Named one of the world's greatest sporting venues, tradition comes alive at the Spa every summer in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Upcoming Schedule
The Jim Dandy is a crucial prep race, but also a party in its own right! Fans get a thrilling preview of horses to watch a few weeks later in the Travers.
In 2025, Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty proved best in the Jim Dandy. Later in the meet, he would successfully complete the Jim Dandy-Travers double, en route to Horse of the Year honors.
Featuring a straw cowboy hat giveaway on Sunday, August 2!
Whitney Day is a staple of summer racing at Saratoga! The $1 million Whitney attracts top older horses and has been won by many of thoroughbred racing's biggest stars.
Each year, Saratoga is bathed in pink in honor of Marylou Whitney, one of racing's finest ambassadors. Don your best outfit and join the Best in Pink fashion photo contest!
And don't miss the Whitney Pin giveaway on Friday, August 7.
Wednesday, August 12 is Adirondack Day at the track! Plus, the newly renamed G1 Christophe Clement Turf headlines an exciting week of racing at the Spa.
And don't miss Sunday, August 16 featuring the 2nd Annual Corgi Cup + Corgi Cup Pin Giveaway!
Six stakes are on tap this week, including the G1 Alabama pres. by Keeneland Sales.
Featuring a Mini Lawn Jockey Statue giveaway on Sunday, August 23. Including a super rare gold edition!
Travers Day is the centerpiece of the Saratoga calendar, and one of the biggest days of racing anywhere in the world! The DraftKings Travers attracts elite horses from the spring's Triple Crown and later-developing stars alike.
Saratoga goes all-out for Travers Day: Extravagant fashion, raucous crowds, and superstars (both equine and human) make for a day you absolutely cannot miss!
Then on Sunday, August 30, get a Saratoga Summer 2026 Pin giveaway!
The final week of the 2026 Saratoga summer meet is Fan Appreciation Week, featuring ticket discounts, concessions specials, and giveaways! The meet concludes on Labor Day.
Get the Saratoga Flannel Shirt giveaway on Monday, September 7 – closing day at the track.
Things To Do at the Track
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Live teller windows and self-service terminals are also located throughout the racetrack. Self-service touchscreen terminals are easy for even a novice bettor to use. Always double check your tickets before leaving the window or self-service terminal.
Learn Handicapping
Offered every Sunday (excluding August 2) 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.
NYRA STAR is a free kids club for fans age 5-12, offering:
- Backstretch Tram Tours on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings during the summer meet
- Paddock & Winner's Circle Tours on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons during the summer meet
- Free member gifts and giveaways
- Family Zone open daily, featuring games and activities on Sundays during the summer meet
Register your child(ren) for free!
Family Sundays
Free family-friendly games and educational activities from 11:00am-4:00pm in the Family Zone, a smoke and alcohol-free interactive play area for children. Visit each Sunday for a different theme!
One of the most popular things to do at Saratoga Race Course is to purchase GA tickets, find a space in the backyard, and make the day your own!
🧺 Have a Picnic
🧊 Cooler Policy
Coolers are permitted at Saratoga Race Course! Coolers are allowed in the backyard, building and apron, and must be kept off tables, off seats and out of aisles.
Coolers may contain food and beverages (including alcohol) in plastic containers or cans; no glass permitted. For safety & efficiency, fans with coolers must have ice sealed in bags prior to arrival. All coolers are subject to search by NYRA security at any time.
🚰 Big Red Spring
No visit to Saratoga Race Course is complete without sipping the track's very own natural spring water!
Located in the backyard behind the paddock, the Big Red Spring is named in honor of two legendary horses who bore the nickname "Big Red" – Man o' War and Secretariat.
Complimentary cups are available from the nearby Guest Services booth.
Breakfast at Saratoga invites guests to enjoy a morning buffet on the Clubhouse Porch while thoroughbreds train on the main track!
Breakfast is held every live racing day from 7:00 to 9:30am, excluding Travers Day and Labor Day. Breakfast is available on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are not accepted.
