2025 Saratoga Summer Event Schedule

T-Shirt Giveaway

The first giveaway of the traditional summer meet is a red, high performance concert-style tour tee, available in sizes M and XL. Free with paid admission, while supplies last.

Thoroughbred Aftercare Day

New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day pays tribute to an array of organizations involved in finding new homes and careers for retired racehorses. The featured race is the Rick Violette, named for the late NYTHA President who was a founding member of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA).

Hawaiian Shirt Giveaway

Say “Aloha” to the ultimate summer statement with a red-and-white floral Saratoga Hawaiian shirt, available in sizes M and XL. Free with paid admission, while supplies last.

Hildebrandt's Ice Cream Eating Contest

Celebrate National Ice Cream Day the right way! Presented by Hildebrandt's Ice Cream, this fan-favorite contest is back by popular demand. Sign up below to participate!

First Responders Day

Saratoga Race Course pays tribute to first responders with free admission (ID required). Presented by Albany Med, First Responders Day includes a series of ceremonial events and features the New York State Troopers Pipes and Drums. 

Blanket Giveaway pres. by Rivers Casino

Collect a Saratoga blanket perfect for a picnic at the track! Presented by Rivers Casino, this red 50” x 60” polar fleece blanket offers plenty of room to spread out. Free with paid admission, while supplies last.

PDJF Day

Joining racetracks across the country on Jim Dandy Day, Saratoga Race Course will host autograph signings and photo opportunities at the Jockey Silks Porch as part of Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund (PDJF) Awareness Day across America. Suggested donations will benefit the PDJF. 

Kids Day

New for 2025: Kids Day will include a variety of activities for Saratoga’s youngest fans, including mascots of favorite teams from throughout the region and a special headband giveaway presented by NYRA STAR. As always, fans 12 & under get free admission!

Whitney Day

New for 2025, the Grade 1, $750,000 FanDuel Fourstardave has been added to a blockbuster Whitney Day card that will now include four Grade 1s and six total stakes headlined by the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney!

The annual Best in Pink Photo Fashion Contest will take place from 1:00-3:00pm at the Jockey Silks Porch. 

Adirondack Day

Presented by the Adirondack Regional Tourism Council, fans will enjoy local products and attractions representative of the Adirondack region of New York State.

Pennant Giveaway

Fans can commemorate the midway mark of the meet by claiming a red and white commemorative felt pennant featuring the familiar images of historic Saratoga Race Course. Free with paid admission, while supplies last.

Stewart's Shops Day at the Races

Stewart’s Shops will delight fans with free scoops of its award-winning ice cream, while supplies last!

Fans can purchase NYRA Bets Gift Cards at more than 175 Stewart’s Shops, available through August 31.

Military Appreciation Day

NYRA will pay tribute to active military members and veterans in appreciation of their sacrifice and service to our nation. Presented by Rivers Casino, All veterans and active-duty military will be honored with a special ceremony in the Winner’s Circle and receive free admission with a military ID.

Lustgarten Day

Saratoga Race Course will honor the legacy of beloved trainer Dominic Galluscio on Alabama Day to benefit the Lustgarten Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance scientific and medical research related to pancreatic cancer.

Many of the sport’s most popular trainers will sign autographs for fans with suggested donations to benefit the Lustgarten Foundation in Galluscio’s memory. 

Tote Bag Giveaway

Available on Travers eve, this tie-dye cotton Saratoga tote bag is the ideal trackside accessory, perfect for stashing racing forms, sunscreen, or souvenirs. Free with paid admission, while supplies last.

DraftKings Travers Day

It's Saratoga's most famous race! DraftKings Travers Day features five Grade 1 events headlined by the $1.25 million DraftKings Travers, and includes four additional $500,000 races: the Personal Ensign, Forego, H. Allen Jerkens Memorial, and the Resorts World Casino Ballerina.

Purchase tickets now and save versus the walk-up price!

Quarter Zip Giveaway

Labor Day weekend ushers in the final premium giveaway with a Saratoga quarter zip sweatshirt. With summer in its final stretch, fans can stay warm with this red, medium-weight quarter zip featuring a white embroidered Saratoga logo, available in sizes M and XL.

All giveaways are free with paid admission, while supplies last.