Saratoga Highlights: DraftKings Travers Week
- WHAT: Week 7 of the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course
- WHEN: Wednesday, August 20 – Sunday, August 24
- UPDATE: DraftKings Travers Day, Saturday, Aug. 23, will feature 14 races with a first post time of 11:10 a.m. Admission Gates open at 9 a.m. Parking lots open at 7 a.m. Breakfast, breeding farm and backstretch tram tours will not be offered on this day.
- Fans save $5 on advance admission purchase at the NYRA Box Office or online at NYRA.com/Travers (service fees apply online).
- TICKETS: NYRA.com
Wednesday, August 20
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 9-race program beginning 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.
Jonathan Sheppard Handicap
Wednesday’s card is highlighted by the Grade 1, $150,000 Jonathan Sheppard Handicap, a 2 3/8-mile hurdle test for older horses. The Sheppard is slated as Race 1 on the afternoon.
Saratoga Live
Saratoga Live, the critically acclaimed and award-winning show produced by NYRA in partnership with FOX Sports, celebrates 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 Center for Disability Services provides programs, services and a continuum of care that empowers people with disabilities to lead healthy, happy and productive lives.
Thursday, August 22
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 10-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour
Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours are available Thursday, Friday and Sunday during Travers Week. 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.
Saratoga Low Roller Contest
The Saratoga Low Roller Contest will be held exclusively on-track Thursday and Sunday. Fans can pre-register outside the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar at the Low Roller Gazebo. There is a $40 entry fee, of which $30 will go to the player’s bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. Contestants must make five, $2 WPS wagers on five different races. The winner will receive a Saratoga Low Roller championship T-shirt in addition to the cash prize.
Albany presented by The Albany Distilling Company and Fleet Indian
Thursday brings a pair of $200,000 New York-Bred nine-furlong events, offering the Albany presented by The Albany Distilling Company for sophomores and the Fleet Indian for sophomore fillies.
Albany Distilling Company Samples
In honor of the Albany presented by The Albany Distilling Company, fans 21 and older can enjoy complimentary samples from one of New York’s leading craft distilleries, including its signature ALB vodka, at the ALB Gazebo from Noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last.
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 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.
Saratoga Soundtrack
Saratoga’s all-female choir will perform the National Anthem and entertain fans with a pair of trackside performances.
Community Outreach Booth
The Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center is a program of the New York Council on Problem Gambling, which is funded by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports. Their goal is to address problem gambling within the Northeastern region of New York by raising public awareness and connecting impacted individuals, families, and communities with support and services.
Friday, August 22
Saratoga Tote Bag Premium Giveaway
Fans can celebrate the eve of the DraftKings Travers with a functional and fashionable 14”x16” tie-dye cotton Saratoga tote bag. The ideal trackside accessory, the Saratoga tote is perfect for stashing racing forms, sunscreen or Spa souvenirs. Available free with paid admission, while supplies last.
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 10-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
Seeking the Ante and Yaddo presented by STIHL
State-bred action continues with two $150,000 contests in the six-furlong Seeking the Ante for juvenile fillies and the 1 1/16-mile turf Yaddo presented by STIHL for females ages 3-and-up.
Mike Venezia Memorial Award
NYRA will recognize jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. as the recipient of the 2025 Mike Venezia Memorial Award following the fourth race which goes to post at 2:49 p.m. Ortiz, Jr., a five-time winner of the Eclipse Award as the nation’s Outstanding Jockey, was chosen by a committee comprised of members of the Venezia family, representatives of The Jockeys’ Guild and retired Eclipse Award-winning jockey Richard Migliore.
The Mike Venezia Memorial Award is presented annually to a jockey who displays the exemplary sportsmanship and citizenship that personified Venezia, who died as the result of injuries suffered in a spill in 1988. Venezia, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., won more than 2,300 races during his 25-year career.
