What you’ll find in these listings:

• events at the track
• events that support racing-related non-profits
• events that illuminate Saratoga’s rich history
• racing-related events 

Have an event you’d like publicized? E-mail me if it has something to do with racing or Saratoga history, or if it’s a non-profit that might be of interest to a local and racing audience. 

If you want to advertise a commercial or other event, please get in touch and we’ll talk. 

How this works:

At the top of each week’s list are ongoing or weekly events; following that is a daily rundown of what’s happening at the track and beyond. I’m happy to answer questions (if I can) about anything that’s going on, or at least point you in the right direction.

Here we go…

Ongoing/weekly throughout the summer

At Saratoga Race Course

Morning workouts at the track. Free every racing day. 

You can experience morning workouts at both the training track and the main track. 

Training track: Enter off of East Avenue. The gate opens at 7 a.m. and visitors are allowed access up until the Whitney Viewing Stand, on race days only. Access beyond that point is limited to credentialed personnel. Workouts generally end by about 10:30 a.m. 

Main track: Open from 7 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on race days. You can wander throughout the grounds and facility; a favorite spot to watch workouts is from the clubhouse boxes, where you can listen to a host talk about the horses on the track and the history of Saratoga Race Course. You can bring your own coffee and breakfast, or purchase on-track at the Dunkin stand. 

Buffet breakfast at the track: Every racing day from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., excluding Travers Day and Labor Day. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations aren’t accepted. $30 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under. 

Backstretch tram tours: Trams depart from the Wright St. entrance to the track (near the 1863 Club) every 25-30 minutes, beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 9 a.m. Visitors disembark on the backstretch for a walking tour of the stable area that lasts approximately 45 minutes. Free. 

Third race call to benefit Backstretch Employees Service Team. Up to six people each racing day can observe Frank Mirahmadi call the third race. Cost is $150 per person and includes a champagne toast from the clubhouse roof; all proceeds directly benefit BEST, which helps provide primary care, mental health services, and other vital resources for backstretch workers. Tickets are fully tax-deductible. This event is not available for children under age 10. You can check availability and purchase tickets here. 

Taste NY Pavilion. Customers 21 and older can taste and purchase New York State-produced beverages Thursdays through Sundays in the backyard behind the grandstand towards the top of the stretch, including War Cannon Spirits’ Freeman’s Farm at Saratoga Bourbon Whiskey serves as the foundation of the Victory at Saratoga specialty cocktail, created in partnership with Saratoga 250 to commemorate America 250 celebrations and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga.

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.

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. 

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. 

Fan Appreciation Week, Wednesday, September 2 to Monday, September 7. Special offers on tickets, food, beverages, and hospitality during the final week of the meet. 

At the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame

Capturing and Preserving Greatness: A Life’s Passion (The Photography and Historic Collections of Barbara D. Livingston, presented by Daily Racing Form). If you’re in Saratoga any time between now and the end of the year, this is a must-see. I spent several hours looking at this exhibit, marveling at not only Barbara’s talent, but also the depth and breadth of her collection. The exhibit features her photographs and selections from the many photo collections she has acquired and preserved.

A Discerning Eye – The Art of Sir Alfred Munnings: Selections from a Private Collection. From the Museum website: “Artist Sir Alfred J. Munnings (1878–1959) studied, rode, bred, and lived with horses, instilling him with an extraordinary perception of the equine form and spirit. His work was widely admired during his time, and he was sought after by royalty and wealthy horse owners for commissions. Portraits of thoroughbreds and animated, vivid racing scenes established Munnings as a master of British Sporting Art. Munnings’ peers acknowledged his artistic talent by electing him President of the Royal Academy in 1944. This exhibit will feature a remarkable private collection that explores a variety of subjects, demonstrating his versatility and mastery of the dynamic equine and human connection.” This exhibit closes on Sept. 13. 

Racing at the Dawn of the United States. From the Museum website: “In 2026, the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The Museum is marking the occasion with an exhibit that explores the history of thoroughbred horse racing from the American colonial period to the emergence of the United States as a new republic in the early nineteenth century. The exhibition invites visitors to learn about the early history of the sport, highlighting key figures, races, and horses of the time. It features selections from the Museum’s collection and is enhanced with loans from Keeneland Library, the New York Racing Association, Cate Masterson, and Charles V. Wait.” This exhibit closes on Dec. 27.

Old Friends at Cabin Creek

Another must-see stop on your visit to Saratoga, this farm for retired Thoroughbreds is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Saratoga. Visit Naughty New Yorker, A Shin Forward, Diversity, Be Bullish, and 10 others, and get an escorted tour to learn about their racing days and how they came to be at the farm. 

Through the month of July, the farm is open for tours Thursday through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

From August 1 – September 5, tours are available Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Reservations are not needed and there is no admission fee. The farm welcomes donations to help keep the horses supplied with plenty of carrots and peppermints. 

Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tours

Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; every Wednesday beginning July 29. No tours will take place on Travers Day, August 29. 

Tour stops:

• Wednesdays (beginning July 29): Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga
• Thursdays: Old Friends at Cabin Creek
• Fridays: Old Tavern Farm
• Saturdays: Sugar Plum Farm

The tour package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a horse farm, and admission to Saratoga Race Course. Tickets are $144.40 for adults, $40.65 for children 12 and under. Tours begin at 7 a.m. at Saratoga Race Course. To purchase tickets, click here. 

