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Saratoga Race Track Morning Workouts: What to Know Before You Go

Saratoga Race Track morning workouts are one of the most unique and relaxing ways to experience the energy of Saratoga Springs before the races even begin. As the horses thunder down the track and the early crowd gathers along the rail, you’ll find yourself immersed in the rhythm of racing life—whether you’re there to take photos, grab a bite, or simply enjoy the view.

This guide covers everything you need to know before you go—where to watch, what to bring, and how to make the most of your Saratoga morning.

horse exercising on dirt with jockey

Can You Watch the Horses Work Out at Saratoga?

Yes—you absolutely can. Watching morning workouts at Saratoga is open to the public and one of the most accessible ways to enjoy the track. From the Oklahoma Training Track to the Clubhouse rail, visitors can get close to the action, often just feet from the horses.

Local photographer Gail Stein describes it best:

“One of my favorite ways to start my day is with a quick trip to the track to watch the workouts, chat with other visitors, and practice trying to get clear and interesting shots of the horses. It’s always different, but always so beautiful.”

Where Can You Watch Saratoga Race Track Morning Workouts?

There are two primary spots to catch the action:

🐎 Clubhouse Breakfast & Main Track Views

welcome to the porch sign at saratoga race course

On every live racing day (except Travers Day and Labor Day), the Clubhouse Porch opens for Breakfast at Saratoga, a buffet experience served from 7:00 to 9:30 AM. As you eat, you can watch the thoroughbreds train up close on the main track.

Your breakfast ticket also includes a backstretch tram tour (weather permitting), which runs every 15 minutes between 7:30 and 9:00 AM. It’s a great way to see the horses cooling down and experience the buzz of the barns before the gates open to the general public.

🏇 Whitney Viewing Stand at Oklahoma Training Track

whitney viewing stand

Just across the street, the Whitney Viewing Stand offers a quieter but equally fascinating perspective. Overlooking the Oklahoma Training Track, this elevated platform gives you a clear view of horses training in the earlier part of the season and throughout the summer.

  • Spring Hours (starting April 19): Wednesday–Sunday, 7:00–10:00 AM
  • Summer Hours (starting June 9): Daily, 7:00–11:00 AM
  • Pedestrian access only via Gate 21 off East Avenue

Are Saratoga Race Track Morning Workouts Free to Attend?

horse and jockey

Yes! Morning access to the track is free. Gates open at 7:00 AM for workouts, and the grounds are cleared before 11:00 AM when official race entry begins. This means you can come and go without needing a race day ticket—just remember that breakfast and certain tours are optional paid experiences.

Breakfast pricing:

  • Adults: $30
  • Children (12 & under): Free

What’s the Best Way to Experience Morning Workouts?

people dining at tables facing horse race track

There are several options, depending on your interests and timing:

🍳 Clubhouse Breakfast & Tram Tour

Ideal for newcomers or families, this option combines a great view, hot food, and a guided look behind the scenes.

📸 Photography at the Fence

Bring a camera or binoculars! As Gail notes, early light adds magic:

“I personally love the angle of the sun in the early morning and the way it highlights the manes and tails of the horses…and the misty/foggy mornings which add an element of mysticism to the entire scene.”

🎓 Guided Walking Tours

Offered daily during racing season, guided walking tours leave every 30 minutes from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. You’ll learn about track traditions, facilities, and racing culture in a fun, relaxed setting.

  • Adults: $15
  • Children (12 & under): Free
  • Duration: 45 minutes

🚜 Breakfast & Breeding Farm Tour

For a deeper dive into racing’s origins, this 3-hour experience includes:

  • Buffet breakfast at the track
  • Trolley ride to a nearby breeding farm
  • Walking tour of the facility
  • Same-day race admission

Tours run Thursday–Sunday starting July 10 (excluding Travers Day).

  • Adults: $95
  • Children: $35

Learn about all of NYRA's tours and book now: https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/visit/tours/

What to Bring for Saratoga Race Track Morning Workouts

  • Layers: Mornings can be chilly, especially earlier in the season.
  • Camera or Binoculars: Great for close-up viewing or motion photography.
  • Comfortable Shoes: If you’re taking a tour or walking to the Oklahoma side.

Gail shared one last tip for fellow photography fans:

“I’ve been trying to work on getting the backgrounds to blur and keep the horses sharply in focus to show motion… it’s a really cool effect and one I am willing to keep working on.”

Morning Workouts 1

Early morning view of a racehorse galloping along

Morning Workouts 2

Early morning view of a racehorse galloping

Morning Workouts 3

horses morning workouts

Morning Workouts 4

horse and jockey

Morning Workouts 5

jockey on horse training

Morning Workouts 6

trainer on horse

Morning Workouts 7

people walking under building area

What to Do After Morning Workouts in Saratoga

fountain in pond with stone gazebo nearby

Once the workouts wrap up, extend your morning in true Saratoga fashion:

On racing days, the track typically reopens to the public at 11:00 AM, once morning workouts have concluded and the grounds are cleared. However, on Travers Day—when breakfast is not served—gates usually open earlier, around 9:00 AM.

It’s always a good idea to check the official schedule if you’re planning to return for the races later that day.

Plan Your Visit

Saratoga Race Track morning workouts are more than a behind-the-scenes look at the horses—they're a peaceful, immersive, and surprisingly social way to start your day.

Whether you're watching from the Whitney Viewing Stand, enjoying breakfast on the Clubhouse Porch, or just capturing a few shots from the rail, it’s a must-do experience during the Saratoga season.

Related Links:

Get tickets for the summer racing season at Saratoga >>

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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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