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Saratoga Race Course Meet

Equestrian

Saratoga Race Course Meet Tickets

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Rating: 4.5 out of 5 based on 253 reviews

Events40 Results

United States

About

About the Saratoga Race Course Meet

Each summer, the horse-racing world descends upon Saratoga, New York, to be a part of the legendary Saratoga racetrack meet. The meet lasts 40 racing days spread out over eight weeks from July to September, with the exception of Mondays and Tuesdays. The Travers Stakes, which carries a $1,250,000 purse, is the oldest thoroughbred race in the nation, attracting three-year-old horses who have raced (and won) in Triple Crown events earlier in the season. The Whitney Stakes is open to horses age three and older, and is a "win and you're in" event, with the winner given an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic. There are three separate tracks at Saratoga, including the 1 1/8-mile main dirt track, the mile-long Mellon Turf Course and a 7-furlong inner turf track. Saratoga Race Course opened in 1863, making it the fourth-oldest racetrack in the United States. 

History of the Saratoga Race Course Meet

Saratoga is commonly known as "The Spa," after the nearby springs which give the town of Saratoga Springs its name. While racing in Saratoga Springs first took place as far back as 1847, the first race on what would later be the site of the Oklahoma Training Track was held in 1863, with the main course opening across Union Avenue in 1864. Saratoga Race Course has operated almost every year since, building a reputation as one of the premier courses in all of racing.

For over 150 years, Saratoga has hosted some of the legends in thoroughbred racing, and has been the site of some of the greatest upsets of all time. In 1919, the aptly named Upset defeated Man O' War in the Sanford Memorial Stakes, in the horse's first and only loss, and in 1973, Secretariat lost to Onion in the Whitney Handicap. Saratoga achieved another form of immortality in the 1970s, when Carly Simon referenced the racecourse in her No. 1 single, "You're So Vain," and it's also been referred to in literature by the likes of Ian Fleming and Sherwood Anderson.

Reviews

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 based on 253 reviews
  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Race track great. Ticketmaster not so much

    by Sharon on 8/20/23

    Had a great time at Saratoga but my experience with Ticketmaster not so great. First, you cannot print out tickets but have to use your phone to gain entry. Ok if you are alone but difficult if you are purchasing for a group. Also purchased parking but could not access it as when entering my log in and password got an error. Clicked in forgot login, was told an email would be sent to reset but never got the email. Therefore had to pay for parking twice.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Great experience, but getting very expensive.

    by Dave on 8/20/23

    Going to Saratoga is always a great time. My only complaint is that it's getting very expensive to go there. Large iced tea, plain, and Dunkin - $6. Fried chicken sandwich at Hattie's - $20. Mac & cheese with some pulled pork - $16. Program - $7.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great family day

    by Hoppa on 8/18/23

    We made our annual family trip to the SPA. Always a terrific time. Free parking and shuttle bus is a nice feature. However, food and drink prices are too high and forces folks to bring their own items. But we’ll be back.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The Most Magical Place for Adults

    by Mike P on 8/14/23

    Saratoga is simply beautiful in every way. Visually stunning. The world's greatest horses, trainers and jockeys. Hospitality that speaks to generations of service. Food, drink, music, and of course horse playing. But more than anything it is the people. All walks of life in one place with deference and respect. Jockeys and trainers who walk among the patrons as if everyone is part of the show. And the horses. Majesty and beauty. A special place that never fails to live up to and beyond expectations.

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    only a so-so experience

    by keyboardwizard on 8/13/23

    we wanted to love our day at the track and for the most part we did. that's the good news. a couple of outstanding beefs and speaking of which where are the nice restaurants to have lunch that don't require you to buy a table for the whole day? we don't like food trucks or picnic tables. secondly, what's with the long wait between races? too much time, shouldn't be 30-40 minutes. last year it was alot less. and the tacky entertainment on the way out? saratoga used to be a much classier act, now it is a bit too "jersey shore".

