WHAT: DraftKings Travers Week at Saratoga
WHEN: Wednesday, August 26 – Sunday, August 30
TICKETS: Save $5 on DraftKings Travers admission with advance purchase
TICKETS: NYRA.com/Travers (service fees apply)
Travers Week Specials: Fans enjoy 20 percent off BBQ platters at Capital Q located on the first floor of the clubhouse across from the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar.
Breakfast at Saratoga: Offered daily from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and presented by CDTA, fans can enjoy a buffet breakfast during morning training. Reservations are not required. Breakfast at Saratoga is NOT offered on DraftKings Travers Day.
Saratoga Live: The award-winning show features daily coverage and in-depth analysis on the FOX Sports family of networks. For schedule, visit NYRA.com/SaratogaLive
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Bolton Landing:
The listed $200,000 Bolton Landing, a 5 1/2-furlong Mellon turf sprint for juvenile fillies, jumpstarts the week on Wednesday.
Siena Basketball Meet and Greet:
Fans can meet newly appointed Siena Men’s Basketball Head Coach Nevada Smith and Siena Women’s Basketball Head Coach Terry Primm, alongside current players, at the Jockey Silks Porch from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. Fans will also have an opportunity to purchase tickets (without fees) to Siena’s highly anticipated preseason matchup against Syracuse, featuring former head coach Gerry McNamara and former Saints standouts Gavin Doty and Francis Folefac. McNamara, now the head coach at his alma mater Syracuse, led Siena to the Metro conference title and guided the Saints to a near historic upset of top-seeded Duke in the first round of this year’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Second Annual Wish Wednesday:
Rescheduled from earlier in the meet, the second annual Wish Wednesday will feature Make-A-Wish kids and their families from Northeastern New York and Vermont treated to a special day that will include lunch, exclusive paddock tours and a visit to the Winner’s Circle. This year’s event will be highlighted by a surprise wish reveal that will provide a life-changing wish for one local child and their family, creating a memorable moment shared by all in attendance
Salvation Army Back-to School Expo:
NYRA will host The Salvation Army’s Back to School Expo in collaboration with New York Institute of Technology (New York Tech) at the Taste NY Pavillion from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Designed to prepare students for the upcoming school year, pre-screened children from Saratoga County will receive backpacks filled with school supplies to help them start the new school year prepared for success.
Community Outreach Booth:
The Friends of Grant Cottage work to continue to preserve the history of the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage State Historic Stie in nearby Wilton.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Skidmore:
Thursday’s action is highlighted by the $200,000 Skidmore, a 5 1/2-furlong Mellon turf sprint for juveniles.
Military Appreciation Day presented by Ford:
NYRA will honor the courage, service and sacrifice of America’s veterans and active-duty service members during its annual Military Appreciation Day presented by Ford. All active-duty military personnel and veterans will receive free admission with proper identification. Complimentary tickets will also be made available by NYRA to all branches of currently serving military and veterans through VetTix.org.
The afternoon will feature a full slate of special programming and recognition, including a precision jump by members of the West Point Parachute Team, a pair of ceremonial bell ringers, a race honoring veterans and active service members, a performance by the 10th Mountain Division Band from Fort Drum, military hardware displays and representatives of the nation’s military academies.
Toys for Tots Collection Drive:
As part of Military Appreciation Day, Saratoga will also host a Toys for Tots Collection Drive in support of the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Fans are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to the track, where Marines will be on hand with collection boxes to accept donations. All donated toys will be distributed to children and families in need throughout the region during the holiday season.
The Buzz Box:
The Buzz Box, a mobile barber shop operated by the New York Army National Guard, will offer complimentary haircuts to fans in partnership with Spa City Barbershop. The Buzz Box travels to major events across the country and works with local barbers to provide free haircuts. The mobile unit will be located inside Gate A near Horse Sense.
Saratoga Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tours:
Presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) this week’s lineup features Old Friends at Cabin Creek on Thursday and Old Tavern Farm on Friday. The package includes breakfast, transportation, tour of a horse farm and admission to Saratoga. Tickets may be purchased at NYRA.com. The tour will not be offered on DraftKings Travers Day, Saturday, August 29.
Saratoga Low Roller Contest:
Held exclusively on track each Thursday during the summer meet, fans can pre-register outside the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar. There is a $40 buy-in, of which $30 will go 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.
NYRA STAR Program:
The Students of Thoroughbred Racing (NYRA STAR) program is offered Thursday, Friday and Sunday this week 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.
Taste NY Pavilion:
Fans 21 and older can enjoy New York craft beers, cider, wines and spirits at Taste NY every Thursday through Sunday, inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch, featuring products exclusively from the Empire State.