Sampling Trifecta
The eve of the DraftKings Travers will feature a trio of sampling opportunities for fans 21 and older including: Bulleit Bourbon served from the Bulleit Woody at the Bulleit Backyard Gazebo; Tres Agaves Organic Tequila served out of a vintage VW van; and Saratoga Springs-based Whitman Brewing Company will offer samples of its locally produced craft beer from the Whitman Portable Bar. Available from Noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last.
NYRA STAR
NYRA Students of Thoroughbreds and Racing (STAR) 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. 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
The Saratoga Automobile Museum educates the general public, students and enthusiasts about the role of the automobile in New York State and beyond.
Saturday, August 23 – DraftKings Travers Day
- ADMISSION GATES OPEN: 9 A.M.
- FIRST POST: 11:10 A.M.
Admission Gates, Parking and Post Time
Admission gates open at a special time of 9 a.m. with the 14-race program getting underway at 11:10 a.m. Both trackside and Oklahoma parking lots open at 7 a.m. The DraftKings Travers will go off as Race 13 with a post time of 6:14 p.m.
The 1863 Club will open at 9 a.m. with dining rooms available for seating beginning at 10 a.m.
Fans save $5 when purchasing general admission tickets in advance. Admission is $25 in advance and $30 on DraftKings Travers Day. Tickets may be purchased in-person at the NYRA Box Office by Gate A or online at NYRA.com/Travers (service fees apply online).
Breakfast at Saratoga is not offered on DraftKings Travers Day nor are backstretch tram tours and Breakfast and Breeding farm tours. Breakfast fare will be available at the Finish Line Grill concession.
DraftKings Travers Day
DraftKings Travers Day features five Grade 1 races headlined by the $1.25 million DraftKings Travers. The card adds four top-level $500,000 events, with the nine-furlong Personal Ensign for older fillies and mares, plus a trio of seven-furlong sprints – the Forego for older horses, the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial for sophomores and the Resorts World Casino Ballerina for females 3-years-old and up. The program is supported by the Grade 2, $400,000 Lake Placid for sophomore fillies.
FOX Saratoga Saturday
Travers Day features live broadcast coverage from Saratoga Race Course on FOX from 3 to 6:30 p.m. highlighted by the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers.
Complimentary Photo Magnets
Fans can enjoy complimentary souvenir photo magnets on DraftKings Travers Day, courtesy of On The Spot Photos, at the Jockey Silks Porch from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Horse Sense
Fans can pet a retired thoroughbred every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at Horse Sense. The educational exhibit includes fun facts about the life and career of a thoroughbred. The family-friendly attraction is located inside Gate A.
Sampling Exacta
Complimentary samples of Bulleit Bourbon will be available at the Bulleit Woody adjacent to the Bulleit Backyard Gazebo while Tres Agaves Organic Tequila will be served out of a vintage VW van. Available from Noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last, for fans 21 and older.
Community Outreach Booth
The Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.) is devoted to providing health and wellness services to the backstretch community at New York thoroughbred tracks.
Sunday, August 24
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 10-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
Sara-yoga: Postponed
The weekly event will not be available on the Sunday after the DraftKings Travers.
West Point Handicap and Funny Cide presented by Rood and Riddle
Travers Week concludes with a pair of $150,000 state-bred contests, including the 1 1/16-mile turf West Point Handicap for 3-year-olds and up, and the six-furlong Funny Cide presented by Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital for juveniles.
Saratoga Low Roller Contest
The Saratoga Low Roller Contest will be held exclusively on-track where fans can pre-register outside the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar at the Low Roller Gazebo. There is a $40 entry fee, of which $30 will go to the player’s bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. Contestants must make five, $2 WPS wagers on five different races. The winner receives a Saratoga Low Roller championship T-shirt plus the cash prize.
Saratoga Sundays Specials
Saratoga Race Course will feature special pricing on select items at designated concessions each Sunday for the remainder of the summer meet 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).
Family Sunday at the Family Zone
Family Sundays 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.
Sunday Brunch at the Rail of the 1863 Club
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
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.
Community Outreach Booth
The Community Outreach Booth will feature the Friends of Grant Cottage from the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage State Historic Site in nearby Wilton.
All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA.