Saratoga Highlights: Whitney Week
- WHAT: Week 4 of the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course
- WHEN: Wednesday, July 30 – Sunday, August 3
- TICKETS: NYRA.com
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30
Breakfast at Saratoga
Breakfast at Saratoga, driven by CDTA, is available 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.
Breakfast at Saratoga and the free backstretch tram tours are available every live racing day with the exception of DraftKings Travers Day and Labor Day.
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 9-race program, preceded by steeplechase, beginning at 1:10 p.m.
Johnstone
Whitney Week begins with Wednesday’s $150,000 Johnstone, a seven-furlong sprint for state-bred fillies and mares 3-years-old and up.
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 New York State Dental Association, which has been dedicated to ensuring the highest level of dental care for New Yorkers since its founding in 1868, will occupy the Community Outreach Booth.
THURSDAY, JULY 31
NYRA Celebrates Hometown High School Champion Baseball Programs
NYRA will recognize the 2025 NYSPHSAA Class C Baseball State Champion Saratoga Central Catholic School Saints and the 2025 NYSPHSAA Class AAA Baseball State Champion Saratoga Springs High School Blue Streaks with the third and fifth races named in their honor, respectively. Both local programs, led by Alphonsie Lambert and Andy Cuthbertson, captured state titles for the first time in program history this past spring. Players and coaches from Spa Central and Saratoga Springs High School will be treated to a day at the track within the Festival Tent.
Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour
NYRA’s popular Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours are available every Thursday through Sunday (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. Each tour accommodates up to 52 guests. Tickets may be purchased at NYRA.com.
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 10-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
John Morrissey
Stakes action is highlighted by the $150,000 John Morrissey, a seven-furlong sprint for New York-breds 3-years-old and up.
Taste NY Pavilion
New York-made food and beverages are 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, food and ice cream (must be 21 and over 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.
Community Outreach Booth
Donate Life New York State, a non-profit comprised of organ and tissue recovery organizations, and health professionals and individuals whose lives have been affected by donations, will be in the Community Booth sharing information about their mission.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 1
National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame Weekend
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is celebrating its 75thAnniversary, highlighted by the annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion at 10:30 a.m. The 2025 Hall of Fame class is comprised of racehorses Smarty Jones, Decathlon, and Hermis; trainer George H. Conway; and Pillars of the Turf Edward L. Bowen, Arthur Hancock III, and Richard Ten Broeck. The event is free to attend, but seating is limited.
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 10-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame
The Grade 2, $400,000 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, a one-mile turf test for sophomores, will highlight Friday’s card including a special winner’s circle presentation with Hall of Fame members following the race.
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. 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.
Subourbon Samples
One of the newest entries into the ready to drink cocktail category, Subourbon Life will feature samples of its bourbon-based canned cocktails near the Subourbon Life Beverage Express from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last. Featured flavors include Bourbon and Pink Lemonade, Bourbon Iced Tea and Lemonade, and the Bourbon Margarita. Available for fans 21 and older with valid ID.
Community Outreach Booth
The Retired Racehorse Project facilitates the placement of retired thoroughbred racehorses in second careers by increasing their demand in equestrian sports and serving the farms, trainers and organizations that transition them.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 2 – WHITNEY DAY – FIRST POST AT 12:05 P.M.
The Whitney
A star-studded cast featuring Champions Fierceness and Sierra Leone and a sextet of fellow millionaires led by four-time Grade 1 winner White Abarrio are set to line up for the 98th running of Saturday’s Grade 1, $1 million Whitney. The 1 1/8-mile Whitney for 4-year-olds and up, a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar, serves as the headliner on a 13-race program that includes five graded-stakes worth $3.2 million in purses.
Whitney Day
The Whitney is slated as Race 11 on Saturday’s card, joined by the Grade 1, $750,000 FanDuel Fourstardave [Race 8]; Grade 1, $750,000 Saratoga Derby Invitational [Race 9] on the grass; Grade 1, $500,000 Test presented by Ticketmaster [Race 10]; and Grade 2, $200,000 Saratoga Special [Race 3].
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 10 a.m. with the 13-race program getting underway at a special first post time of 12:05 p.m.
FOX Saratoga Saturday
Live broadcast coverage from Saratoga Race Course returns to FOX from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. highlighted by the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney.
National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Poster Signing
More than 30 Hall of Fame members are expected to be in attendance for a commemorative 75th anniversary Hall of Fame poster signing from 11 a.m. to noon at the Jockey Silks Porch. Posters are complimentary while supplies last with a suggested donation to benefit the Museum.
Best in Pink Whitney Day Fashion Photo Contest
Saratoga Race Course will host a Best in Pink fashion photo contest for fans 21 and older from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jockey Silks Porch, presented by Whispering Angel and Lifestyles of Saratoga, and will feature prizes from each of the presenting partners.
Racing City Chorus
Saratoga’s Racing City Chorus will welcome fans as they arrive on Whitney Day as well as perform trackside during racing.
Whitney Day Sampling Trifecta
Whitney Day will feature a trio of beverages for fans 21 and older to sample including: Subourbon Life bourbon-based ready to drink cocktails near the Subourbon Life Beverage Express; Whispering Angel Rosé near the Belvedere Bar on the second level; and the classic Casamigos Margarita across from the Travers Bar, presented by Bulleit. All complimentary samplings are available from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last.
Horse Sense
Fans of all ages 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.
Community Outreach Booth
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, which accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire and rehome thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding, will be the featured organization.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3
Sara-yoga
Fans are invited to enjoy yoga on the track apron during morning training from 7:15 a.m. to 8 a.m., courtesy of Yoga Mandali. There is no fee nor pre-registration required, but participants are asked to bring their own mats. The event is weather permitting.
Admission Gates and Post Time
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with the 10-race program getting underway at 1:10 p.m.
Adirondack
Week 4 action concludes with a pair of graded stakes including the Grade 2, $300,000 Troy for 3-year-olds and up on turf, and the Grade 3, $175,000 Adirondack, a 6 1/2-furlong sprint for juvenile fillies.
Family Sunday at the Family Zone
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.
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 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will return to the Community Booth on Sunday of Whitney weekend.
All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA.