Saratoga Race Course 2011 Season Dates And Giveaways

When does the Saratoga racing season begin? What are the giveaways this year? What day is the Travers Stakes?

Fear not horseracing fans, I have your answers before the 143rd season at Saratoga Race Course begins.

The 40-day Saratoga meet features live racing every day except Tuesday and offers 52 stakes races, including 17 Grade 1’s worth $6.65 million, good for at least one stakes every live racing day through Labor Day, September 5th.

Opening Day this year is set for Friday, July 22. The gates open at 11:00am and first Post Time is 1:00pm.

The Spa’s stakes action begins on Opening Day with the Grade 3, $100,000 Schuylerville for 2-year-old fillies, the first of six graded main track events for freshman runners building up to the prestigious Grade 1, $250,000 Three Chimneys Hopeful Stakes on Labor Day.

The 142nd running of the $1 million Travers Stakes will be held on Saturday, August 27th . It is Saratoga’s biggest race which is also known as the “Mid-Summer Derby” for 3-year-olds. First post-time is 11:35am and gates open at 7am. The Travers day undercard will include the Grade 1 Foxwoods King’s Bishop, the Grade 1 Ballerina, the Grade 2 Ballston Spa, and the Grade 3 Victory Ride.

There will be two "Party of the Spa" days this year. On Friday, July 29th and Friday, September 2nd. The first post time on both of those days is is 2:30pm. Stay after the races as the festivities continue at The Post with great music and food.

Four Sunday giveaways are planned this year: a Saratoga baseball cap on Sunday, July 31st. A short-sleeve Saratoga T-shirt on Sunday, August 14th. A Saratoga sports bag on Sunday, August 21st. And a long-sleeve Saratoga T-shirt on Sunday, September 4th. All giveaways are free with paid admission, while supplies last.

General admission is $3; Clubhouse admission is $5. Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Admission gates open at 11:00am on weekdays and 10:30am on weekends. On Travers Day, Saturday, August 27th, gates open at 7:00am. Travers Day admission is $5 general admission; $10 for Clubhouse. Reserved seating is sold separately. On Party at the Spa Fridays, the gates open at noon.

Filed Under: horse racing, saratoga race course, travers stakes

Categories: Albany Area Sports, Saratoga