The 156th Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course
Save the Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
The 2025 Travers Day at Saratoga Race Course will feature the legendary Travers Stakes (which dates back to 1864). Nicknamed Saratoga's Midsummer Derby, the Travers Stakes is a Grade 1 race for three-year-olds.
This is the most popular day of the Saratoga summer racing meet, and it will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Stay tuned for the full 2025 details, including admission prices, first post time, and more.
Note: NO Clubhouse breakfast is held on Travers Day
General Travers Info & History
When the Saratoga Racing Association named the Travers Stakes after William R. Travers—one of the founders of America's oldest racecourse—they sought to honor a man who had made a significant mark on the sport of horse racing. Mr. Travers' horse, Kentucky, won the first race in 1864.
Almost immediately, the Travers became a prestigious event, as word spread that it was designed exclusively for extraordinary three-year-old horses. Over the course of its history, the race has been run at four different distances:
- 1¾ miles (2.81 km): 1864 to 1889
- 1½ miles (2.41 km): 1890 to 1892
- 1¼ miles (2.01 km): 1893 to 1894, 1897, and 1904 to present
- 1⅛ miles (1.81 km): 1895, 1901 to 1903
The current distance of 1¼ miles is ideal for contemporary three-year-olds. The race is open to colts and geldings, carrying 126 lbs (57.2 kg), and fillies, carrying 121 lbs (54.9 kg).
Memorable Travers Moments
The Travers Stakes creates lasting memories for thousands of spectators every year. While there have been too many unforgettable moments to count, here are a few that stand out:
- 1941: Whirlaway became the only horse ever to win the "superfecta"—securing the Triple Crown before going on to win the Travers.
- 1962: Jaipur edged out Ridan in a thrilling nose-bob finish, setting a track record in a race-long battle that lasted the entire 1¼ miles.
- 1982: Canadian Champion Runaway Groom, trained by John DiMario, made history by defeating all three American Triple Crown winners—Kentucky Derby champion Gato Del Sol, Preakness Stakes winner Aloma’s Ruler, and Belmont Stakes champion Conquistador Cielo.
- 2001: The imposing 17-hand-high Point Given won the Travers on August 25, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 60,486. That year, the event also set a Saratoga record with a total betting handle of $34,529,273.
Travers Traditions
The Man O’ War Cup
The Travers Trophy, known as the Man O' War Cup, was designed by Tiffany & Co. Named after Samuel Riddle’s legendary champion Man O’ War, the trophy was donated by Mr. Riddle as a permanent award for the race. Each year, a gold-plated replica is presented to the winner by a member of the Riddle family.
The Travers Blanket
The winner of the Travers Stakes is draped in an extravagant floral blanket made of over a thousand carnations, meticulously crafted by local artisans.
The Travers Canoe
Since 1961, the Travers Canoe, painted in the colors of the reigning champion’s silks, has served as a unique tribute to each year’s winner. The canoe has been a fixture in the infield pond at Saratoga Race Course since 1926, but it wasn't until decades later that it became associated with the Travers.
Travers Festival
The City of Saratoga Springs typically celebrates the entire week leading up to Travers Day with various events, live music, and entertainment, all part of the Travers Festival. The festival adds to the excitement and draws visitors from near and far to experience the rich racing history and vibrant atmosphere of Saratoga Springs.
Plan your trip to this year's Travers Day!
See the full racing schedule >>
