Saturday, July 25

Grade 2, $400,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt, 4-year-olds and up, 6 furlongs, dirt

Grade 1, $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks, 3-year-old fillies, 1 1/8 miles, dirt

Horse Sense. Every Saturday and Sunday, fans of all ages can pet a retired Thoroughbred from noon to 2 p.m. at Horse Sense located in the backyard towards the top of the stretch. The educational exhibit includes information about the life and career of a Thoroughbred.

In the Community Outreach Booth: Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund

Beyond the track…

Saturday Morning Social at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Free admission and complimentary coffee, doughnuts, and bottled water. The Museum will host a handicapping seminar at 10 a.m. with a representative of Daily Racing Form. Authors Brien Bouyea and Michael Veitch will sign copies of their book The Travers: Saratoga’s Midsummer Derby. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., 191 Union Avenue. 

Sunday, July 26

The Grade 2, $250,000 Honorable Miss, fillies and mares 4 years old and up, 6 furlongs, dirt

Horse Sense. Every Saturday and Sunday, fans of all ages can pet a retired Thoroughbred from noon to 2 p.m. at Horse Sense located in the backyard towards the top of the stretch. The educational exhibit includes information about the life and career of a Thoroughbred.

Giveaway: Saratoga Horse Plushie. The first 5,000 kids 12 and under in attendance will receive a stuffed horse plushie with an embroidered Saratoga logo. 

Introduction to handicapping. Every Sunday (excluding August 2), customers can learn betting strategies from a handicapper in the air-conditioned Paddock Suite, the upper level of the hospitality area overlooking the paddock.  Tickets start at $95 and include admission, Post Parade program, and a table seat within the shared suite overlooking the saddling area. Tickets can be purchased here. 

Low Roller Contest. Register on contest days outside the Fourstardave Sports Bar. $40 buy-in, $30 of which goes to the player’s bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. The winner will receive a Saratoga Low Roller championship T-shirt in addition to the cash prize. 

NYRA STAR Kids Day: Family-friendly entertainment, interactive experiences, and behind-the-scenes access through the Students of Thoroughbred Racing (NYRA STAR) program. Kids will be able to experience Saratoga by participating in a variety of race-day traditions including the ceremonial “Riders Up” call, reading the day’s scratches and changes, serving as a paddock reporter, singing the National Anthem, presenting the trophy following a named race and serving as a NYRA STAR Kids Day host. A mascot race will be run on the main track, and Adirondack Dreamcatcher Farm will offer free pony rides and a petting zoo.

The day will also include: 

• the NYRA STAR Sprint Kids Run, a 1.6 furlong (a furlong is an eighth of a mile). Limited to 150 participants, the free event will begin at 10 a.m. at the Big Red Spring and course through the backyard to  the Saratoga Family Zone with every child receiving a commemorative race T-shirt and finisher’s medal.
• a jazz-style kids band will perform at the Purdy’s Summer Music Stage from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• puppet and interactive dance shows.
• a giant bounce house, community mural, and hat-making station.
• interactive programming from the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
• complimentary equine-themed photo opportunities, including a mock broadcast booth where children can call their own race, along with commemorative photos.
• complimentary magnet photos courtesy of On-the-Spot Photos.
• paddock and winner’s circle tours throughout the afternoon for NYRA STAR members.
•  a live reading of Jim Dandy: A Dark Horse by author Maddy Zanetti at 2 p.m. in the backyard near the Saratoga Family Zone. The first 100 NYRA STAR members to check in at the NYRA STAR booth will receive a complimentary copy of the book, while supplies last.

More info on the day here.

Family Sundays at the Saratoga Family Zone. Enjoy a variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions and educational assignments inside the Family Zone, in the backyard towards the top of the stretch. 

In the Community Outreach Booth: Saratoga Therapeutic Equestrian Program (STEP)

Beyond the track…

North Broadway Sunday Stroll with the Saratoga Springs Preservation Society. Stroll North Broadway with SSPF executive director Samantha Bosshart. The walk will begin at 10:30 a.m. and last for approximately 90  minutes, featuring discussion of the architecture and stories of the people who built and resided in the grand residences. Meet in front of Witt Construction, 564 Broadway.  $15 for SSPF members, $20 for non-members. Tickets available here. Tours take place rain or shine; participants should wear comfortable walking shoes. 

Old Friends at Cabin Creek Cocktail Party. Dress up in Saratoga style and raise a glass to the equine retirees at this farm a 15-minute drive from downtown Saratoga. This year’s guest of honor is Griffin Johnson, a social media influencer who got involved in horse racing last year. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased here. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and takes place at the Marriott Excelsior Springs Event Center.

Monday July 27 

No racing 

Gumbo with Kendrick Carmouche. Jockey Kendrick Carmouche prepares his famous gumbo recipe to support the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. The gumbo will be served over rice, accompanied by salad and dessert. The evening also includes live entertainment, a cash bar, and the opportunity to spend time with Kendrick. Online tickets are sold out; a limited number of tickets will be available at the door. 5 pm – 10pm at the Principessa Elena Society, 13 Oak St.

Tuesday, July 28

No racing. 

Paint & Sip to support Backstretch Employee Service Team (BEST). You don’t have to be a skilled or experienced painter to enjoy this evening at Saratoga Race Course benefiting the health and wellness programs offered by BEST to backstretch employees. Tickets are $60 and include a 2-hour, instructor-led painting class, all painting materials, and light refreshments and beverage. 6 – 8:30pm in the Fourstardave on the ground floor of Saratoga Race Course.