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 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
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.
2026 Saratoga Race Course Summer Meet: Can't-Miss Events & Highlights
The 2026 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course is officially underway, running through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, and bringing 46 days of world-class thoroughbred racing, signature stakes races, fan giveaways, and special events to Saratoga Springs.
Whether you're planning your first visit or making your annual trip to the Spa, here are some of the biggest highlights to add to your calendar.
Racing Returns to Five Days a Week
The summer meet is currently running on a temporary Thursday-through-Sunday schedule, giving fans an action-packed four-day racing week to kick off the summer.
However, the action soon transitions back to its traditional Wednesday-through-Sunday schedule beginning on Wednesday, July 29. For many longtime racing fans, this marks the true return of the classic Saratoga summer rhythm, bringing five straight days of world-class racing each week through Labor Day.
Whitney Day Delivers One of the Summer's Biggest Racing Cards
Whitney Day on Saturday, August 8, is highlighted by the prestigious Grade 1 Whitney Stakes, while the racing card also features several additional Grade 1 races, making it one of the strongest programs of the entire meet.
Expect:
- Elite thoroughbreds from around the country
- Packed grandstands and clubhouse
- A lively atmosphere throughout Saratoga Race Course
DraftKings Travers Day Is the Signature Event of the Meet
No racing day draws more excitement than DraftKings Travers Day on Saturday, August 29.
Centered around the historic Grade 1 DraftKings Travers Stakes, often called the "Mid-Summer Derby," this marquee day also features multiple Grade 1 races and attracts many of the nation's top three-year-old horses.
Travers Day is one of the largest sporting events in Upstate New York and regularly sells out, making early planning essential.
Closing Week Ends the Summer in Style
The final stretch of the meet runs from Wednesday, September 2 through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, giving fans six straight days of racing to wrap up another memorable Saratoga season.
Closing Week offers one last opportunity to:
- Watch live racing at the Spa
- Enjoy the final giveaways of the season
- Experience Labor Day festivities
- Soak in the unique atmosphere before racing returns next year
Don't Miss the Fan Giveaways
The 2026 meet features 11 giveaway days, with items available to fans with paid admission while supplies last.
Some of this year's giveaways include:
- Saratoga tumblers
- Soccer jerseys
- Belt bags
- Horse plush toys for Kids Day
- Straw cowboy hats
- Mini lawn jockey statues
- Saratoga flannel shirts on Closing Day
Arriving early is recommended, as giveaway items often run out quickly.
Special Event Days Throughout the Summer
Beyond the racing, Saratoga Race Course hosts themed events that celebrate the community and make each visit unique.
Some of the featured special days include:
- Adirondack Day
- First Responders Day
- Kids Day
- Family Sundays
- Additional themed promotions and entertainment throughout the meet
These events often include special ceremonies, family activities, entertainment, and exclusive promotions that add even more excitement to a day at the races.
Plan Your Visit to Saratoga Race Course
From Opening Weekend and Whitney Day to Travers Day and the Labor Day finale, the 2026 Saratoga Race Course summer meet offers something for every racing fan.
