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. 

Wednesday, August 5

At the track

• The Grade 1, $150,000 A.P. Smithwick Memorial, 4-year-olds and up, 2 3/8 miles, turf over hurdles
• The $200,000 Bruce Johnstone for New York-breds, fillies and mares 3 years old and up, 7 furlongs, dirt

In the Community Outreach Booth: Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (Capital District)

Beyond the track…

Cocktails For Aftercare benefitting Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Learn about the work of the TRF’s Second Chances program while enjoying handcrafted LALO tequila cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the Adelphi Hotel. Your $100 ticket includes one signature cocktail and hors d’oeuvres. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $152 and include a complimentary bottle of LALO Tequile signed by Cherie DeVaux and José Ortiz. Purchase tickets here. 6pm – 8pm. 

2026 Charity Basketball Game between Saratoga’s jockeys and horsemen to benefit the New York Racetrack Chaplaincy and the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund. One of the summer’s most popular events. Admission is free; you can find opportunities for sponsorship and other funding opportunities (such as having a jockey play in your silks) here. Saratoga Rec Center, 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, 7pm. 

Thursday, August 6

At the track

The $200,000 John Morrissey for New York-breds, 3-year-olds and up, 7 furlongs, dirt

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 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.

Celebrate National IPA Day with complimentary samples of Saratoga Springs-based Whitman Brewing Co. IPA selections at the Whitman Brewing Gazebo. Available from noon to 4 p.m. while supplies last, for fans 21 and older with ID.

Complimentary samples of the Cointreau Orange Spritz. Available at the upper-level Cointreau Spritz Clubhouse Bar from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last, for fans 21 and older with ID.

In the Community Outreach Booth: Saddle Up NY!

Friday, August 7

At the track…

• Grade 2, $500,000 Saratoga Oaks, 3-year-old fillies, 1 3/16 miles, turf
• Grade 2, $400,000 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame for 3-year-olds, 1 mile, turf

Whitney pin giveaway. Free with paid admission, while supplies last. 

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.

Complimentary samples of Josh Cellars Wines will be available from noon to 4pm at the Josh Cellar Wine Bar while supplies last. 21+.

International Beer Day: The first 250 customers can enjoy a Guiness draft in a souvenir mason jar at the Guinness Portable Bar. 21+.

In the Community Outreach Booth: Retired Racehorse Porject

Beyond the track…

Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion. Join master of ceremonies Charlsie Cantey as horses Gulch, Kona Gold and Mongo; trainers Christophe Clement and John Shirreffs; and Pillars of the Turf Prince Khalid bin Abdullah, Dr. Robert Copelan, Seth Hancock, G. Watts Humphrey Jr., and Joseph Widener are inducted. Doors open at 9:30am. Admission is free; seating is limited and available first-come, first-served. The ceremony will also be streamed from the Museum’s website. 10:30am to noon, 153 George St. 

The Museum Ball. Join the festivities at the 50th anniversary of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s ball. The theme for this black-tie event is Black and White. Tickets ($600 each) and more information here. 

Saturday, August 8–Whitney Day

• Grade 1, $750,000 Fourstardave for 3-year-olds and up, 1 mile, turf
• Grade 1, $750,000 Saratoga Derby for 3-year-olds, 1 3/16 miles, turf
• Grade 1, $500,000 Test for 3-year-old fillies, 7 furlongs, dirt
• Grade 1, $1 million Whitney for 3-year-olds and up, 1 1/8 miles, dirt

Olympic gold medalists Haley Winn and Hayley Scamurra and USA Women’s National Team general manager Katie Million will participate in a meet-and-greet from approximately 3 – 4pm. The racing card will include a race named in honor of the 2026 U.S. Women’s Hockey Olympic gold medal team. 

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.

Best in Pink fashion photo contest, 1-3pm, near the Jockey Silks room. The event will run from 12:30 – 2:30pm, and all participants will receive a complimentary photo magnet.

Complimentary samples of Subourbon Life and the Saratoga Sunrise cocktail. Samples of Subourbon Life Bourbon-based ready-to-drink cocktails will be available just outside the Subourbon Beverage Express; samples of the Saratoga Sunrise will be available at the Chopin Clubhouse Bar on the second floor. Noon to 4pm while supplies last. 21+.

In the Community Outreach Booth: Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

Sunday, August 9

At the track

The Grade 2, $300,000 Troy for 3-year-olds and up, 5 1/2 furlongs, turf

Sunday Specials: $3 hot dogs and 50% off domestic and premium beer, water and soda at the High Noon Clubhouse Grill, Finish Line Grill and Track Snacks. Additional specials may be available on select items at these locations.

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.  

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. 

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: Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

Beyond the track…

Sunday Stroll with Saratoga Springs Preservation Society. This week’s stroll will take participants on a walking tour of Congress Park. Patrice Mastrianni will share the history of the park, including its landmarks and the people who helped shape the park, based on research from her children’s book Find Me in Saratoga. $15 for SSPF members, $20 for non-members. The stroll will take place rain or shine; wear comfortable walking shoes. Meet at Congress Spring, the covered pavilion on the south side of East Congress Street inside Congress Park. Info and tickets here. 

Elizabeth Locke Jewels Trunk Show.  The Saratoga Reading Room will host this show to benefit the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. 10am – 6pm. More info here. The show will also take place on Monday and Tuesday. 148 Union Avenue. 

Monday, August 10

No racing. 

Elizabeth Locke Jewels Trunk Show.  The Saratoga Reading Room will host this show to benefit the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. 10am – 6pm. More info here. The show will also take place Tuesday. 148 Union Avenue. 

Fashionable Fillies luncheon to benefit the Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation which provides critical assistance to Thoroughbred industry members and their families, with support distributed to those most in need. This year’s event will feature an interview with Cherie Devaux, conducted by Donna Brothers, along with raffles, local vendors, music, food, and wine. Online ticket sales are closed; if you’re interested in attending, contact Shannon Kelly at skelly@jockeyclub.com. 11:30am – 2:30pm at the Hall of Springs in the Saratoga Spa State Park. 

Scoops and Silks with Katie Davis, Dylan Davis, and Edgard Zayas. Meet the jockeys, get autographs, and enjoy free Hildebrandt’s ice cream at Eddie F’s seafood restaurant. 5 – 7pm, 119 Clinton Street.

Fasig-Tipton Yearling Sales, Session 1. The sale begins at 6:30 pm, but people will gather earlier to socialize, eat, drink, and gawk at pricey equine babies. Open to the public, but the pavilion is reserved for the people who will be doing the bidding, with others hanging out behind the pavilion near the walking ring and bar. The sale continues Tuesday night.  

Tuesday, August 11

No racing

Frank Mirahmadi at Old Friends at Cabin Creek. Join the Saratoga Race Course racecaller from 9am – 1pm at this Thoroughbred retirement farm about 10 miles from the track. Visit equine retirees Be Bullish, Diversify, A Shine Forward, and Naughty New Yorker, among others.

Fasig-Tipton Yearling Sales, Session 1. The sale begins at 6:30 pm, but people will gather earlier to socialize, eat, drink, and gawk at pricey equine babies. Open to the public, but the pavilion is reserved for the people who will be doing the bidding, with others hanging out behind the pavilion near the walking ring and bar. The sale continues Tuesday night.  

Elizabeth Locke Jewels Trunk Show.  The Saratoga Reading Room will host this show to benefit the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. 10am – 6pm. More info here. 148 Union Avenue.