The History and Tradition of Horse Racing in Saratoga Springs, NY
Horse racing is one of the world’s oldest sports, evolving from ancient chariot races to the modern thoroughbred and harness racing we see today. Saratoga Springs has been a key part of this history since 1863, home to the country’s oldest continually operating racetrack and a premier destination for racing fans.
The Origins of Horse Racing
The Arabian horse is the oldest known breed and has remained virtually unchanged for over 5,000 years. Known for endurance, intelligence, and speed, the Arabian played a crucial role in shaping the modern racehorse.
Ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian art depicts Arabian horses being used in endurance and chariot races, and by the time of the Greeks and Romans, organized racing had become a major sporting event.
The Birth of the Thoroughbred
In the 17th and 18th centuries, English breeders began crossing their native horses with Arabians to create a new breed with both endurance and speed. This resulted in the development of the Thoroughbred, which is now the dominant breed in modern horse racing.
The foundation of the Thoroughbred breed is credited to three Arabian stallions:
- Byerly Turk – Bred by Captain Robert Byerly
- Darley Arabian – Bred by Thomas Darley
- Godolphin Arabian – Bred by Lord Godolphin
These stallions, crossed with English mares, produced a new breed with unmatched speed and stamina, second only to the cheetah in land speed.
Horse Racing Arrives in North America
Horse racing crossed the Atlantic in the 1600s, with the first recorded horse race in North America taking place on Long Island, New York, in 1665
As more horses and breeds arrived, different types of racing developed, including Thoroughbred racing, Standardbred racing, Quarter Horse racing, and Arabian racing.
The Founding of Saratoga Race Course
Saratoga Race Course opened in August 1863, marking the beginning of America’s oldest continuous horse racing tradition. In fact, it is the nation’s oldest sporting venue of any kind.
In 2013, the track celebrated its 150th anniversary with a multi-month-long festival featuring special events and celebrations. Today, Saratoga remains a premier destination for horse racing fans and continues to host some of the biggest races of the summer racing season.
Two Styles of Racing in Saratoga
Saratoga Springs is home to two distinct types of racing: flat racing and harness racing.
- Flat Racing takes place at Saratoga Race Course. Thoroughbreds race counter-clockwise on dirt and turf ovals, ridden by jockeys.
- Harness Racing is held at Saratoga Casino Hotel, where Standardbred horses pull two-wheeled carts called sulkies. The horses either pace or trot instead of gallop, creating a racing style reminiscent of ancient chariot races.
A Day and Night at the Races
For racing fans, Saratoga offers the best of both worlds. After spending a sunny afternoon at Saratoga Race Course, visitors can head across Nelson Avenue for an evening of harness racing at Saratoga Casino Hotel.
Originally called Saratoga Raceway, the track opened in 1941 and has hosted Standardbred racing for over 70 years. Many racing professionals and turf writers cover both flat and harness racing, as the two sports share deep ties.
Dining and Entertainment at Saratoga Casino Hotel
Beyond the racing action, Saratoga Casino Hotel offers fantastic dining options. One of the highlights is Fortune’s, a trackside restaurant where guests can enjoy gourmet cuisine while watching the races. Every table offers a great view of the half-mile track, making it a perfect spot for an evening of fine dining and racing excitement.
The casino also features Vapor Nightclub, which hosts live entertainment, DJs, and dancing. For those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Morton’s The Steakhouse serves high-quality steaks, seafood, and craft cocktails.
Saratoga Springs: A Historic Racing Destination
Saratoga Springs is one of the most historic horse racing destinations in the United States. From the legendary horses that have raced here to the rich traditions that have shaped the sport, walking through the grounds of Saratoga’s race tracks is like stepping into history.
Plan Your Saratoga Racing Experience
SaratogaRaceTrack.com is your go-to resource for planning the ultimate horse racing getaway. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime racing fan, our site provides everything you need to know about Saratoga’s racing scene, including track information, dining recommendations, lodging options, and local attractions.
Explore SaratogaRaceTrack.com to start planning your trip, and get ready to experience the thrill of horse racing in Saratoga Springs!
