2026 Saratoga Race Track Schedule: What to Know

The Saratoga Race Course summer meet will open on Friday, July 3, 2026, and run through Labor Day. The season kicks off with the July 4th Racing Festival, which serves as Opening Weekend, part of a 46-day meet spanning 10 weeks.

Racing takes place on a mix of four- and five-day weeks throughout the summer. While Mondays and Tuesdays are the primary Dark Days, the schedule includes an additional Dark Day on Wednesdays through July 26. The traditional five-day race week (Wednesday–Sunday) resumes on July 29. The 2026 summer season concludes with a special six-day closing stretch from Wednesday, September 2, through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.

The full 2026 stakes schedule has been officially announced, featuring 73 stakes worth over $23.5 million in total purses.

Week 1: Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5, 2026

• Friday, July 3, 2026: (Listed) Schuylerville, (Listed) Wild Applause (NW of SS), (Listed) Saranac (NW of SS)
• Saturday, July 4, 2026: GI Belmont Derby, GI Belmont Oaks, GII Suburban pres. by Subourban Life, GIII Sanford
• Sunday, July 5, 2026: GI Leo O'Brien, GIII Kelso, (Listed) Harvey Pack

Week 2: Thursday, July 9 – Sunday, July 12, 2026

• Friday, July 10, 2026: GIII Victory Ride
• Saturday, July 11, 2026: GII Bowling Green, GII Caress

Week 3: Thursday, July 16 – Sunday, July 19, 2026

• Thursday, July 16, 2026: Jonathan Kiser Novice Memorial
• Friday, July 17, 2026: (Listed) De La Rose (NW GSS in 2025-2026)
• Saturday, July 18, 2026: GI Dunkin' Diana, GIII Coronation Cup
• Sunday, July 19, 2026: GIII Quick Call pres. by Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

Week 4: Thursday, July 23 – Sunday, July 26, 2026

• Thursday, July 23, 2026: Suzie O'Cain (NYB)
• Friday, July 24, 2026: GII Shuvee, Rick Violette (NYB)
• Saturday, July 25, 2026: GI Coaching Club American Oaks, GII Alfred G. Vanderbilt
• Sunday, July 26, 2026: GII Honorable Miss pres. by Mionetto

Week 5: Wednesday, July 29 – Sunday, August 2, 2026

• Wednesday, July 29, 2026: (Listed) Curlin (NW of Graded SS) pres. by Casamigos
• Thursday, July 30, 2026: GII Glens Falls
• Friday, July 31, 2026: GII Amsterdam
• Saturday, August 1, 2026: GII Jim Dandy pres. by Mohegan Sun, GII Saratoga Special, GIII Lake George pres. by Surfside
• Sunday, August 2, 2026: GIII Adirondack

Week 6: Wednesday, August 5 – Sunday, August 9, 2026

• Wednesday, August 5, 2026: GI A.P. Smithwick Memorial, Johnstone (NYB)
• Thursday, August 6, 2026: John Morrissey (NYB)
• Friday, August 7, 2026: GII Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Oaks, GII National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame
• Saturday, August 8, 2026: GI Whitney, GI Saratoga Derby pres. by Qatar Racing, GI Fourstardave, GI Test pres. by Ticketmaster
• Sunday, August 9, 2026: GII Troy

Week 7: Wednesday, August 12 – Sunday, August 16, 2026

• Wednesday, August 12, 2026: Michael G. Walsh Memorial Novice
• Thursday, August 13, 2026: (Listed) Birdstone
• Friday, August 14, 2026: (Listed) Smart and Fancy
• Saturday, August 15, 2026: GI Christophe Clement Turf, (Listed) Galway
• Sunday, August 16, 2026: GIII Mahony

Week 8: Wednesday, August 19 – Sunday, August 23, 2026

• Wednesday, August 19, 2026: New York Stallion Series - Statue of Liberty Division
• Thursday, August 20, 2026: New York Stallion Series - Cab Calloway Division
• Friday, August 21, 2026: Fleet Indian (NYB)
• Saturday, August 22, 2026: GI Alabama pres. by Keeneland Sales, GII Ballston Spa pres. by STIHL
• Sunday, August 23, 2026: Albany (NYB)

Week 9: Wednesday, August 26 – Sunday, August 30, 2026

• Wednesday, August 26, 2026: (Listed) Bolton Landing
• Thursday, August 27, 2026: Skidmore
• Friday, August 28, 2026: GIII Waya, West Point (NYB)
• Saturday, August 29, 2026: GI DraftKings Travers, GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial, GI Resorts World Casino Ballerina, GI Forego, GI Personal Ensign, GII Lake Placid
• Sunday, August 30, 2026: Yaddo Stakes (NYB)

Week 10: Wednesday, September 2 – Monday, September 7, 2026

• Wednesday, September 2, 2026: GI Jonathan Sheppard Memorial
• Thursday, September 3, 2026: (Listed) Bernard Baruch
• Friday, September 4, 2026: (Listed) P. G. Johnson, Seeking the Ante (NYB)
• Saturday, September 5, 2026: GI Spinaway, GIII With Anticipation
• Sunday, September 6, 2026: GI Spendthrift Farm Hopeful, GIII Prioress, Disco Partner (NW Gr. SS in 2025-2026)
• Monday, September 7, 2026: Gio Ponti, Funny Cide pres. by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital (NYB)

Ready to plan your trip to Saratoga? Find all the essential ticket details here. Plus, don’t miss out on the exciting special events happening at Saratoga Race Course.

Note: Coolers are permitted at Saratoga Race Course in the backyard, building, and apron areas, as long as they are kept off tables, seats, and out of aisles. They may contain food and alcoholic beverages in cans or plastic containers—glass is not allowed. NYRA security may inspect all coolers at any time.