News & Notes: Week 7 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.

New York Breds in the Spotlight:

Thursday and Friday, August 21-22, and Sunday, August 24, 2025

Travers Week features numerous stakes to showcase the depth of the New York breeding program with a pair of $200,000 New York-bred events taking center stage on Thursday, including the Albany presented by The Albany Distilling Company and the Fleet Indian. The state-bred action resumes on Friday with two $150,000 tilts in the Seeking the Ante and the Yaddo presented by STIHL. A pair of $150,000 state-bred races closes out the week on Sunday, including the West Point Handicap and the Funny Cide presented by Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital.

DraftKings Travers Day:

Special first post time of 11:40 a.m. – Saturday, August 23, 2025

DraftKings Travers Day features five Grade 1 races headlined by the $1.25 million DraftKings Travers and including four additional $500,000 races – the Personal Ensign, Forego, H. Allen Jerkens Memorial and the Resorts World Casino Ballerina.

Fan Appreciation Week:

Wednesday, August 27 to Monday, September 1

NYRA will thank its fans with special offers on tickets, food and beverage, and hospitality during the final week of the season at Saratoga Race Course. admission, while supplies last.

Giveaway #6:

Saratoga Quarter Zip Sweatshirt – Sunday, August 31, 2025

Labor Day weekend ushers in the final premium giveaway with a Saratoga quarter zip sweatshirt. With summer in its final stretch, fans can stay warm with this red, medium-weight quarter zip featuring a white embroidered Saratoga logo. Available free with paid admission, while supplies last.

Backstretch Tram Tours

Fans can go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram 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.

Giveaway #5: Saratoga Tote Bag:

Friday, August 22

Functional and fashionable, this 14”x16” tie-dye cotton Saratoga tote bag is the ideal trackside accessory available on the eve of the DraftKings Travers. The Saratoga tote is perfect for stashing racing forms, sunscreen, or Spa souvenirs. Available free with paid admission, while supplies last.

Stake Races

Friday, August 22

Yaddo (NYB) pres. by STIHL: F&M 3&UP, 1 1/16 Turf, Purse $150,000 Seeking the Ante (NYB):  F2YO, 6 Furlongs, Dirt, Purse $150,000

Saturday, August 23

DraftKings Travers (G1): 3YO, 1 1/4, Dirt, Purse $1,250,000 Resorts World Casino Ballerina (G1) (BC): F&M 3&UP, 7 Furlongs, Dirt, Purse $500,000 Forego (G1) (BC): 4&UP, 7 Furlongs, Dirt, Purse $500,000 Personal Ensign (G1) (BC): F&M 4&UP, 1 1/8, Dirt, Purse $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (G1): 3YO, 7 Furlongs, Dirt, Purse $500,000 Lake Placid (G2): F3YO, 1 Mile, Turf, Purse $400,000

Sunday, August 24

West Point Handicap (NYB): 3&UP, 1 1/16, Turf, Purse $150,000 Funny Cide (NYB) pres. by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital: 2YO, 6 Furlongs, Dirt, Purse $150,000

Wednesday, August 27

P.G. Johnson pres. by Snap-on: F2YO, 1 1/16, Turf, Purse $150,000

Thursday, August 28 

With Anticipation (G3): 2YO, 1 1/16, Turf, Purse $175,000