News & Notes: Week 5 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.

Giveaway #4 – Saratoga Pennant:

Friday, August 8

Fans can commemorate the midway mark of the meet by claiming a red and white commemorative felt pennant featuring the familiar images of historic Saratoga Race Course. Available free with paid admission, while supplies last.

Corgi Competition:

Sunday, August 10

Fans will have the chance to register their Corgis to compete on the main track at Saratoga Race Course. Fans are encouraged to check back for more information about this dogged competition at NYRA.com.

Stewart’s Shops Day at the Races:

Wednesday, August 13

Stewart’s Shops will delight fans with free scoops of its award-winning ice cream, while supplies last. Fans can purchase their Saratoga season pass at a $5 savings off the regular price at more than 175 Stewart’s Shops until July 13, in addition to $50 NYRA Bets Gift Cards, which are available through August 31.

Military Appreciation Day presented by Rivers Casino:

Thursday, August 14

NYRA will pay tribute to active military members and veterans in appreciation of their sacrifice and service to our nation. 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.

Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours:

Every Thursday-Sunday

Saratoga’s Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours will be offered every Thursday through Sunday, beginning with Opening Day, Thursday, July 10, and continuing through Sunday, August 31 (excluding DraftKings Travers Day and Sunday, August 10 whose tour will be offered on Wednesday, August 6). Presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), this year’s itinerary will feature Old Tavern Farm, Sugar Plum Farm and Song Hill Thoroughbreds. The package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a local breeding farm and admission to Saratoga Race Course. Tickets are $95 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under. Each tour accommodates up to 52 guests. Tickets may be purchased at NYRA.com.

Taste NY Pavilion:

Every Thursday-Sunday

New York-made food and beverages will be available for sample and purchase at the Taste NY Pavilion, located inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch, where fans can enjoy New York craft beers, wines, spirits, jams, jellies, granola and ice cream (must be 21 and older to sample and purchase alcoholic beverages). Featured products hail from across the state as a showcase of New York’s robust food and beverage industry.

Stake Races

FRIDAY, August 8

Ballston Spa (G2): F&M 4&UP, 1 1/16- Turf, Purse $300,000

Saturday, August 9

Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer (G1) (BC): 4&UP, 1 1/2 – Turf, Purse $750,000

Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Oaks Invitational (G2): F3YO,  1 3/16 – Turf, Purse $500,000

Sunday, August 10

Mahony (G3): 3YO, 5 1/2 Furlongs- Turf, Purse $175,000
Adirondack (G3): F2YO, 6 1/2 Furlongs – Dirt, Purse $175,000

Wednesday, August 13

NYSS Statue of Liberty Division: F3YO, 1 Mile – Turf, Purse $150,000

Thursday, August 14
NYSS Cab Calloway Division: 3YO, 1 Mile – Turf, Purse $150,000