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Crowded

    by DPM on 8/13/23

    Crowded. Loke the space but it seems that more and more of the common space away.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    day at the racetrack

    by lavi48 on 8/13/23

    this place is unique bring you back in the beginning of horses racing .Beautiful decor and a pleasant surroundings . You could relax in the field or a reserve seat for a better view. Worth the trip.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Beautiful track, wonderful experience!

    by Lisa on 8/8/23

    We had a wonderful time! Great experience and beautiful atmosphere!!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Gem

    by Chetdog on 8/6/23

    This a gem of a horse track. Nothing like this anywhere. Friendly people, staff and horse people.

  • Rating: 2 out of 5

    No seat control

    by Fronz on 8/5/23

    Tickets are checked when you first walk in and then never again. People walk around just grabbing open Clubhouse seats without anyone checking tickets. No place to put drinks, food , or osiers down. Stay away from Clubhouse seats

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Fantastic Time

    by The Dude Abides on 8/5/23

    I had only seen Saratoga on TV, and it is even better in person. A wonderful venue for families, as well as for veteran bettors. The food and beverages are a bit pricey, but no more than typical stadium pricing. If you love the ponies, you must get to Saratoga at least once.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Grandstand tickets

    by Grammy C on 8/1/23

    I love Saratoga. We go once a year. With the prediction of 80% chance of rain, we decided to buy grandstand seats at $46 plus x three seats. We observed that people were coming in from general admission and finding empty seats (there were plenty). If I knew there was going to be no checking from below, we would have done same. Feel ripped off in this regard.

  • Rating: 1 out of 5

    Cant control the weather but can control the atmosphere!

    by Eddie B on 8/1/23

    Had Grandstand Seats for a rainy Saturday. Too few ushers, and those that do exist do not have devices to check your electronic tickets. They are very nice but take your word for it. Most patrons respect but there are always a few that take advantage. So you leave to wager and return to find stranger in your seat. Plus the non ticketholders use the rows as super highway up and down from apron to the grandstand area, blocking your view. They used to check everyone and put up ropes to block entrance during a race, but no more. Very disappointing for the prices they charge nowadays. Also too few concessions in the GS area, and those that exist are overprices. Not everyone wants to walk to the backyard for a drink.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Horsing Around

    by tchr100 on 7/29/23

    We purchased admission/sears for Saratoga Racetrack. There was a dedicated line where we showed our phone and beat the crowd. Same thing at our seats. Did I mention that we were able to choose our seats online ? We visit the SPA yearly, do the same every time. The convenience is well worth it.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Saratoga Race Course

    by Nick on 7/25/23

    There is no better place to watch a race and enjoy the horses than Saratoga Racecourse. Allowing coolers and outside food to be brought in is a big plus. How close you can get to the horses, jockeys and trainers is really an awesome experience for a horse racing fan. The area around the track including restaurants is safe and a fun experience. I really can’t say anything bad about Saratoga racecourse. We look forward to returning every year for a weekend.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    We had a blast!

    by BoomBoom on 7/24/23

    We spent a day at the races. We didn't make enough to secure an early retirement, but we sure had a lot of fun. This morning, we watched the horses working out while we had breakfast at the finish line. After the buffet, we toured the backstretch. Then, we visited Congress Park. Where we took a leisurely stroll through the grounds and sampled the waters. Later, we took a drive along North Broadway to admire some of the stately homes that grace this this town. We also visited the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame located right across the track. Finally, it was time for the main event. Our seats were great. The weather was much better than expected, and the crowd was electric. We had a blast!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Gem of tracks

    by Satfan on 7/23/23

    View the races from the grandstand. Comfortable, great views. This track is the place to be. It doesn't matter if you are enjoying the picnic area or the reserved seating. You see families, groups ,and individuals that are all friendly. This is a very safe place with the historic town a short distance away. Small casino nearby.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Beautiful Summer destination

    by Kendra C on 7/18/23

    The track is beautiful and family friendly. Great place to hang out with your friends. Nobody does it better.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Must Go!

    by StephanieE on 7/18/23

    What a terrific experience! Everyone was having a great time, good food/drink, electric atmosphere and so much FUN!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    A good day

    by Pops up on 7/18/23

    Another enjoyable experience at Saratoga race track. A couple of excitement filled days with good friends good food and good luck