Saratoga Race Course to host Kids Day on July 27

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) invites families to enjoy Kids Day at Saratoga Race Course on Sunday, July 27. The celebration of racing and family fun will be presented in conjunction with the NYRA Students of Thoroughbreds and Racing (NYRA STAR), a signature program designed to welcome young fans to the sport of thoroughbred racing.

The first 5,000 children, ages 12 and under, will receive a Saratoga headband (Photo), presented by NYRA STAR, along with a $25 gift card to Hildebrandt’s Ice Cream for the perfect start to a day of engaging, hands-on activities at the Spa. Both giveaways will be distributed at the Family Zone, located inside Gate A.

Kids Day will give children and families a special behind-the-scenes look at life on the track. Kids will accompany NYRA staff to perform various racing-day responsibilities, including announcing scratches and changes and the ceremonial call of “Riders Up” in the Paddock. A NYRA STAR member will perform the National Anthem, and the day will include a named race to celebrate kids with a trophy presentation to follow.

Saratoga’s youngest fans will enjoy the following activities throughout the day including:

-Meet and greet opportunities with roaming mascots from favorite area sports teams and local businesses;

-A mascot race on the main track during the afternoon;

-Complimentary pony rides in the backyard, courtesy of One Trick Pony from Johnsonville, NY, between noon and 4 p.m.;

-A red carpet photo opportunity and commemorative magnet for children and families, courtesy of On-The-Spot Photos;

-$1 ice cream for children at the Taste NY Pavilion from noon to 5 p.m., courtesy of Hildebrandt’s Ice Cream;

-The Family Zone will feature free children’s activities throughout the afternoon, including a puppet show at noon, live reptile shows at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and an interactive dance show at 2 p.m.;

-Free Racing Bingo cards will also be available at the Family Zone;

-A book donation drive in partnership with the Saratoga Literacy League;

-Paddock and Winner’s Circle tours offered throughout the day for every race (excluding stakes races).

The mascot lineup will feature local fan favorites, including: Bernie The Saint Bernard from Siena University; Damien the Great Dane from the University at Albany; Gunnar from the Adirondack Thunder; SouthPaw from the Tri-City ValleyCats; Spike from the Albany Firebirds; Alphie from the Albany FireWolves; Johnny Thunderbird from St. John’s University; Cuppy from Dunkin’; Flavor the Cow from Stewart’s Shops; and Gallop, Saratoga’s own four-legged fan favorite.

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. New NYRA STAR members can join at any time but must visit the NYRA STAR booth in the Family Zone on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays to receive their printed ID card and lanyard.

Benefits of joining NYRA STAR include a personalized membership identification card and lanyard with a photo of each participant; a paddock tour and Winner’s Circle experience on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; STAR drawstring bag annual gift; private jockey meet & greet; exclusive kid-friendly email communications and more.

Paddock tours and Winner’s Circle experiences will take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during races 1-4 for up to four NYRA STAR members per time slot. Each NYRA STAR member may bring up to two guests with them on the tour, one of whom must be a parent or legal guardian.

New for 2025, STAR participants may register for a personalized backstretch tram tour, which will be held every Friday-Sunday (excluding DraftKings Travers Day). The backstretch tour will depart at approximately 10 a.m. from Gate C; please note infants and strollers are not permitted on backstretch tours.

Highlighted by the 156th renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers on Saturday, August 23 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on Saturday, August 2, the Saratoga summer meet continues through Monday, September 1. Racing is conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from closing week, when the 2025 summer meet will conclude on Labor Day.

For additional information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.