Saratoga Horse Racing Track in New York
Situated in Saratoga Springs, New York, the Saratoga Race Course is an impressive 350-acre racetrack designed to cater to the needs of thoroughbred racing. The track forms part of the New York Racing Association and as such it is able to host a number of prestigious events every year. It was opened in 1863 and has been the home of the Travers Stakes, the oldest major thoroughbred horse race in the country, since 1864 with the exception of three years during World War II during which this sort of racing was under ban.
The Saratoga Racecourse’s main track is 1 1/8 miles in length while the turf course is 1 mile. The steeplechase or inner turf course is 7/8’s of a mile. Saratoga’s facilities are fairly small but can host 50,000 racegoers, with some 18,000 of those individuals seated. Trackside dining caters for 2,200 people and is very popular – as are the picnic facilities around the track. Other facilities include ATM machines, First Aid, Lost and Found, Race Replay Centers and Binocular Rentals.
Generally speaking, those visiting the Saratoga Racecourse should take care that they are elegantly dressed. Such dress is appreciated since it is a time-honored tradition at the track. It is suggested that men who come to watch the races should wear collared shirts and sports jackets or suits, while women are encouraged to wear dresses, skirts or pants suits. Jeans, shorts or other casual wear are not encouraged and are not permitted at the restaurants, clubhouse or in the paddocks – to name a few places. For this reason it is always advantageous to dress the part.
It is for good reason that the Saratoga Race Course has a reputation for elegance, class and beauty. We encourage you to make use of this stunning facility.
