Saratoga Race Course invites families and children to enjoy NYRA STAR Kids Day on Sunday, July 26, featuring a full afternoon of family-friendly entertainment, interactive experiences, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access through the Students of Thoroughbred Racing (NYRA STAR) program.
NYRA STAR Kids Day will celebrate the excitement of thoroughbred racing with an expanded lineup of activities designed to introduce young fans to the sport while creating lasting memories for the entire family.
The first 5,000 kids ages 12 and under will receive a complimentary horse plushie. The 8-inch stuffed horse plushie sporting an embroidered Saratoga logo will be distributed in the Saratoga Family Zone.
New for 2026, NYRA STAR Kids Day will begin with the inaugural NYRA STAR Sprint Kids Run, a 1.6-furlong gallop through the Saratoga backyard exclusively for NYRA STAR members ages 5-12. Limited to 150 participants, the free event will begin at 10 a.m. at the Big Red Spring and wind its way to the Saratoga Family Zone with every child receiving a commemorative race T-shirt and finisher’s medal.
Registration for the NYRA STAR Sprint Kids Run is now available via NYRA.com/sprint.
Throughout the afternoon, kids can experience Saratoga from a unique perspective by joining track staff in a variety of race-day traditions. Young fans will participate in activities including the ceremonial “Riders Up” call, reading the day’s scratches and changes, serving as a paddock reporter, singing the National Anthem, presenting the trophy following a named race and, new this year, serving as a NYRA STAR Kids Day host.
The second annual Mascot Race will be run on the main track featuring a full field of mascots from various sports teams and organizations, including defending champion Gunnar from the Adirondack Thunder, the ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils.
Additional NYRA STAR Kids Day activities will include:
- Jazz-style kids band performing at the Purdy’s Summer Music Stage from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Puppet and interactive dance shows.
- Pony rides and a petting zoo from Adirondack Dreamcatcher Farm.
- A giant bounce house, community mural and hat-making station.
- Interactive programming from the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
- Complimentary equine-themed photo opportunities, including a mock broadcast booth where children can call their own race, along with commemorative photos.
- Complimentary magnet photos courtesy of On-the-Spot Photos.
- Paddock and Winner’s Circle tours throughout the afternoon for NYRA STAR members.
Also new this year, acclaimed children’s author Maddy Zanetti will host a live reading of Jim Dandy: A Dark Horse, beginning at 2 p.m. in the backyard near the Saratoga Family Zone. The first 100 NYRA STAR members to check in at the NYRA STAR booth will receive a complimentary copy of the book, while supplies last.
Families will also enjoy special NYRA Star Kids Day food and beverage offerings, including a value-priced kids lunch box featuring kid-friendly favorites, frozen Italian ice and additional treats available throughout the afternoon.
B-95.5 FM will be on-site with prizes and giveaways across from the Saratoga Family Zone.
NYRA STAR Kids Day also highlights NYRA STAR, the free membership program designed to give children ages 12 and under and their families insider access to the world of thoroughbred racing through exclusive experiences, educational opportunities and kid-friendly programming.
Now in its third year, NYRA STAR has expanded to operate Thursdays through Sundays throughout the 2026 summer meet. New benefits for 2026 include a complimentary walking tour of the historic Oklahoma Training Track, courtesy of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, and an exclusive STAR x Saratoga branded kid’s water bottle, presented as this year’s annual member gift.
Membership is free and registration is available online at NYRA.com/STAR or in person at the NYRA STAR booth in the Saratoga Family Zone. New members may register at any time and receive their personalized membership ID card and lanyard by visiting the booth Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 3 p.m.
Additional NYRA STAR benefits include paddock and Winner’s Circle experiences, private jockey meet-and-greet opportunities, exclusive email communications and personalized backstretch tram tours offered Thursdays through Sundays, excluding DraftKings Travers Day.
Highlighted by the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on Saturday, August 8 and the 157th renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers on Saturday, August 29, the Saratoga summer meet continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.
For additional information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.