Opening Day at Saratoga Race Course is coming up fast, so it’s time to find out everything that’s on tap at the track this weekend. Grab your hats and gather up the family; it’s racing season in Saratoga!
Entertainment
At the Post Live: Serling on Saratoga
Starting Thursday, July 20, you can tune in as NYRA broadcast analyst and racing personality Andy Serling makes his predictions for the coming races. At the Post Live‘s season premier will also include guest appearances and interviews with esteemed racing experts like Paul Lo Duca, Rajiv Maragh, and Brad Cox. The show is hosted in front of a live audience at The Parting Glass in downtown Saratoga Springs. To catch the broadcast, you can listen to ESPN Radio 104.5 “The Team,” or watch the livestream at 1045theteam.com. At the Post Live will air every Thursday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Read more about At The Post Live »
After checking in with Andy Serling, you’ll be all set for Opening Day on Friday. Gates open at 11 a.m. and the first post time is 1 p.m. But what else can you expect to find at and around the Race Course? Plenty!
NYRA XP
Looking to optimize your Track experience? Look no further than the new NYRA XP app! Starting Friday, July 21, guests who download this app can order food, find their seat location, and bet through NYRA Bets faster than ever before! From home, you can also keep track of upcoming events, stream races live, and purchase tickets and reserved parking.
Saratoga Family Zone
Bringing the kids this weekend? They’ll love heading over to the brand new Saratoga Family Zone! This interactive play area is located near the Reserved Seats Box Office and features an oval multi-lane running track, miniature starting gate, selfie photo station, and spring horses. In this immersive play area, you’ll even find fun learning activities that will teach your pint-sized fans all about race horses!
Food & Drinks
Breakfast at Saratoga
Before the first big race of 2017, head over to the clubhouse for breakfast on The Porch! From 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., fans will be able to enjoy a selection from the buffet on a first-come, first-served basis. This tasty option presented by B95.5 FM Breakfast Club is $18.50 for adults and $10.25 for kids.
After your meal, you may want to try out a free, behind the scenes tram tour! For 45 minutes, you will be led through the backstretch of the Track. The tram leaves from the clubhouse entrance every 15 minutes starting at 7:30 a.m.
Along with Breakfast at Saratoga, tours will be available each racing day of the summer meet, with the exception of Travers Day, August 26.
Taste NY
Craft Beer » From noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 21, you won’t want to miss this popular event! Back for another season, Taste NY: Craft Beer is your destination for tasting the best that New York has to offer. For only $5, adults can head over to the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion to sample five delicious craft beers.
Food & Artisans » Starting Saturday, July 22, you’ll be able to shop at this on-track market for goodies of all sorts! Also located in the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion, this event will begin at 10:30 a.m. and wrap up at 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday of 2017 meet. Drop by for samplings of yummy food and crafts to buy!
The Post
Woodford Reserve Fridays » After your first day at the Track, The Post invites you to enjoy your evening in Saratoga with its first Woodford Reserve Friday of the season. Here you’ll find great music, drinks, and trivia every week!
Ketel One Party » On Saturdays, come back to The Post for even more fun! Every week, there will be a giveaway following the final race. The Post is located adjacent to the Paddock at 267 Union Avenue.
Other Highlights
Saratoga Baseball Cap Giveaway
On Sunday, July 23, come to the track for a chance to bring home your own red and white Saratoga baseball cap. This giveaway, presented by the Saratoga Casino Hotel, will be free with paid admission while supplies last. If you hold a season pass or season ticket plan, you’re guaranteed a Saratoga premium giveaway item! Just make sure you’re at the Race Course the day of the giveaway, enter through the designated season ticket and pass holder lines, and redeem your free gift by 3 p.m.
26th Annual Saratoga Hat Contest
If you’ve been to the Track before, you’ve probably seen the unique and intricate hats being worn by guests! This Sunday, make sure you register for the 26th annual Hat Contest at Saratoga Race Course. You will be invited to compete in three categories, including Uniquely Saratoga, Fashionably Saratoga, and Kreative Kids (for participants 18 and under). At noon, come to the grandstand to register for the competition. Each category will compete following the second, third, and fourth races of the day. Winners will receive fantastic prizes provided by Saratoga’s own Hat Sationa! by DEI.
Community Outreach Booth
If you come to the Jockey Silks Porch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, July 21, you can unwind with a chair and hand massage provided by Spa Mirbeau! Payment will come as a donation from guests to the Rerun Thoroughbred Adoption organization. This wonderful cause supports retired race horses, setting them up for a happy life after the track.
On Saturday, July 22, the Community Outreach Booth will be accepting donations for The Wesley Community. This not-for-profit agency provides care for seniors, adults, and pediatrics in Saratoga Springs.
Donations on Sunday, July 23 will go toward the Veterans and Community Housing Coalition. Proceeds will support the Coalition in aiding and advocating for homeless military veterans.
Finally, Monday, July 24 will support the Saratoga Regional YMCA. Guest donations will help the YMCA in promoting physical fitness throughout the community, as well as providing excellent youth, teen, and childcare programs.
Berkshire Bank Family Mondays
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., families are invited to the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion to enjoy some great games and activities. Kids can even get the chance meet and pet a retired race horse! While one designated activity carries a suggested donation benefiting a local school or PTA, this fun, kid-friendly event is free to guests.
Racing Highlights
Friday, July 21: Opening Day
- Grade 3, $150,000 Schuylerville for 2-year-old fillies
- Grade 3, $150,000 Lake George for 3-year-old fillies on the turf
Saturday, July 22
- Grade 3, $150,000 Sanford for 2-year-olds
- Grade 1, $500,000 Diana for fillies and mares 3 and up on the turf
Sunday, July 23
- Grade 1, $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks for 3-year-old fillies
