And they’re off…
Saratoga Race Course is a thoroughbred horse racing track located in Saratoga Springs, New York. A day at Saratoga can be a casual family event or an upscale afternoon dressed to impress. The race course opened in 1863 and is one of the oldest major sporting venues of any kind in the United States. The racing season there is only 40 days long and is very popular with the locals, so plan ahead and have a memorable day at the races while visiting Saratoga Springs.
2019 Racing Season
The 2019 racing season is 40 days long, five days a week and runs Thursday, July 11 through Monday, September 2 (Labor Day). There are no races on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check the racing schedule before you plan your visit.
The Travers Stakes takes place on August 24, 2019 and is the most popular day of the Saratoga summer racing meet. Nicknamed Saratoga’s Midsummer Derby, the Travers Stakes is a Grade 1 race for 3-year-olds.
Track Entry
The admission gates open at 11:00am on race day, except on Travers Day they open at 7:00am. The first race begins at 1:00pm except on Steeplechase days (12:50pm), Travers Day (11:35am), and the last three meets of the season over Labor Day weekend (12:30pm).
Entry to Saratoga Race Course is very reasonably priced. General & Grandstand admission is $7.00, while Clubhouse admission is $10.00. Admission does not guarantee you a seat, reserved seating can be purchased in advance at Ticketmaster.
2019 Travers Day admission prices are $10 in advance or $15 at the gate for General admission and $25.00 for Clubhouse admission. Children 12 and under are free every day when accompanied by an adult.
Insider Tip: Check the calendar for giveaway days. Locals will purchase extra tickets to get the giveaway items, so lines at the gate can be long on these days.
Tours
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Saratoga Race Course with two types of tours:
– Walking Tours provide a historical overview of the facility and the property’s highlights, including unique architecture, landscapes, and traditions.
– Stable Area Tours get you closer to the horses in the track’s historic stable area.
Dining
There are plenty of dining options at the race course from counter service to upscale restaurants. You will also find food trucks and special events like New York Cider Week tasting tents. If you plan on eating at one of the restaurants, reservations are highly recommended.
– The Porch, located on the track level of the Clubhouse, offers a casual dining experience.
– The Club Terrace is on the second floor of the Clubhouse. The menu features appetizers, salads, and sandwiches, and the area overlooks the backyard and the paddock.
– The Turf Terrace, located on the third and fourth floors of the Clubhouse, has a great view of the finish line.
Insider Tip: Arrive at the race course between 7:00am to 9:30am and have breakfast on The Porch of the Clubhouse. Watch the morning workouts while you eat— seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Picnic at the Race Course
Having a picnic at the race course is a sport unto itself. If you’re there for the 7:00am sprint, it is tradition to “claim” a table by throwing a tablecloth over it. Most track patrons honor this informal “reservation” practice. After reserving your table, leave until just before the gates open for paid admission. The largest picnic area does not have a direct view of the track. If you don’t want a picnic table, you can bring your own chairs and tent, and sit wherever you wish.
There are also reserved picnic tables available that can seat a maximum of six people. Check the website for rules, cooler policies and advance reservation procedures.
Getting There
The Saratoga Race Course is located between Union and Nelson Avenues in Saratoga Springs, New York. By car it is accessible from Interstate 87 and Interstate 90. The closest major airport is Albany International, roughly a 40-minute drive south of Saratoga. Amtrak service from New York City or Montreal, Canada is also available.
Parking
General parking is free but expect to walk a good distance (not a great idea if you are bringing a picnic lunch). There are plenty of preferred and trackside paid parking areas. Locals offer paid parking on their property as well.
Bonus: After the races, head to Siros Restaurant for a cocktail, grab a table outside, and enjoy the early evening. Stay at The Adelphi Hotel in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs. If you have time before the races begin, stroll along Broadway for some shopping— one of our favorites is Spa Fine Art.
Saratoga Race Course
Union Street
Saratoga Springs, NY
