Whitney Week at Saratoga
WHEN: Wednesday, August 5 – Sunday, August 9
TICKETS: NYRA.com
Whitney Week Specials: Fans can enjoy Buy One Get One Free Grandstand reserved seats in select locations, excluding Saturday’s Whitney Day; and $125 bundled ticket offer for a Grandstand reserved seat and buffet lunch in the Mionetto Easy Goer available Wednesday-Friday. Visit NYRA.com/Deals.
Cooler Policy: Fans with regulation size coolers must ensure all ice is contained within sealed bags upon arrival. Designated inspection lanes are located at Gates B and C. Fans with coolers must enter through either gate.
Breakfast at Saratoga: Offered daily from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and presented by CDTA, fans can enjoy a buffet breakfast during 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 features 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.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
A.P. Smithwick Memorial:
Whitney week kicks off with the Grade 1, $150,000 A.P. Smithwick Memorial steeplechase on Wednesday, which also features the $200,000 Johnstone, a seven-furlong sprint for New York-bred fillies and mares 3-years-old and up.
Jockeys Versus Horsemen Charity Game:
The 17th annual jockeys-versus-horsemen charity basketball game, which benefits the programs of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy and Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), will be played at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center at 7 p.m. Admission is free.
Community Outreach Booth:
Jewish War Veterans of America is the premier voice for Jewish uniformed services members and longest serving veterans service organization in the nation.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
John Morrissey:
Thursday’s feature is the $200,000 John Morrissey, a seven-furlong sprint for New York-breds 3-years-old and up, named after the co-founder of Saratoga Race Course.
Saratoga Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tours:
Presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) the weekly lineup features Old Friends at Cabin Creek on Thursdays, Old Tavern Farm on Fridays and Sugar Plum Farm on Saturdays. The package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a horse farm, and admission to Saratoga. Tickets may be purchased at NYRA.com.
Saratoga Low Roller Contest:
Held exclusively on track each Thursday during the summer meet, fans can pre-register outside the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar. There is a $40 buy-in, of which $30 will go to the player’s bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. The winner will receive a Saratoga Low Roller championship T-shirt in addition to the cash prize.
NYRA STAR Program:
The Students of Thoroughbred Racing (NYRA STAR) program is offered Thursdays through Sundays and features tours of the Paddock and Winner’s Circle during Races 1 through 5, in addition to morning tours of the backstretch. NYRA STAR provides children ages 12 and under, and their families, with insider access into the world of thoroughbred racing. Membership 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.
Taste NY Pavilion:
New York craft beers, cider, wines and spirits are featured at the Taste NY Pavilion, located inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch. Operating every Thursday-Sunday of the summer meet for fans 21 and older with ID.
National IPA Day:
Fans can celebrate National IPA Day with complimentary samples of Saratoga Springs-based Whitman Brewing Co. IPA selections at the Whitman Brewing Gazebo. Available from noon to 4 p.m. while supplies last, for fans 21 and older with ID.
Cointreau Spritz:
Complimentary samples of the Cointreau Orange Spritz, the official Spritz of Saratoga Race Course, are available at the upper-level Cointreau Spritz Clubhouse Bar from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last, for fans 21 and older with ID.
Community Outreach Booth:
Saddle Up NY! aims to accelerate the success and growth of the New York equine industry through various educational activities and events.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Oaks and National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame:
Friday features a pair of Grade 2 stakes in the $500,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Oaks for for top sophomore grass fillies and the $400,000 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, a one-mile inner turf test for sophomores.
Whitney Pin Giveaway: Photo
The second of four pin giveaways during the meet, the Whitney Day enamel pin commemorates one of the summer’s premier racing events on the eve of the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney with a custom design celebrating Saturday’s Whitney Day. Free with paid admission, while supplies last.
