Harness Racing in Saratoga Returns for 85th Season

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Live harness racing returned to the Saratoga Casino Hotel on Feb. 1, marking the sport’s 85th season in the Spa City. The 2026 schedule at the Spa Oval will consist of 150 racing programs running through mid-December.

Horsemen will compete for over $17 million in purses during the season. The track will also host eight New York Sire Stakes programs featuring New York-bred horses for an additional $1.5 million in purses.

“I expect a very strong season of racing,” said Race Secretary Peter Iovino. “The horse population has been abundant the last few years and this gives us the ability to offer a high-quality product for our fans.”

Saratoga Casino’s premier event, the Joe Gerrity Jr. Memorial Invitational Pacing Series, will kick off on Saturday, July 11 with a new format. This year, competitors will vie for points in the $20,000 invitational over seven consecutive Saturdays, with the top point earners advancing to the $100,000 final on Saturday, Aug. 29. Total purses for the Gerrity Invitational series are $240,000.

Defending their 2025 titles this season are leading trainer Melissa Beckwith and top driver Jim Devaux. Beckwith trained 174 winners in 2025, while Devaux crossed the finish line first 288 times last year.

Saratoga Casino will partner with the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association to offer several promotions in the month of February. Highlights include a long-sleeve shirt giveaway to the first 400 customers on Saturday, Feb. 14, as well as a wheel spin drawing on Saturday, Feb. 7 and Sunday, Feb. 15, where all customers in attendance can enter for a chance to spin the prize wheel to win a $25-$100 free bet.

This season will also feature an expanded wagering menu that includes two pick 5’s with carryovers, two Pick 4’s with carryovers, $1 minimum wagers, 20-cent superfectas, and $1 triples in every race, plus a $3 minimum late daily double.

The winter, spring, and fall schedule will include matinee racing on Saturday, Sundays, Mondays, and select Tuesdays, with a 12 p.m. post time. The summer live racing schedule will be Mondays and Tuesdays at 12 p.m., along with Saturday evening programs beginning at 6:45 p.m.

For Track Announcer Mike Sardella’s race picks, racing recaps, and the full live race schedule, visit www.saratogacasino.com.