August 10 – 18: This week at Saratoga

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.

NYRA STAR Program. The Students of Thoroughbred Racing (NYRA STAR) program is offered Thursdays through Sundays and features tours of the Paddock and Winner’s Circle during Races 1 through 5, in addition to morning tours of the backstretch. NYRA STAR provides children ages 12 and under, and their families, with insider access into the world of thoroughbred racing. Membership is free of charge. Registration can be completed online at NYRA.com/STAR or in person at the NYRA STAR booth in the Family Zone.

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.

August 10 – 18

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 2. 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.

Wednesday, August 12

At the track

The $75,000 Michael G. Walsh Memorial Novice for 4-year–olds and up, 2 3/8 miles, turf over hurdles

Adirondack Day. Inside the Taste NY Pavilion in the backyard at the top of the stretch, enjoy products and attractions from the Adirondacks.

In the Community Outreach Booth: New York Council on Problem Gambling

Beyond the track…

Breakfast tour of Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. 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.

Racetrack Chaplaincy Brunch honoring Marc and Sheree Holliday (Marc is the chairman of NYRA’s board), raising money for the New York Racetrack Chaplaincy. Tickets are $175 and can be purchased here. The event will take place from 10am to noon at Saratoga National Golf Club, 458 Union Ave.

Book talk at Northshire Books. Deborah Miles will discuss her book Jailhouse Horses: True Tales of Inmates and Thoroughbreds. From Northshire: “Men convicted of manslaughter, robbery, drug dealing, forgery and a heroin addict share their lives, and how Thoroughbreds helped create new outlooks for their future.” 6pm, 424 Broadway.

“The History and Future of Saratoga Race Course,” a lecture with author and race course historian Paul Roberts, who will talk about the third edition of his book The Spa: Saratoga’s Legendary Race Course (a must-read if you love the history and architecture of Saratoga Race Course). Sponsored by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, this event will take place at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. From the Preservation Foundation: “[Roberts’] presentation will give the opportunity to understand the history of the development of the race course, review recent developments, and look forward to how Saratoga needs to evolve for it to retain its iconic status in the world of racing.” Tickets are $25 for SSPF members and $30 for non-members. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event for $25. You can register and find more information here. 7pm, 191 Union Avenue.

Thursday, August 13

At the track

The $200,000 Birdstone for 3-year-olds and up, 1 3/4 miles, 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.

Local high school state champions honored. Saratoga Catholic’s baseball team, Averill Park High School’s baseball team, and Averill Park High School’s softball team will all be honored for their champion seasons. Each team will have a race named in its honor, and the student athletes, coaches and staff will enjoy a day at the races courtesy of the New York Racing Association.

National Prosecco Day: Celebrate National Prosecco Day with complimentary samples of Mionetto Prosecco at the Mionetto Gazebo. Available from noon to 4 p.m. while supplies last, for fans 21 and older.

NYRA STAR Program: The Students of Thoroughbred Racing (NYRA STAR) program is offered Thursdays through Sundays and features tours of the Paddock and Winner’s Circle during Races 1 through 5, in addition to morning tours of the backstretch. NYRA STAR provides children ages 12 and under, and their families, with insider access into the world of thoroughbred racing. Membership is free of charge. Registration can be completed online or in person at the NYRA STAR booth in the Family Zone.

In the Community Outreach Booth: New York Racetrack Chaplaincy

Beyond the track…

Breakfast farm tour of Old Friends at Cabin Creek. 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.

Friday, August 14

At the track

The $200,000 Smart and Fancy, fillies and mares 3-years-old and up, 5 1/2 furlongs, turf

NYRA STAR Program: The Students of Thoroughbred Racing (NYRA STAR) program is offered Thursdays through Sundays and features tours of the Paddock and Winner’s Circle during Races 1 through 5, in addition to morning tours of the backstretch. NYRA STAR provides children ages 12 and under, and their families, with insider access into the world of thoroughbred racing. Membership is free of charge. Registration can be completed online or in person at the NYRA STAR booth in the Family Zone.

In the Community Outreach Booth: North Country Wild Care. This incredible organization offers invaluable support to animals in need of medical care and recuperation. Stop by the booth and meet some of the very cool animals they take care of.

NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer. Enjoy complimentary samples of NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer at the NÜTRL Gazebo from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last. 21+.

Beyond the track…

Breakfast tour at Old Tavern 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.

Saturday, August 15

At the track

The Grade 1, $750,000 Christophe Clement Turf for 3-year-olds and up, 1 1/2 miles, turf
The $200,000 Galway for 3-year-old fillies, 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf

Beyond the track…

Breakfast tour at 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.

Racing Partnership and Syndicate Meet and Greet at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Learn how to get involved in thoroughbred ownership at any level by speaking with representatives of partnerships and syndicates including Bourbon Lane Stable, Brown Road Racing, Centennial Farms, Country Life & Merryland, Dream Maker Racing, Hibiscus Stables. Admission is free, 9-11am, 191 Union Avenue.

Handicapping and book signing at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Admission is free, and complimentary coffee, doughnuts, and water will be available. Tom Amello will handicap the day’s racing card at 10am, and several contributors to The Racetracks of America: From the Colonial Days to the 21st Century (including yours truly) will be on hand to sign copies of the book, which will be available for purchase. 9 – 11am, 191 Union Avenue.

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga participates in Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Saratoga County Farm Tour. Stop by the farm for a free, family-friendly day and learn about the THS’s programs and services. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the farm and meet the horses that live there. 12=4pm, 683 Rt. 29.

Sunday, August 16

At the track

The Grade 3, $225,000 Mahony for 3-year-olds, 5 1/2 furlongs, turf

The Corgi Cup Last year’s event was a ton of fun, and if you’re at the track, definitely check it out. Corgis from nine states and the District of Columbia, will compete, including Sam, who was last year’s champion. Five qualifying heats will include a “maiden special weight” for first-time competitors; the heats will take place after the first, third, and fifth races. The championship race will take place after the seventh race, and the winner will be celebrated in the winner’s circle.

This year will also feature a speed trial championship. Throughout the afternoon, Corgis will compete in a timed 20-yard dash near the Big Red Spring for the title of NYRA Bets Speed Trial Champion.

New for 2026 is the “Abbey” Fan Favorite Award, created in honor and memory of Abbey, the wheelchair Corgi who earned fans’ devotion during last year’s Corgi Cup. Voting will take place on NYRA’s social media channels.

Corgi pin. Free with paid admission while supplies last.

National Rum Day. Enjoy $10 rum cocktails featuring Mount Gay, available at bars throughout the venue.

Sunday Specials. Enjoy $3 hot dogs and save 50% on 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.

BEST Day at The Rail. This event celebrates and supports the backstretch community. Enjoy a premier race day experience while helping fund BEST’s programs and services. Dr. Alex Cardiel will be honored “for his dedication, care, and service to backstretch workers” at the Saratoga Backstretch Clinic. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased here. 11am – 4pm at the 1863 Club at Saratoga Race Course. The ticket includes admission to the Race Course and The Rail at the 1863 Club, a race-day program, a 3.5-hour buffet, and non-alcoholic beverages. Cash bar available.

In the Community Outreach Booth: Thorofan

Beyond the track…

Sunday Stroll with Saratoga Springs Preservation Society. This week’s stroll will take participants on a walking tour of Saratoga’s East Side, with a focus on small businesses and neighborhood shops. Carol Godette will share the history of the stores and their owners. (Remember Pepper’s Market?) $15 for SSPF members, $20 for non-members. The stroll will take place rain or shine; wear comfortable walking shoes. Meet at the intersection of North and East Harrison Street. Info and tickets here.

Fasig-Tipton New York Bred Yearling Sale Session 1.  Two more nights of yearling sales, with sessions devoted exclusively to New York-breds. The vibe will be quieter, the sales grounds less hectic (and thus easier to get around, and the bar and food lines will be much more manageable), and don’t forget that a Kentucky Derby winner—Funny Cide—came out of this sale in 2001. Other graduates include Diversify, winner of the Jockey Club Gold Cup and Whitney; Mind Your Biscuits, the richest New York-bred ever; and millionaires Rhetorical, Audible, and Americanrevolution. The sale begins at 7 pm and continues Monday afternoon. Fasig-Tipton sales grounds, East Avenue.

Monday, August 17

No racing

Fasig-Tipton New York Bred Yearling Sale Session 2. The final day of yearling sales this summer. See Sunday’s item for more details. The sale begins at noon. Fasig-Tipton sales grounds, East Avenue.

Casino night hosted by the Racing Museum and Hall of Fame and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund; both organizations will benefit from the funds raised at this event that will include a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, and food and beverages provided by Mama Mia’s. Tickets for Museum members are $100, $150 for non-members and include admission, food and beverage, and $250 worth of play. More information and tickets available here. 191 Union Avenue, 6-9pm.

Tuesday, August 18

No racing

Tour of “A Discerning Eye–The Art of Sir Alfred Munnings” at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Led by guest curator Teresa Longyear, the tour will include discussion of the curation of the exhibition, including research and exhibit design. Free for Museum members, and admission is included in non-Museum member’s ticket price. More information and tickets available here; Museum members are required to register at the same link. 11am – 12pm, 191 Union Avenue

Brooklyn Backstretch

Reports and reflections on (mostly) New York racing

August 10 – 18: This week at Saratoga

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