Saratoga Race Course is the oldest sporting venue of any kind in the United States, having hosted horse racing continuously since 1863. Located in the charming upstate New York town of Saratoga Springs, this 50,000-capacity track is known as “The Spa” and is widely considered the most beautiful racecourse in America.
History and Heritage
Saratoga opened on August 3, 1863, during the Civil War, and has been in operation ever since. The track’s history is inseparable from the history of American horse racing. Man o’ War suffered his only career defeat at Saratoga in 1919, beaten by a horse aptly named Upset, a result so shocking that it gave the word “upset” its sporting meaning. Jim Dandy’s 100-1 victory over Gallant Fox in the 1930 Travers Stakes cemented Saratoga’s reputation as “The Graveyard of Champions,” a place where favorites come to lose. The Travers Stakes, first run in 1864, is the oldest major stakes race in the country and remains the highlight of the summer meet. Saratoga is currently the temporary home of the Belmont Stakes while Belmont Park undergoes renovation.
The Summer Meet Experience
Saratoga’s summer meet, running from mid-July through early September, is one of the great traditions in American sport. The town of Saratoga Springs transforms for six weeks, with the racing community taking over the hotels, restaurants, and bars. Mornings begin with spectators watching training from the backstretch kitchen, sipping coffee as the mist rises off the track. The afternoons bring racing of the highest quality, with the best horses from across the country shipping in for the summer stakes program. The atmosphere is relaxed, knowledgeable, and deeply connected to the rhythms of racing life. Picnics on the backyard lawn, the shade of massive elm trees, and the sound of hooves on dirt create an experience that feels timeless.
Facilities and Layout
The main track is a 1.125-mile dirt oval, with a seven-furlong inner turf course and a smaller training track. The grandstand dates from the early 20th century and retains much of its original character. The paddock is one of the best in American racing, a tree-lined walking ring where fans can see the horses up close before each race.
Location and Timezone
Saratoga Race Course is located on Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs, New York, in the Eastern Time zone (UTC-5, UTC-4 during daylight saving). The town is approximately three hours north of New York City by car and easily accessible from Albany’s airport.
For the current time in Saratoga Springs, check Saratoga Springs time. For more on US time zones, see United States time.