WHAT: Fan Appreciation Week at Saratoga
WHEN: Wednesday, September 2 – Monday, September 7
TICKETS: NYRA.com
Fan Appreciation Week Specials: Buy one premium reserved seat in the Michelob Ultra Stretch and get one free on the same day; Buy one reserved table in either the Pick Six Vodka Picnic Paddock or Festival Tent and get one free on the same day; Enjoy a Family 4-pack for $99, which includes four Grandstand reserved seats and a $10 food and beverage credit per person. For these and other Fan Appreciation Week special ticket offers, visit NYRA.com/Fans.
Multiple food and beverage specials will be offered during Fan Appreciation Week, including $3 hot dogs, $3 Saratoga Chips and Dip, and $3 bottled soda and water at various concessions, plus 50% savings on draft beer at 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 and Backstretch tram tours are NOT offered on Labor 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, SEPTEMBER 2
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Jonathan Sheppard Memorial:
The final week of the summer meet kicks off with the 85th running of the Grade 1, $150,000 Jonathan Sheppard Memorial, a 2 3/8-mile steeplechase handicap for older horses.
Community Outreach Booth:
The Saratoga Prevention Council offers free, peer-driven and peer-delivered services to families and individuals impacted by addiction.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
Bernard Baruch presented by Snap-On:
Thursday’s action features the $200,000 Bernard Baruch presented by Snap-On, a 1 1/16-mile Mellon turf route for 3-year-olds and up.
Saratoga Breakfast and Thoroughbred Farm Tours:
Presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) the lineup for the final week features Old Friends at Cabin Creek on Thursday, Old Tavern Farm on Friday and Sugar Plum Farm on Saturday. The package includes breakfast, transportation, tour of a horse farm, and admission to Saratoga. Tickets may be purchased at NYRA.com.
Saratoga Low Roller Contest:
Held exclusively on track, 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 receives 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 through Sunday 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 or in person at the NYRA STAR booth in the Family Zone.
Taste NY Pavilion:
Fans 21 and older can enjoy New York craft beers, cider, wines and spirits at Taste NY Thursday through Sunday, inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch, featuring products exclusively from the Empire State.
Community Outreach Booth:
Based in Albany and Troy, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area (BGCCA) provide youth services including after-school, summer camp and teen programs.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.
P.G. Johnson and Seeking the Ante:
Friday’s action is highlighted by the $200,000 P.G. Johnson, a 1 1/16-mile inner turf test for juvenile fillies; and the $200,000 Seeking the Ante, a six-furlong sprint for New York-bred juvenile fillies.
Official Saratoga Merchandise:
Fans will enjoy special savings at the Official Saratoga Merchandise store, located within the large tent across from the escalator, Friday through Labor Day, where select items will be available for 50 to 75 percent off their original prices, while supplies last.
Community Outreach Booth:
Saratoga Center for the Family works to strengthen children and families by reducing the effects of abuse, trauma and family dysfunction through advocacy, education and mental health therapy.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
12:05 p.m. First Post
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 12:05 p.m.
Spinaway:
Labor Day Weekend gets underway with a pair of graded stakes: the Grade 1, $300,000 Spinaway, a seven-furlong race for 2-year-old fillies which offers a “Win and You’re In” berth into the 1 1/16-mile Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Keeneland; and Grade 3, $225,000 With Anticipation, a 1 1/16-mile inner turf route for 2-year-olds.
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 Sullivan Jones VFW supports local area veterans, active-duty military members, senior citizens, Scouts of America and local schools in the greater Poestenkill area.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
12:05 p.m. First Post
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 12:05 p.m.
Spendthrift Farm Hopeful:
The 122nd renewal of the Grade 1, $300,000 Spendthrift Farm Hopeful moves to Sunday after having previously being carded on Labor Day. Sunday’s action will also include the Grade 3, $225,000 Prioress and the $150,000 Disco Partner.
Introduction to Handicapping:
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 Paddock Suite overlooking the saddling area. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.
Saratoga Low Roller Contest:
Held exclusively on track, 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 receives a Saratoga Low Roller championship T-shirt in addition to the cash prize.
Community Outreach Booth:
Troy-based Stars for Our Troops is a group of volunteers who dedicate their time to giving the American flag a new purpose when the flags become tattered and faded.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
LABOR DAY/CLOSING DAY
12:05 p.m. First Post
Admission Gates and Post Time:
Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 12:05 p.m.
Funny Cide and Gio Ponti:
Saratoga will conclude the 2026 summer meet with the $200,000 Funny Cide and $200,000 Gio Ponti.
Saratoga Flannel Shirt Giveaway: Photo
The final premium giveaway of the summer meet is a Saratoga flannel shirt. The red-and-black cotton flannel button-up features a Saratoga logo embroidered above the left pocket and will be available in medium and extra-large sizes with paid admission, while supplies last.
Community Outreach Booth:
The ADK Athletics Booster Club supports a welcoming, family-oriented training center dedicated to empowering athletes of all abilities through elite cheer, high school training and specialized programs.
All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA