News & Notes: Week 1 Events at Saratoga Race Course

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the lineup of attractions, entertainment, and events for the 2025 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course.

Highlighted by the 156th edition of the Grade I, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers on Saturday, August 23, and the Grade I, $1 million Whitney on Saturday, August 2, the 40-day summer meet will open on Thursday, July 10 and run through Monday, September 1.

Following the four-day opening week, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day.

First post will be 1:10 p.m. every day except Saturdays, when first post will be 12:35 p.m. The only exceptions are Whitney Day featuring a 12:05 p.m. first post and DraftKings Travers Day with first post at 11:40 a.m. Post times for Labor Day weekend will be announced at a later date.

Admission gates will open for live racing at 11 a.m. for all but Whitney Day, when gates will open at 10 a.m. and DraftKings Travers Day, when gates will open at 9 a.m.

Thurs. July 10-Sun. July 13:

Opening Weekend

The 2025 Saratoga summer meet will get underway on Thursday, July 10, highlighted by the Listed De La Rose stakes, followed by the Grade III Coronation Cup on Friday and the first Grade I of the season, the Dunkin’ Diana, on Saturday.

Stake Races

*Mondays and Tuesdays = Dark Days. No racing.

FRIDAY, JULY 11

Coronation Cup: F3YO, 5 1/2 – Turf, Purse $175,000

Saturday, July 12

Dunkin’ Diana: F&M 4&UP, 1 1/8 – Turf, Purse $500,000

Bowling Green: 4&UP, 1 3/8 (Turf), Purse $200,000

Sunday, July 13

Quick Call (pres. by Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation):
3YO, 5 1/2 – Turf, Purse $175,000

Wednesday, july 16

Suzie O’Cain (NYB): F3YO, 1 1/16 – Turf, Purse $150,000

Thursday, July 17

Rick Violette (NYB): 3YO, 1 1/16 – Turf, Purse $150,000

Friday, July 11

Saratoga Summer Tour T-Shirt Giveaway

The first giveaway of the traditional summer meet is a red, high performance concert-style tour tee. The t-shirt features a silhouette of the Saratoga Race Course Grandstand and a schedule with the meet’s stakes races on the back. Presented by NYRA Bets, the cool and comfortable t-shirt will be available in two sizes: medium and extra-large; free with paid admission, while supplies last.

sunday, july 13:

Saratoga-Con presented by Miller Lite:

Bar hop the Spa! Wear your most extravagant Saratoga outfit and join the party. Each $10 ticket includes four drinks (one at each bar stop), plus fun activations & giveaways along the way. 21+ only.

Thursdays-Sundays:

Breakfast & Breeding Farm Tour:

See firsthand how racehorses begin their journeys! Each ticket includes a buffet breakfast during morning training at Saratoga, a round-trip trolley ride from the track to the day’s designated farm, a guided walking tour of the farm, and same-day admission to Saratoga Race Course.