Saratoga Race Track Horse Racing News & Tips
Get the scoop on everything happening at Saratoga Race Track—from important news to race previews and betting strategies and insider tips. This is your all-in-one hub for horse racing news in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Saratoga Sets the Stage for a Landmark 2026 Racing Season
The New York Racing Association, Inc. has announced the 2026 schedule for Saratoga Race Course, setting up a busy and historic season at the Spa. In total, the track will host 51 days of live thoroughbred racing, drawing fans to Saratoga Springs, NY throughout the summer.
One of the biggest highlights is the return of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, which will take place in Saratoga for the third and final time from June 3 through June 7. The festival includes the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes on June 6 before the event returns to Belmont Park in 2027.
The summer meet will open with the July 4th Racing Festival, running from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5. From there, the racing calendar will adjust to accommodate the expanded season.
To help fans plan their visits, NYRA outlined several changes to the summer meet schedule:
- Racing will be held on a four day, Thursday through Sunday schedule from July 9 through July 26.
- The meet will return to a five day racing week beginning Wednesday, July 29, continuing through August.
- The season will wrap up with a six day closing week from Wednesday, September 2 through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.
These adjustments mark the final year of schedule changes tied to construction at Belmont Park. Beginning in 2027, Saratoga Race Course will transition back to its traditional 40 day summer meet format.
Beyond the track, local leaders say the festivals bring meaningful economic benefits to Saratoga Springs. Events like Belmont on Broadway and the July 4th All American Celebration are expected to return, once again boosting hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions throughout the region.
Saratoga Breakfast Farm Tours Return With New Stops for 2026
The Saratoga Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tours are back for the 2026 summer meet with a refreshed lineup and expanded focus. New this year, the program will spotlight the full lifecycle of the Thoroughbred, from breeding and stallions to retirement and aftercare.
Tours run July 3 through September 6, Thursday through Sunday, with no tours on Saturday, July 4 or Saturday, August 29, Travers Day.
Each three-hour experience includes a buffet breakfast during morning training at Saratoga Race Course, a round-trip trolley ride to the day’s farm, a guided walking tour, and same-day track admission.
The weekly lineup includes:
- Thursdays: Old Friends at Cabin Creek
- Fridays: Old Tavern Farm
- Saturdays: Sugar Plum Farm
- Sundays: Ironhorse Stallions
Old Friends at Cabin Creek and Ironhorse Stallions are new additions for 2026, bringing aftercare and stallion operations into the tour experience. Returning favorites Old Tavern Farm and Sugar Plum Farm round out the schedule with more behind-the-scenes looks at Saratoga’s Thoroughbred community.
Tickets are $99 for adults and $35 for children ages 12 and under. Space is limited, with each tour accommodating up to 52 guests.
To book now, visit: https://www.gofevo.com/group/SARbrstbrdfrmG
