As early as 1847 when a meet for trotters was held on a dirt track adjacent to Union Avenue called “Horse Haven,” horses, racing and wagering have been a winning combination in Saratoga Springs.
Inspired by the growing interest in the sport, a group of private investors formed the Saratoga Racing Association. The four-day meet was extended, and in 1864 a larger track was built on the opposite side of Union Avenue, the site of the current Saratoga Race Course. By the turn of the century it was firmly established as the showplace it is today.
The track is operated by the New York Racing Association, the host of the best racing in America each summer from mid-July through Labor Day. The Saratoga Race Course is the oldest race track in America and was named one of Sports Illustrated’s 10 best sporting venues in the United States. The Saratoga Race Course has witnessed the greatest horses of all time run into the history books. It remains timeless, historic and the crown jewel of Saratoga Springs.
General admission to the track is $7 and Clubhouse admission is $10 when purchased in advance. Travers Day admission prices are $10 in advance / $15 at the gate for General admission and Clubhouse admission is $25. A limited number of grandstand seats go on sale each race day morning at the Union Avenue gate at 9am. Admission gates open at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10:30 a.m. on weekends. On Travers Day, gates open at 7 a.m.