Saratoga Race Course Primed for Opening Weekend

The New York Racing Association will welcome fans back to the Spa for an action-packed four days filled with world-class Thoroughbred racing and outstanding special events during opening weekend of the 2019 season at Saratoga Race Course, Thursday, July 11 through Sunday, July 14.

The 2019 season will get underway when gates open at 11 a.m. on opening day, Thursday, July 11. Gates will open at 11 a.m. each day of the meet, including weekends, with the exception of Travers Day, Saturday, August 24. Post time for the first race on opening day is 1 p.m.

"The summer season at Saratoga is always special and this year will be no exception. From the best racing in the world, including the 150th running of the Runhappy Travers and the Spa debut of the Turf Triple Series, to the much-anticipated opening of the 1863 Club, to exciting events and entertainment, Saratoga continues to offer an outstanding experience for all racing fans," said NYRA CEO & President Dave O'Rourke. "We look forward to welcoming back the owners, trainers and jockeys and encourage fans to join us for what is shaping up to be a truly spectacular season."

Grandstand admission is $7 and Clubhouse admission is $10. Limited reserved seating is available for opening weekend. Grandstand and Clubhouse admission may be purchased in advance online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the NYRA Box Office at Saratoga Race Course. Fans can save $2 on grandstand admission for opening weekend (valid July 11-13) with a voucher available at participating Stewart's Shops and Saratoga Downtown Business Association locations.

Opening weekend will feature six stakes, including the Grade 3, $150,000 Schuylerville for 2-year-old fillies on opening day. Saratoga's first Grade 1 of the season will be contested on Saturday, July 13: the $500,000 Diana for turf fillies and mares.

Fans nationwide will have an even greater opportunity to enjoy the 2019 season with an expanded broadcast schedule for NYRA's acclaimed television show Saratoga Live in partnership with Fox Sports. Saratoga Live will feature live coverage of the full Saratoga card on most days of the season beginning at 1 p.m. on FS2.

Fans in attendance on opening Weekend will enjoy a series of special events designed to highlight the excitement surrounding the 2019 season, including: Mariano Rivera Day on Friday, July 12; a performance by "American Idol" star Madison VanDenburg on Saturday, July 13; and the Saratoga picnic cooler giveaway, presented by NYRA Bets, on Sunday, July 14, which will also feature the 28th edition of the Hat Contest, presented by Moet & Chandon and Hat Sationa! By DEI.

New Hospitality Venue 1863 Club to Debut on Opening Day

The 2019 season will be marked by the debut of Saratoga's newest hospitality area: the 1863 Club. Located on the Clubhouse turn, the 1863 Club is a 36,000-square foot, three-story, climate-controlled building featuring differentiated hospitality options and modern amenities.The 1863 Club is named in honor of the year of the first organized Thoroughbred race meeting in Saratoga, which took place over the course of four days in August 1863 at the original Saratoga Trotting Course. Still in existence today, the original trotting course is near the area known as Horse Haven, located on the Oklahoma Training Track, across from Saratoga Race Course.

The first-floor is home to The Rail at the 1863 Club, a banquet space which features floor-to-ceiling windows and offers table seating for up to 500 fans.

The second-floor, presented by Encore Boston Harbor, features a group event space which accommodates up to 100 guests, and is designated Legends Hall in tribute to the numerous well-known trainers and jockeys who have made a mark at Saratoga.

The third-floor luxury suites, which feature sweeping views of the main track and capacities ranging from 30 to 45 guests, are each named for some of the most memorable and talented Thoroughbreds to have raced at the Spa, including Rachel Alexandra, Whirlaway, Forego, Native Dancer and Lady Eli.

Additionally, the building is equipped with a full-service kitchen.

Daily reservations are currently being accepted for the 1863 Club. All reservations are available by contacting the NYRA Box Office by phone at (844) NYRA-TIX.