The Victorian grandstand’s cupolas and striped awnings

Saratoga Race Course

ThoroughbredDirtTurf
Official site ↗Directions ↗Hotels nearby ↗

Saratoga Race Course is a thoroughbred racetrack in Saratoga Springs, New York. It opened in 1863, making it 163 years old in 2026. It races on a 1 1/8-mile dirt oval, 1-mile Mellon turf course, 7-furlong inner turf course.

Its signature races are the Travers Stakes (G1), Whitney Stakes (G1), Alabama Stakes (G1) and Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1).

The Travers Stakes, first run at Saratoga in 1864, is the oldest major thoroughbred race in the United States.

Track facts

Location
Saratoga Springs, New York
Racing
Thoroughbred (also Steeplechase)
Surfaces
Dirt, Turf
Track
1 1/8-mile dirt oval, 1-mile Mellon turf course, 7-furlong inner turf course
Opened
1863
Racing season
July–Labor Day
Operator
New York Racing Association
Nickname
The Spa; Graveyard of Champions

Signature races at Saratoga Race Course

Race day

When to go. Live racing runs july–Labor Day. Check the official site for post times and the current stakes schedule.

The view. Our illustration shows the Victorian grandstand’s cupolas and striped awnings in the background.

Getting there. Directions to Saratoga Race Course and parking nearby.

Plan your trip to Saratoga Race Course

Hotels near Saratoga Race CourseBook a stay for race day on ExpediaRace schedule & post timesLive racing dates and stakesParkingLots near the trackDirectionsMap to Saratoga Race CourseTours & things to do in Saratoga SpringsSightseeing, tours and more on ExpediaFood & drinks nearbySpots to eat before or after the races

Tracks near Saratoga Race Course10

  1. 1HarnessSaratoga Casino Hotel (Saratoga Harness) — Joe Gerrity Jr. Memorial Pace (Saratoga Springs, New York)same city
  2. 2HarnessVernon Downs — Harness racing (Vernon, New York)89 mi
  3. 3HarnessMonticello Raceway — Harness racing (Monticello, New York)108 mi
  4. 4HarnessPlainridge Park Casino — Harness racing (Plainville, Massachusetts)145 mi
  5. 5HarnessYonkers Raceway — Messenger Stakes (Yonkers, New York)149 mi
  6. 6HarnessTioga Downs — Harness racing (Nichols, New York)153 mi
  7. 7HarnessMeadowlands Racing & Entertainment — Hambletonian (harness) (East Rutherford, New Jersey)157 mi
  8. 8ThoroughbredBelmont Park — Belmont Stakes (Elmont, New York)163 mi
  9. 9HarnessMohegan Pennsylvania (Pocono Downs) — Harness racing (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania)163 mi
  10. 10ThoroughbredFinger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack — New York Derby (Farmington, New York)181 mi

Questions about Saratoga Race Course

Where is Saratoga Race Course?

Saratoga Race Course is in Saratoga Springs, New York.

What kind of racing is at Saratoga Race Course?

Saratoga Race Course hosts thoroughbred racing. Live racing runs july–Labor Day.

When did Saratoga Race Course open?

Saratoga Race Course opened in 1863.

What is the biggest race at Saratoga Race Course?

The signature race at Saratoga Race Course is the Travers Stakes (G1).

What other racetracks are near Saratoga Race Course?

The closest is Saratoga Casino Hotel (Saratoga Harness) in Saratoga Springs, New York, about 1 miles away. See the full list of nearby tracks on this page.

Facts are for the 2026 racing season. Distances are straight-line miles. The illustration is original artwork, not a photo. See something wrong? Let us know. Is this your track? Get the “Listed on HorsetrackAtlas.com” badge for your website.