Courtesy NYRA
By Paul Post
Looking for a fun day at the track?
There’s plenty of exciting activity and entertainment in store.
Five premium giveaways are still on tap including a Hawaiian shirt (July 20), blanket (July 25), pennant (Aug. 8), tote bag (Aug. 22) and sweatshirt (Aug. 31).
The 40-day meet got under way July 10 with paid attendance of 24,418 and on-track handle of more than $2.6 million, and continues through Labor Day Monday (Sept. 1) with racing five days per week, Wednesday to Sunday.
For handicappers, two huge dates are upcoming on the racing calendar, starting with Whitney Day (Saturday, Aug. 2) that will include four Grade 1s and six total stakes headlined by the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney. New this year, the Grade 1, $750,000 FanDuel Fourstardave has been added to the card.
The annual Best in Pink fashion photo contest is also scheduled that day from 1-3 p.m. at the Jockey Silks Porch.
Once again the meet’s highlight is the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes (Saturday, Aug. 23) when Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty is expected to headline the field. The only question is whether Preakness champion Journalism, who finished second to Sovereignty in those races, will be on hand for a third head-to-head matchup between two of this year’s finest 3-year-olds.
Four other Grade 1, $500,000 races are planned that day, the Personal Ensign, Forego, H. Allen Jerkens Memorial and the Resorts World Casino Ballerina.
But throughout the racecourse grounds, there’s a virtually endless lineup of fun special events planned, sure to create memorable experiences during the 2025 meet.
On Thursday, July 24, there will be a tribute to first responders who will be treated to free admission (ID required). The day will include a series of ceremonial events and feature the New York State Troopers Pipes and Drums.
On Saturday, July 26 (Jim Dandy Day), there will be autograph signings and photo opportunities with jockeys at the Jockey Silks Porch as part of Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund Awareness Day across America.
Wednesday, Aug. 6 is Adirondack Day when fans may enjoy local products and attractions representative of the Adirondack region.
The track will be going to the dogs on Sunday, Aug. 10 when it hosts a first-ever Corgi Day when these speedy, short-legged canines will compete on the main track between races. Corgi owners may register their pet online (nyra.com/Saratoga).
Wednesday, Aug. 13 will be a great day to cool down with free scoops of ice cream from Stewart’s Shops, while supplies last.
Military Appreciation Day is set for Thursday, Aug. 14. 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.
Saturday, Aug. 16 is Lustgarten Day (also Alabama Day) when the legacy of beloved trainer Dominic Galluscio will be honored 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.
Italian-American Day is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 30 featuring Italian music and dance performances, entertainment, crafts and food at the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion. Highlights include accordion players, performances by an Italian tenor and opera singer, traditional folk dancing and Italian language lessons.
The food menu will feature sausage subs, meatball subs, parmigiana, pasta, pastries and gelato with proceeds benefitting the Italian Heritage Association and Museum.
Many other programs are planned throughout the meet’s entirety.
Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours are held every Thursday to Sunday. The package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a local breeding farm and admission to Saratoga Race Course.
The Taste NY Pavilion is open every Thursday to Sunday giving fans a chance to sample and purchase New York-produced food and beverages in inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch. Items include craft beers, wines, spirits, jams, jellies, granola and ice cream.
The NYRA STAR (Students of Thoroughbreds and Racing) is held every Friday to Sunday, giving children 12 and under, and their families, insider access into the world of thoroughbred racing. Participants will experience the sport through exclusive on-track events, educational opportunities and kid-friendly communications designed to ignite their interest in horses and excitement for the sport of thoroughbred racing. Membership is free and may be completed online or in-person at the NYRA STAR booth in the Family Zone.
Horse Sense, held every Saturday and Sunday, allows guests of all ages to pet a retired thoroughbred from noon to 2 p.m. inside Gate A. The educational exhibit includes fun facts about the life and career of a thoroughbred.
Each Sunday, fans are invited to enjoy a brunch buffet while experiencing The Rail, the first-floor banquet space at the 1863 Club. Tickets start at $110 and include admission, a table seat for the day, brunch buffet, soft drinks, Post Parade program book, tax, and gratuity.
Introduction to Handicapping is also held each Sunday in the Paddock Suite. Fans can learn betting strategies and tips from an expert handicapper.
Racing Hall of Fame Anniversary Weekend is slated for Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 3. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is celebrating its 75th anniversary with new exhibits and events, highlighted by the annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion on Friday, August 1.
The Class of 2025 includes seven new inductees: contemporary category racehorse Smarty Jones; 1900-1959 Historic Review Committee racehorses Decathlon and Hermis, and trainer George H. Conway; and Pillars of the Turf inductees Edward L. Bowen, Arthur B. Hancock III, and Richard Ten Broeck.
Season-long daily events and activities include Backstretch Tram Tours where fans can go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tour. Tram tours depart from the clubhouse entrance beginning at 7:30 a.m. with the last one leaving at 9 a.m. and running every 30 minutes. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are approximately 45 minutes in length. Tours are available every live racing day with the exception of DraftKings Travers Day and Labor Day.
Adding to the track’s festive atmosphere, the Purdy’s Music Summer Stage will host live musical performances each afternoon of the season from popular local and regional bands.
Of course, downtown Saratoga Springs has an endless variety of things to see and do during racing season. For a more information and a full scheduled go to: www.discoversaratoga.org.