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What to Know About the 2025 July 4th Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course

Dates: July 3-6, 2025

Saratoga Springs has long been the ultimate summer destination thanks to the popular 40-day summer meet at Saratoga Race Course. In 2025, racing fans will have even more to look forward to as Saratoga Race Course hosts the July 4th Racing Festival.

Held from Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6, the four-day celebration blends world-class stakes races with patriotic fanfare, family activities, and historic tributes. Highlights include seven graded stakes races, special giveaways, and family-friendly entertainment all weekend long. Fans can also enjoy $1 Carnegie Deli Hot Dogs and themed events as part of the All-American celebration.

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2025 July 4th Racing Festival Stakes Schedule

Thursday, July 3, 2025

  • Wild Applause (Listed) - $150,000, F3YO, 1 Mile (Turf)
  • Victory Ride (Grade III) - $175,000, F3YO, 6 1/2 Furlongs

Friday, July 4, 2025

  • Manila (Grade III) - $200,000, 3YO, 1 Mile (Turf)
  • Schuylerville (Listed) - $150,000, F2YO, 6 Furlongs
  • Belmont Derby Invitational (Grade I) - $750,000, 3YO, 1 1/8 Miles (Turf)
  • Suburban (Grade II) - $400,000, 4&UP, 1 1/4 Miles
  • Harvey Pack (Listed) - $150,000, 3&UP, 5 1/2 Furlongs (Turf)

Saturday, July 5, 2025

  • Sanford (Grade III) - $175,000, 2YO, 6 Furlongs
  • Belmont Oaks Invitational (Grade I) - $500,000, F3YO, 1 1/8 Miles (Turf)
  • Kelso (Grade III) - $175,000, 4&UP, 1 Mile (Turf)

Sunday, July 6, 2025

  • The weekend will close out on Sunday, July 6. No stakes races are scheduled.

First post is 1:10 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, and 12:35 p.m. on Saturday. Gates open at 11 a.m. daily.

2025 Ticket Info

Tickets and hospitality reservations for both the July 4th Racing Festival and the annual 40-day summer meet at Saratoga are available now.

All first responders, active military, and veterans receive free admission on Friday, July 4 with valid ID.

Browse All Racing Tickets on Ticketmaster

Reservations may be made by phone at 844-NYRA-TIX, email at boxoffice@nyrainc.com, or online at NYRA.com/Groups.

Daily admission for the July 4th Racing Festival will be available for $7 when purchased in advance or $10 day-of.

Buy Single-Day GA Tickets

Coming for the whole July 4th Racing Festival? Consider the 4-day plan!

Buy 4-Day Plan

Independence Day Highlights at the Track

  • $1 Carnegie Deli Hot Dogs available at all concessions throughout the venue
  • Saratoga-themed sunglasses giveaway to the first 15,000 fans on July 4
  • Live performance of "America the Beautiful" by Sofronio Vasquez of The Voice
  • Aerial demonstration by the West Point Parachute Team
  • Reading of the Declaration of Independence's Preamble by Sean Kelleher with costumed historians
  • Uncle Sam character strolling the grounds on July 4
  • Replica 1777 cannon display near the paddock, part of the Saratoga 250 commemoration
  • Morning: Firecracker 4 Road Race in downtown Saratoga
  • Evening: Saratoga fireworks celebration

The Belmont Derby Invitational on Friday, July 4 will be nationally televised on FOX from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday Events and Family Activities

  • Hildebrandt’s Ice Cream Eating Contest near Big Red Spring
  • Live performance by the Yankee Doodle Band
  • Free horseback rides for kids on Friday and Saturday, provided by Adirondack Dreamcatcher Farm

Know Before You Go

  • Saratoga Race Course will operate as a cashless venue for food, beverage, parking, and admission
  • Reverse ATMs (cash-to-card kiosks) will be available throughout the track
  • The main track will be closed for morning training during the festival
  • Breakfast at Saratoga will resume on Thursday, July 10

Plan Your Holiday Weekend in Saratoga

4th of July weekend is always an exciting time to be in Saratoga Springs, with highlights such as the annual All-American Celebration, live music, and other events around the region.

Ready to make the most of it? Check out our top picks for things to do during the July 4th Racing Festival. We've put together a full list of activities to help you celebrate the holiday and experience the best of the Spa City.

Find places to stay for your visit >>

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About the Author: Joe Legault Joe is a dedicated editor from Lake Luzerne, NY, with a passion for hiking the Adirondack high peaks, running half marathons and 5Ks, and visiting local craft breweries like Common Roots and Dancing Grain. He enjoys writing about the region's can't-miss attractions and activities.
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