Ryan Mazierski
Google
No name is so synonymous with a particular sport as Saratoga is with horse racing. The track is a great experience for those who love horse racing and those who have only a passing interest in it. Saratoga is the oldest racetrack and oldest sporting venue in the US dating all the way back to 1863. Altogether, there are over two hundred buildings here on the most historic of racetracks. Saratoga provides different and unique experiences for anyone who visits. It is the only racetrack where the horses are walked through an immense crowd of people before they get to the starting gate. This is just a cool experience for all ages. There are many monuments to the great horses who raced here. The racetrack also contains the Big Red spring, one of the many springs in Saratoga Springs.
If you’re interested in seeing more of the track for free. The track still offers “Breakfast at Saratoga” where you can go to the track before 11 am and take in the sights and sounds. There are no races at this time, but you can watch the horses workout. This is a great way to see more of the track than you would see during race times.
The track offers what might be one of the widest range of concessions offered at any sports venue. Some of the best choices include Taco Republic, Carnegie Deli, Dunkin Donuts, Shake Shack, Union Ave Grill, and Capital Q. You can also picnic at the track and bring your own food. There are hundreds of picnic tables located around the campus of the track.
Betting at the track is a fairly easy experience. They do have mutuel windows where you can place a bet with a live teller. Most of the windows are now automated and you can bet on the track’s app on your phone or at a window where there are self-service computers. Programs and racing sheets are available both inside and outside the track.
If you’re just curious about the track and don’t want to deal with large crowds the best days to attend are Wednesday and Thursday. The big crowds come for the major stakes races on Saturdays and Sundays. You can purchase admission tickets online ahead of time to save money. You can also purchase admission tickets at the gate. Grandstand seats can also be purchased online. On most days it is possible to stand close to the rails and watch the horses race by. Overall, there is a great experience to be had by all here because you can make a day at Saratoga the way you want it to be.