Tips From a Local: Unique Things to Do At the Saratoga Race Course
- Amy Leggett
- 21 hours ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 12 minutes ago
If you live anywhere near Saratoga Springs, New York, you are familiar with the Summer ritual that is going to the horse races at the "Spa". Saratoga Race Course opened in 1863 and hasn't slowed down since. The Saratoga track holds the title of the oldest continuously operating racetrack in the United States. Sports Illustrated has named it one of the top ten sporting venues in the country. If you have had the privilege of visiting the Saratoga Race Course in person you know that the experience is so much more than that. It is a place where history, racing excitement, fashion, people-watching, and the thunder of hooves converges to create a unique event that will keep you returning year after year.
I have lived in upstate New York for 22 years and in Saratoga Springs for the last 5 years. That means I have a lot of experience in going to the track! Over the years I have discovered all the best things to entertain myself for a day at the track. Some are obvious, but some are not. Lucky for you I am willing to share my track secrets so you can know you didn't miss one Saratoga track experience.
Unique Things to Do at the Saratoga Race Course:
Go to Breakfast at the Track to Watch the Morning Workouts: One of the track's most beloved experiences is the morning breakfast buffet on The Porch on the first floor of the Clubhouse. The tables are rail side for a perfect view of the thoroughbreds' morning workouts. Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 9:30 am on most live racing days (with the exception of Travers Day and Labor Day). It is first-come, first-served affair-no reservations taken. The breakfast buffet features a full spread of eggs, French Toast, fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, and mimosas if you want to start your track day early. In full disclosure, the breakfast itself is fine...you can't really screw up the basics.
The main attraction (which justifies the cost) is the unique chance to watch beautiful horses galloping twenty feet away while you enjoy your meal. There is nothing quite like it. Your buffet tickets also include a complimentary back stretch tour (see below for more specific information on this). An added bonus of breakfast at the track is the ability to walk around the track grounds before the crowds converge and the craziness of race day takes over. There is a peacefulness as you stroll that you will not experience at any other time. Click here for information about this unique Saratoga experience.
Take a Back Stretch Tour: One of the best track experiences you should not miss is taking the back stretch tour that is included with the purchase of your ticket for breakfast. Trams leave from in front of the 1863 Club every 25-30 minutes beginning at 7:30 am with the last tram leaving at 9:00 am. Once you reach the back stretch area the back stretch tour continues on foot where you will tour the stables that house the horses, observe the horses being fed and groomed, watch them train on the Oklahoma track and practice entering and exiting the starting gate.
Bet on the Horses (and Hopefully Win Some Money!): This is the most obvious thing to do at the track. Betting can be as complicated or simple as you want it to be. You can also bet as much or as little as you want. I generally take $20 to use for betting and bet $2 on each horse ($5 if I am feeling extra lucky and already won some "house" money to bet with). Of course you are not going to win big unless you bet big, but $20 for a day of entertainment is a good deal to me! If you want to do some fancier betting, check out NYRA's Betting 101 to learn before you go.
Go to the Jockey's Room to Watch the Jockey's Head Out for Their Next Race: Saratoga is one of the only venues where you can get up close and personal to the jockeys. One of my favorite places to sit is right outside the jockey house because you can see them leaving to go race and coming back covered in mud or dust. One of the most heartwarming things to see is the jockeys stopping to give excited young kids an autograph and sometimes their jockey glasses.
Head to the Paddocks to See the Horses Get Race Ready: About 15-20 minutes before each race, the horses that are going to compete in the next race are paraded to the paddock to gather with the owners, trainers and jockeys. The horses are paraded around in a circle inside the paddock so bettors, handicappers and fans can observe each horse's appearance and personality. The race horses are such beautiful creatures it is a privilege to see them up close and personal. When the bugle sounds, the jockeys mount their ride and parade out to the race course. It is a unique thing to experience! The paddock is located in the backyard by the Post Bar and the Big Red Spring. It is also right by the Shake Shack so you can partake in the limited edition shake I talk about in this blog!
Taste Some Authentic Saratoga Spring Water at the Big Red Fountain: Saratoga is famous for its natural mineral springs that are thought to have healing properties. The springs are scattered across various public locations in Saratoga with one being right in the historic Saratoga Race Course. The Big Red Fountain is back by the paddock and you can grab a cup at the Customer Service booth to go grab a taste of the cold mineral waters. I have to admit I was not too excited by the taste, but hopefully I got some natural healing from my sips!
Browse Trackside Vendor Booths: If you are looking for a place to spend all that money you have won from betting on the horses, you don't even need to leave the track! Just walk along the main walkway past all the booths featuring horse based art, fancy hats (in case you forgot yours), and other track souvenirs. The Official Saratoga Race Course souvenir store is located inside the clubhouse with a large selection of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other track memorabilia.
Enjoy Free Tastings: If you are over 21 (with a valid ID), you can find complimentary tastings of wine, liquor, seltzers and ready-to-drink canned cocktails. These complimentary tastings are located at various spots around the track grounds, so keep your eyes out for signs or promotional kiosks as you stroll around. The type of beverages offered for free tastings varies and is a result of partnerships with the track. Tastings generally run from 12:00-4:00 (or while supplies last). Check here for a schedule of free tastings for the 2026 meet so you can see what's flowing on the day you are there!
Take a Picture with the Secretariat Statue: On big race weekends, a larger than life , 21 foot bronze statue of the amazing racehorse Secretariat with his Triple Crown winning jockey Ron Turcotte riding him is brought to the Saratoga Race Course. It usually sits right outside the main grandstand. If you are attending one of the high stake races at Saratoga, be sure to find Secretariat and take a selfie with him.
Visit the Taste of New York Tent: Every Thursday-Sunday of the summer meet, you can go to the Taste of NY tent to sample local craft beer, wine, spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails. In addition to sampling the New York alcohol products, you can purchase locally produced food products. It is a great place to take a break from the racing action to sample some locally made products and chill under the tent. Sometimes there is a fun souvenir photo booth or other fun activities.
Listen to Live Music: Every day of the summer meet, you can enjoy live music at the Purdy's Summer Music Stage. The stage is located in the gazebo in the Backyard by the Dunkin's stand. Local and regional bands play all day. Stroll by at various times of day to catch the different bands which play all kinds of genres.
Grab the Exclusive Sloppy Track Shake at Shake Shack: The Shake Shack is located back by the paddocks. After you go view the horses before the race, stop by to grab the exclusive Sloppy Track Shake that you can only get at the Saratoga Race Course. It is made with vanilla frozen custard blended with salted caramel and chocolate custard and topped with chocolate crumbles. It is delicious!
Sip a Cocktail at The Post Bar: If you venture back to the paddock to see the horses before their race and watch the jockeys hop on their ride, you will see the Shake Shack as well as The Post bar. If you don't opt for a Sloppy Track shake, you can grab an adult beverage at The Post and rub elbows with other well-dressed race fans. You can also reserve a limited number of picnic tables at the Pick Six Vodka Picnic Paddock located right outside the Post Bar and next to the paddock.
Have a Snack at the Track: There are many, many options for you if you have a hankering for a snack at the track. Along the walkways of the Backyard, there are several food trucks selling a variety of delicious options. I tried the wood-fired pizza (yes...wood-fired right there in the middle of the track!). It was very yummy and hit the spot between all those drink samples. There are also booths selling tacos, gyros, bbq brisket, mac-n-cheese, hotdogs, ice cream...just about anything your taste buds are craving. If you wish to elevate your dining experience, there are various restaurants around the track that you can visit (reservations required). To consider all your options, check out the list of current food vendors .
So there you have it, some inside scoop about things to make your day at the races spectacular. I can't ensure you will win a bunch of money, but I can guarantee you will thoroughly enjoy your visit to the Saratoga Race Course!
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