ADULTS: $30 | CHILDREN 12 & UNDER: $12
There are multiple ways to meet and pet a horse at Saratoga Race Course!
Horse Sense
Every Saturday and Sunday of the Saratoga meet from noon to 2:00 PM in the backyard, fans of all ages can meet and pet a retired thoroughbred at Horse Sense. Located near the Fourstardave Sports Bar.
Backstretch Tram Tours
Another way to meet horses is on the Backstretch Tram Tours – part of the Free NYRA STAR Kids Club! Offered Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings throughout the summer meet.
The Purdy's Summer Music Stage features live music performed by local acts across all 46 days of the summer meet! Located at the gazebo in the backyard near Dunkin'.
Plus, enjoy plenty more live entertainment around the track every day of the summer meet!
Guest Services
The gates at Saratoga Race Course open to fans at 11:00am on most live racing days, unless noted otherwise.
Fans who wish to claim a coveted backyard picnic table should arrive early with their own tablecloth. Gates open at 7:00am for early entry, and on marquee race days, all tables are claimed within minutes!
Coolers are permitted at Saratoga Race Course. Coolers are allowed in the backyard, building and apron, and must be kept off tables, off seats and out of aisles.
Coolers may contain food and beverages (including alcohol) in plastic containers or cans; no glass permitted. For safety & efficiency, fans with coolers must have ice sealed in bags prior to arrival.
All coolers are subject to search by NYRA security at any time.
Coolers, food, alcohol (no glass containers), hand carts, pop-up tents, and folding chairs are all permitted inside Saratoga Race Course. Banned items include:
- Aerosol Cans
- Air Horns/Noise Makers
- Banners
- Confetti or Glitter
- Radio-Controlled Aircraft/Drones
- Fireworks
- Glass Bottles or Kegs
- Grills/Lighter Fluid
- Illegal Drugs or Substances
- Laser Lights/Pointers
- Selfie Sticks are not permitted on the grounds at any time
- Skateboards/Hover Boards or recreational vehicle devices (with the exception of ADA approved devices)
- Sports Equipment (including balls of all kinds, bats and frisbees)
- Weapons (including Knives/Mace/Pepper Spray/Firearms)
Please note that there is no storage of any kind. NYRA reserves the right to modify these policies at any time.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the facility via the NYRA-WIFI network.
See the comprehensive Saratoga dress code, and read more about what to wear.
Get Saratoga's grounds map, parking map, and interactive seating map here.
The Community Booth at Saratoga Race Course is a unique opportunity for local charities to showcase their mission and engage with thousands of racing fans on a select day during the summer meet. Since its inception, hundreds of organizations have successfully utilized the booth to raise awareness and accept donations.
The Community Booth is located in the backyard next to the Jockey Silks Porch. Be sure to stop by!
Physical Address of Saratoga Race Course: 267 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Cash will not be accepted for food and beverage purchases, admission, parking, or programs (with the exception of the official Saratoga store) during the 2026 Saratoga summer meet. Credit cards, debit cards, mobile wallets, and other mobile pay options, like Apple Pay, will be accepted for non-wagering purchases.
Fans may still want to carry cash on race day if they plan to place wagers on-track. Reverse ATMs, also known as cash-to-card kiosks, will be available at multiple locations throughout the venue.
Find Saratoga's Interactive Seating Map here for a more detailed look at hospitality options.
There are First Aid facilities located on the ground floor of the Grandstand beside the Fourstardave Sports Bar, and in the backyard near Gate B.
In the event of an emergency, notify a NYRA Peace Officer or other NYRA employee.
Lost & Found is located in the Security office, at the far end of the Grandstand on the mezzanine level.
Accessible seating is available for purchase in the Clubhouse and Grandstand of Saratoga Race Course. To order tickets by phone, please call us at (800) 814-7846 or (518) 584-6200 x3568.
NYRA urges you please report ethics issues or concerns to NYRA’s Ethics Officer by email at [email protected] or via NYRA’s confidential ethics hotline at 1-800-605-1340.