National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony:
The 2026 National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place at Fasig-Tipton’s Humphrey S. Finney Sales Pavilion at 10:30 a.m. This year’s Hall of Fame class includes horses Gulch, Kona Gold, and Mongo; trainers Christophe Clement and John Shirreffs; and Pillars of the Turf Prince Khalid bin Abdullah, Dr. Robert Copelan, Seth Hancock, G. Watts Humphrey, Jr., and Joseph Widener. The event is open to the public and free to attend (seating is limited). Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
Josh Cellars Wines:
Fans 21 and older can enjoy complimentary samples of Josh Cellars Wines at the Josh Cellars Wine Bar from noon to 4 p.m. while supplies last.
International Beer Day:
The first 250 fans can enjoy this global celebration with Guinness Draft served in a souvenir mason jar at the Guinness Portable Bar (must be 21 or older).
Community Outreach Booth:
The Retired Racehorse Project facilitates the placement of retired thoroughbreds in second careers by increasing demand for them in equestrian sports and serving the farms, trainers and organizations that transition them.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
WHITNEY DAY
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 10 a.m. with first post at 11:45 a.m. General admission is $15 in advance or $20 on Saturday, August 8.
Whitney Day:
A blockbuster day of world-class racing awaits fans featuring four Grade 1 events, headlined by the 99th running of the $1 million Whitney, which leads a stacked 14-race card that includes the $750,000 Fourstardave, $750,000 Saratoga Derby presented by Qatar Racing and $500,000 Test presented by Ticketmaster.
Whitney Contender Pins:
Fans can showcase their Whitney pick with a Whitney contender pin, available at Bet Squad booths on track, while supplies last, courtesy of NYRA Bets.
FOX Saratoga Saturday presented by Oceania Cruises:
FOX Saratoga Saturday presented by Oceania Cruises will feature live coverage of the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on FOX from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
U.S. Women’s Hockey Olympic Gold Medalists:
Saratoga will host 2026 U.S. Women’s Hockey Olympic Gold Medalists Haley Winn and Hayley Scamurra, along with USA Hockey Women’s National Team General Manager Katie Million, for a one-hour fan meet-and-greet from approximately 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. The trio of New York natives will also be celebrated with a named race in honor of the 2026 U.S. Women’s Hockey Olympic team which captured the gold medal at this year’s Winter Olympics.
Best in Pink Fashion Photo Contest:
In keeping with one of Saratoga's most popular traditions, fans are encouraged to dress in their finest pink attire and participate in the annual Best in Pink Photo Contest on Whitney Day for the opportunity to win prizes. The two-hour event will run from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Jockey Silks Porch. All participants will receive a complimentary photo magnet courtesy of On The Spot Photos.
Horse Sense:
Fans can meet a retired thoroughbred on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at Horse Sense located inside Gate A.
Subourbon Life and Saratoga Sunrise:
Fans can celebrate Whitney Day with complimentary samples of Subourbon Life Bourbon-based Ready-to-Drink cocktails just outside the Subourbon Beverage Express, as well as samples of the Saratoga Sunrise, the official cocktail of Saratoga Race Course, featuring Chopin Vodka at the Chopin Clubhouse Bar on the second level. Available from noon to 4 p.m. while supplies last, for fans 21 and older.
Community Outreach Booth:
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, rehire and rehome thoroughbreds.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Troy:
Whitney Week concludes with the Grade 2, $300,000 Troy, a turf sprint for horses 3-years-old and up.
Sunday Specials:
Fans will enjoy $3 hot dogs and save 50% on domestic and premium beer, water and soda at the High Noon Clubhouse Grill, Finish Line Grill and Track Snacks. Additional specials may be available on select items at these locations.
Introduction to Handicapping:
Offered every Sunday in the Paddock Suite, fans can learn betting strategies and tips from an expert handicapper. Tickets start at $95 and include admission, Post Parade program, and a table seat within the climate-controlled, shared suite overlooking the saddling area. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.
Saratoga Low Roller Contest:
Held exclusively on-track every Sunday during the summer meet, fans can pre-register outside the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar. There is a $40 buy-in, of which $30 will go to the player’s bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. The winner will receive a Saratoga Low Roller championship T-shirt in addition to the cash prize.
Community Outreach Booth:
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance returns to the Community Booth to round out Whitney weekend.
All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA.