July 26 – August 2

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. 

Wednesday, July 29

$150,000 Curlin, 3-year-olds, 1 1/8, dirt

In the Community Outreach Booth: The Prevention Council of Saratoga County

Thursday, July 30

Grade 2, $250,000 Glens Falls, fillies and mare 4 years old and up, 1 1/2 miles, turf

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.  

Taste NY Pavilion. Customers 21 and older can taste and purchase New York State-produced beverages Thursdays through Sundays in the backyard behind the grandstand towards the top of the stretch, including War Cannon Spirits’ Freeman’s Farm at Saratoga Bourbon Whiskey, which serves as the foundation of the Victory at Saratoga specialty cocktail, created in partnership with Saratoga 250 to commemorate America 250 celebrations and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga.

In the Community Outreach Booth: Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library

Friday, July 31

Grade 2, $250,000 Amsterdam for 3-year-olds, 6 1/2 furlongs, dirt

Taste NY Pavilion. Customers 21 and older can taste and purchase New York State-produced beverages Thursdays through Sundays in the backyard behind the grandstand towards the top of the stretch, including War Cannon Spirits’ Freeman’s Farm at Saratoga Bourbon Whiskey serves as the foundation of the Victory at Saratoga specialty cocktail, created in partnership with Saratoga 250 to commemorate America 250 celebrations and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga.

In the Community Outreach Booth: Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center

Beyond the track…

Celebrate “The Races” issue of Saratoga Living magazine. Going to do a little bragging here: I wrote the cover story on Cherie DeVaux for this issue, and I’m looking forward to celebrating the issue with her on the roof of the Perennial Condominiums for complimentary wine, specialty cocktails, light bites, live music, and a meet-and-greet with Cherie. 100% of ticket sales will go to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Tickets are $23.18 and available here; the event starts at 5pm. 30 Lake Avenue.  

Saturday, August 1

• Grade 2, $500,000 Jim Dandy for 3-year-olds, 1 1/8 miles, dirt
• Grade 3, $225,000 Lake George for 3-year-old fillies, 1 1/16 miles, turf
• Grade 2, $250,000 Saratoga Special for 2-year-olds, 6 1/2 furlongs, dirt

Horse Sense. Every Saturday and Sunday, fans of all ages can pet a retired Thoroughbred from noon to 2 p.m. at the 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.

Jim Dandy Challenge. Play this handicapping contest on-track or online with a $1,000 buy-in. 

Taste NY Pavilion. Customers 21 and older can taste and purchase New York State-produced beverages Thursdays through Sundays in the backyard behind the grandstand towards the top of the stretch, including War Cannon Spirits’ Freeman’s Farm at Saratoga Bourbon Whiskey serves as the foundation of the Victory at Saratoga specialty cocktail, created in partnership with Saratoga 250 to commemorate America 250 celebrations and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga.

Beyond the track… 

Racing and Rosé Fashion Show with Miss Scarlett Boutique at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. This event begins at 10:30 am with socializing and rosé, followed by light fare and more rosé at 11:30. The fashion show will take place at around noon, featuring host Acacia Courtney Clement and models Donna Brothers, Katie Davis, Adrianne DeVaux, Sharon Dominguez, Hannah Galarneau, Sherri McPeek, Maria Mendoza, Manon Prat, and Laura Simiele. General admission is $125; VIP ticket is $200 and includes a reserved seat and a custom floral fascinator. You can purchase tickets here. 191 Union Avenue. 

Phillip Phillips concert at Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. Opening acts are Caity Gallagher and The Wallies featuring Gianna Robustiano. 7pm, 683 Route 29, Saratoga Springs.

Sunday, August 2

The $225,000 Grade 3 Adirondack Stakes,  6 1/2 furlongs on the dirt for 2-year-old fillies

Giveaway: Saratoga Straw Cowboy Hat, free with paid admission while supplies last. 

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. 

Horse Sense. Every Saturday and Sunday, fans of all ages can pet a retired Thoroughbred from noon to 2 p.m. at the 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.

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. 

Taste NY Pavilion. Customers 21 and older can taste and purchase New York State-produced beverages Thursdays through Sundays in the backyard behind the grandstand towards the top of the stretch, including War Cannon Spirits’ Freeman’s Farm at Saratoga Bourbon Whiskey serves as the foundation of the Victory at Saratoga specialty cocktail, created in partnership with Saratoga 250 to commemorate America 250 celebrations and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga.

In the Community Outreach Booth: LifePath

Beyond the track…

Sunday Stroll with Saratoga Springs Preservation Society. This week’s stroll will take participants on a walking tour of Greenridge Cemetery. From the SSPS: “Established in 1844 as part of the rural cemetery movement, this stroll delves into the history of individuals of Saratoga Springs with connection to Greenridge and highlights the notable residents buried there.” $15 for SSPF members, $20 for non-members. The stroll will take place rain or shine; wear comfortable walking shoes. Meet at the Lincoln Avenue entrance to Greenridge Cemetery at 10:30am. 

Saratoga Jockeys On Tap. Riders will be behind the bar, taking orders and making drinks, while attendees enjoy a buffet, live auction, and silent auction. The event benefits the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. The $50 ticket includes the buffet and one drink. Purchase tickets here. The West Side Sports Bar & Grill, 112 Congress St.