Travers Stakes Weekend Highlights at Saratoga

Friday, August 28th

Admission Gates and Post Time:

Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.

Waya and West Point:

Friday features the Grade 3, $225,000 Waya, an 11-furlong inner turf test for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up. The card also includes the $200,000 West Point, presented by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, for New York-breds 3-years-old and up.

BEST Dunk Tank:

Saratoga Race Course will host a dunk tank event to benefit the Backstretch Employee Service Team (BEST). Fans will have the opportunity to dunk various racing personalities from 11 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. adjacent to the Dunkin’ concession stand. All proceeds from the event will benefit BEST. Each participating fan will receive a $5 Dunkin’ card, while supplies last (may not be used on track).

Tattoos at the Track:

Two artists from the Saratoga Tattoo Company will be on-site at the Jockey Silks Porch from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each tattoo is $100 and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Saratoga Race Course To Open As Scheduled, Saratoga Springs Still Prepares For The WorstNational Red Wine Day:

Fans can celebrate National Red Wine Day with 2-for-1 glasses of red wine at bars on track where wine is served. In addition, complimentary samples of red and other varietals will be available at the Josh Cellars Wine Bar from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last, for fans 21 and older.

Bulleit Woody:

Complimentary samples of Bulleit bourbon, served out of the Bulleit Woody, will be available at the Backyard Bulleit Gazebo from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last, for fans 21 and older.

Horse Sense:

A special Friday edition of Horse Sense will feature a retired thoroughbred from The Great Strides Equestrian Foundation which offers a safe and nurturing environment where teens can embark on a transformative journey supported by horses. The attraction is located inside Gate A.

Community Outreach Booth:

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization supporting second careers for retired racehorses in leading safe and meaningful lives.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29

DRAFTKINGS TRAVERS DAY

Admission Gates, Parking and Post Time:

Admission gates open at 9 a.m. when fans may claim the free picnic tables in the backyard. All parking areas open at 8 a.m. Aside from parking, the grounds will not be accessible prior to 9 a.m. First post is 11:05 a.m.

General admission is $25 in advance or $30 on the day of the event. Tickets may be purchased at the Saratoga Box Office (Gate A), by phone at (844) 697-2849 or at NYRA.com/Travers (Ticketmaster service fees apply to online purchases).

Breakfast at Saratoga, backstretch tram tours, and thoroughbred farm tours are not offered. Breakfast offerings will be available at Finish Line Grill through 11 a.m.

DraftKings Travers Day:

As the centerpiece of the summer meet, the DraftKings Travers Day card will feature five Grade 1 events among six stakes in total. In addition to the 157th renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers for the nation’s top sophomores, the program will include the Grade 1, $500,000 Personal Ensign, the Grade 1, $500,000 Forego, the Grade 1, $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial, the Grade 1, $500,000 Resorts World Casino Ballerina, and the Grade 2, $400,000 Lake Placid. The Personal Ensign [Distaff], Forego [Dirt Mile] and Resorts World Casino Ballerina [Filly and Mare Sprint] provide “Win and You’re In” berths to the 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which will be held Oct. 30-31 at Keeneland.

FOX Saratoga Saturday presented by Oceania Cruises:

The DraftKings Travers will be presented live on FOX as part of a two-hour edition of FOX Saratoga Saturday presented by Oceania Cruises from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Prior to FOX Saratoga Saturday, television coverage will air on the FOX Sports family of networks from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Complimentary Photo Magnets:

Fans can enjoy complimentary souvenir photo magnets, courtesy of On The Spot Photos, at the Jockey Silks Porch from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tattoos at the Track:

Two artists from the Saratoga Tattoo Company will be on-site at the Jockey Silks Porch on DraftKings Travers Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each tattoo is $100 and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bulleit Woody:

The Bulleit Woody will return adjacent to the Backyard Bulleit Gazebo with complimentary samples of Bulleit bourbon from noon to 4 p.m., while supplies last, for fans 21 and older.

Horse Sense:

Fans can meet a retired thoroughbred on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at Horse Sense located inside Gate A.

Community Outreach Booth:

The Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T) is devoted to providing health and wellness services to the backstretch community.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30

Admission Gates and Post Time:

Admission gates open at 11 a.m. with first post at 1:10 p.m.

Yaddo:

Sunday features the $200,000 Yaddo on the turf for New York-Bred fillies and mares.

Saratoga Summer Pin Giveaway: Photo

DraftKings Travers Weekend will conclude with a premium giveaway featuring a Saratoga-themed pin to commemorate the racing season, free with paid admission, while supplies last.

Sunday Specials:

Fans will enjoy $3 hot dogs and save 50% on domestic and premium beer, water and soda at the High Noon Clubhouse Grill, Finish Line Grill and Track Snacks. Additional specials may be available on select items at these locations.

Introduction to Handicapping:

Offered every Sunday in the Paddock Suite, fans can learn betting strategies and tips from an expert handicapper. Tickets start at $95 and include admission, Post Parade program, and a table seat within the climate-controlled, shared suite overlooking the saddling area. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.

Saratoga Low Roller Contest:

Held exclusively on-track every Sunday during the summer meet, fans can pre-register outside the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar. There is a $40 buy-in, of which $30 will go to the player’s bankroll and $10 to the prize pool. The winner will receive a Saratoga Low Roller championship T-shirt in addition to the cash prize.

Community Outreach Booth:

The Saratoga County Children’s Committee is dedicated to assisting the children of Saratoga County by partnering with local agencies to provide necessities.

All events and activities are subject to change at the discretion of NYRA.

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About Editor

Rich Nilsen is a 20-time qualifier to the National Horseplayers Championship (NHC), an event he has cashed in 5 times. He was the first player to finish in the top 10 of the NHC twice. A former executive with Brisnet.com and member of the NHC Players’ Committee, Rich is a graduate of the UofL Equine Business Program and is founder of AGameofSkill.com, a site devoted to horse racing education and promotion. He was elected into the NHC Hall of Fame in 2025.

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