Community Outreach Booth:
The Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center offers timely, quality services for veterans through care and respect for their physical, psychological and spiritual health.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Waya and West Point:
Friday features the Grade 3, $225,000 Waya, an 11-furlong inner turf test for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up. The card also includes the $200,000 West Point, presented by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, for New York-breds 3-years-old and up.
BEST Dunk Tank:
Saratoga Race Course will host a dunk tank event to benefit the Backstretch Employee Service Team (BEST). Fans will have the opportunity to dunk various racing personalities from 11 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. adjacent to the Dunkin’ concession stand. All proceeds from the event will benefit BEST. Each participating fan will receive a $5 Dunkin’ card, while supplies last (may not be used on track).
Tattoos at the Track:
Two artists from the Saratoga Tattoo Company will be on-site at the Jockey Silks Porch from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each tattoo is $100 and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
National Red Wine Day:
Fans can celebrate National Red Wine Day with 2-for-1 glasses of red wine at bars on track where wine is served. In addition, complimentary samples of red and other varietals will be available at the Josh Cellars Wine Bar from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last, for fans 21 and older.
Bulleit Woody:
Complimentary samples of Bulleit bourbon, served out of the Bulleit Woody, will be available at the Backyard Bulleit Gazebo from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last, for fans 21 and older.
Horse Sense:
A special Friday edition of Horse Sense will feature a retired thoroughbred from The Great Strides Equestrian Foundation which offers a safe and nurturing environment where teens can embark on a transformative journey supported by horses. The attraction is located inside Gate A.
Community Outreach Booth:
Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization supporting second careers for retired racehorses in leading safe and meaningful lives.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
DRAFTKINGS TRAVERS DAY
Admission Gates, Parking and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 9 a.m. when fans may claim the free picnic tables in the backyard. All parking areas open at 8 a.m. Aside from parking, the grounds will not be accessible prior to 9 a.m. First post is 11:05 a.m.
General admission is $25 in advance or $30 on the day of the event. Tickets may be purchased at the Saratoga Box Office (Gate A), by phone at (844) 697-2849 or at NYRA.com/Travers (Ticketmaster service fees apply to online purchases).
Breakfast at Saratoga, backstretch tram tours, and thoroughbred farm tours are not offered. Breakfast offerings will be available at Finish Line Grill through 11 a.m.
DraftKings Travers Day:
As the centerpiece of the summer meet, the DraftKings Travers Day card will feature five Grade 1 events among six stakes in total. In addition to the 157th renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers for the nation’s top sophomores, the program will include the Grade 1, $500,000 Personal Ensign, the Grade 1, $500,000 Forego, the Grade 1, $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial, the Grade 1, $500,000 Resorts World Casino Ballerina, and the Grade 2, $400,000 Lake Placid. The Personal Ensign [Distaff], Forego [Dirt Mile] and Resorts World Casino Ballerina [Filly and Mare Sprint] provide “Win and You’re In” berths to the 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which will be held Oct. 30-31 at Keeneland.
FOX Saratoga Saturday presented by Oceania Cruises:
The DraftKings Travers will be presented live on FOX as part of a two-hour edition of FOX Saratoga Saturday presented by Oceania Cruises from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Prior to FOX Saratoga Saturday, television coverage will air on the FOX Sports family of networks from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Complimentary Photo Magnets:
Fans can enjoy complimentary souvenir photo magnets, courtesy of On The Spot Photos, at the Jockey Silks Porch from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tattoos at the Track:
Two artists from the Saratoga Tattoo Company will be on-site at the Jockey Silks Porch on DraftKings Travers Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each tattoo is $100 and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bulleit Woody:
The Bulleit Woody will return adjacent to the Backyard Bulleit Gazebo with complimentary samples of Bulleit bourbon from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last, for fans 21 and older.
Horse Sense:
Fans can meet a retired thoroughbred on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at Horse Sense located inside Gate A.
Community Outreach Booth:
The Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T) is devoted to providing health and wellness services to the backstretch community.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Yaddo:
Sunday features the $200,000 Yaddo on the turf for New York-Bred fillies and mares.
Saratoga Summer Pin Giveaway: Photo
DraftKings Travers Weekend will conclude with a premium giveaway featuring a Saratoga-themed pin to commemorate the racing season, free with paid admission, while supplies last.
Sunday Specials:
Fans will 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.
Introduction to Handicapping:
Offered every Sunday in the Paddock Suite, fans can learn betting strategies and tips from an expert handicapper. Tickets start at $95 and include admission, Post Parade program, and a table seat within the climate-controlled, shared suite overlooking the saddling area. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.
Saratoga Low Roller Contest:
Held exclusively on-track every Sunday during the summer meet, fans can pre-register outside the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar. There is a $40 buy-in, of which $30 will go 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.
Community Outreach Booth:
The Saratoga County Children’s Committee is dedicated to assisting the children of Saratoga County by partnering with local agencies to provide necessities.
All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA.