Saratoga Opening Weekend to celebrate America 250
At 0h02, on June 23, 2026 • By Saratoga Race Course
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced a full slate of entertainment and family-friendly events for the July 4th Racing Festival, which will be held Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, and serve as Opening Weekend of the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course.
“Opening Weekend at Saratoga Race Course is one of the most anticipated events of the summer in New York, and this year provides a special opportunity to celebrate both the return of the summer racing season and the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding,” said Dave O’Rourke, NYRA President and CEO. “We look forward to welcoming back fans to one of America’s most revered sports venues during a festive and family-friendly July 4th holiday weekend.”
Headlined by the Grade 1, $750,000 Belmont Derby and Grade 1, $600,000 Belmont Oaks on Independence Day, the July 4th Racing Festival will include six graded events among 10 stakes races held over three days of competition.
Admission gates will open daily at 11 a.m. First post on Friday and Sunday is 1:10 p.m. First post on Saturday is 12:35 p.m. Daily admission is $7 in advance or $10 at the gate.
Highlighted by the 157th renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers on August 29 and the 99th edition of the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on August 8, the 46-day summer meet will offer 20 Grade 1 races among 73 stakes worth more than $23.5 million in total purses.
Following the three-day Opening Weekend, Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5, live racing will be conducted Thursday-Sunday before the resumption of the five-day racing week beginning Wednesday, July 29. The 2026 summer meet will conclude with a six-day closing week from Wednesday, September 2, through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.
