The moment you’ve been waiting all year for has arrived – it’s opening week at Saratoga Race Course! From Thursday, July 11 – Sunday, July 14, the historic racetrack will feature exciting races, a great lineup of special events, appearances from Mariano Rivera and Madison VanDenburg, and more!
Thursday, July 11
Opening Day at Saratoga Race Course
Opening Day at Saratoga will kick off this Thursday with the Grade III Schuylerville, the Grade III Quick Call, and more thrilling thoroughbred horse racing!
Saratoga Race Course Opening Day Season Passholder Giveaway
On Opening Day, Saratoga Race Course season pass and season ticket holders in attendance will receive an exclusive giveaway – a white cooling towel with the red Saratoga logo. These will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Want to sample a great selection of wine and spirits produced right here in New York State? If so, then stop by the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion from 12:00pm-5:00pm for Taste NY: Wine & Spirits. Guests will be able to enjoy five samples for $5.
Sample drinks featuring Don Julio tequila from 3:00pm-5:00pm outside the entrance of The Stretch.
The Low Roller Challenge will take place on Thursdays and Sundays at Saratoga Race Course. This is a chance for aspiring handicappers to experience the excitement of tournament play for $40. Registration will begin at 11:00am near Fourstardave Sports Bar.
Friday, July 12
Saratoga Stakes Race: Forbidden Apple
Place your bets for the GIII Forbidden Apple!
Sample craft beers and ciders produced by New York State breweries and cideries during this Friday’s Taste NY: Craft Beer & Cider. From 12:00pm-5:00pm, you can enjoy five samples for $5 in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion.
Legendary New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera will attend a special luncheon in the Paddock Tent at Saratoga Race Course. He will also be honored by the New York Racing Association, Inc. with a ceremony in the winner’s circle.
Saturday, July 13
Saratoga Stakes Races: Diana & Sanford
Place your bets for the GI Diana and the GIII Sanford!
Saratoga County EOC Food Drive
The Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) will host their annual food and essential goods drive this Saturday. Fans can donate at least three non-perishable items to receive a baseball cap and be entered to win great prizes.
Shop for women’s and men’s apparel and accessories during Fashion Saturdays at the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion. Fashion Saturdays will run from 11:00am-5:00pm and feature a variety of local retailers.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Saturdays
Visit the Jim Dandy Bar from 3:00pm-5:00pm and enjoy specialty drinks and selections from Woodford Reserve.
Sample the new Ketel One Botanicals from 3:00pm-5:00pm outside the entrance to The Stretch.
“American Idol” Star Madison VanDenburg at Saratoga Race Course
The Capital Region’s own Madison VanDenburg will perform at the Don Julio stage following the day’s first race at 1:10pm. Additional performances will follow throughout the afternoon.
Sunday, July 14
Saratoga Stakes Race: Coronation Cup
Place your bets for the Coronation Cup!
The Low Roller Challenge will take place on Thursdays and Sundays at Saratoga Race Course. This is a chance for aspiring handicappers to experience the excitement of tournament play for $40. Registration will begin at 11:00am near Fourstardave Sports Bar.
Race Course Giveaway Day – Saratoga Picnic Cooler
The first official Giveaway Day of the 2019 racing meet at Saratoga Race Course will be a collapsible, red picnic cooler. The free giveaway item will be available with paid admission to the track.
Bring the kids to the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion on Sunday for family-friendly activities, games, attractions, and more. The Berkshire Bank Family Sundays event series will be held from 11:00am-5:00pm.
Take part in the fun and fashionable Hat Contest at the track this Sunday! Each year, hundreds of contestants wear their most creative head toppers for the opportunity to win prizes. There will be contests for both kids and adults.
Check out Saratoga Race Course’s 2019 schedule of special events >>
