Catch Up on Saratoga Springs News, Exciting Business Announcements, and More

Belmont Stakes Racing Festival Launches with New York Showcase Day

Saratoga Race Course is set to kick off the 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival with a strong nod to New York’s racing roots. Opening Day on Wednesday, June 4, will celebrate New York-breds with a full day of stakes races, regional food and drink, and local entertainment.

Admission gates open at 11 a.m., with post time for the first race scheduled for 12:40 p.m.

Fans arriving early can grab an “I Love NY-Breds” baseball cap—available to the first 10,000 paid attendees—before settling in for a six-race showcase of Empire State talent. Featured events include the Mike Lee and Bouwerie for sophomores, the Commentator and Critical Eye for older runners, and turf contests like the Kingston and Mount Vernon.

In partnership with the Taste NY program, the on-site Pavilion will offer samples and products from New York-based brewers, distillers, and food vendors throughout the day. Visitors can enjoy selections from local favorites like Northway Brewing Co., Pick Six Vodka, and Saratoga’s own Country Corner Cafe.

Rounding out the day’s festivities, the celebration spills into downtown Saratoga Springs with a free “Belmont on Broadway” concert from 7 to 10 p.m. featuring national acts Gin Blossoms and Uprooted. It’s all part of the larger festival running through Sunday, June 8, marking Saratoga’s biggest spring-to-summer racing moment yet.

Saratoga Race Course General Admission Tickets Now On Sale!

Exciting news for racing fans: single-day general admission tickets for the 2025 Saratoga Race Course summer meet are officially on sale! Now’s your chance to lock in your spot for one of the most anticipated summer traditions in Saratoga.

General admission includes access to the popular Rivers Casino Backyard (with hundreds of first-come, first-served picnic tables), and walk-around access to most areas of the track, including the Clubhouse, Grandstand, and trackside apron.

Guests are welcome to bring personal-sized coolers and lawn chairs, so you can kick back and enjoy the day your way.

This year’s season includes the July 4th Racing Festival (July 3–6) and the full 40-day summer meet from July 10 through September 1.

With so many thrilling race days on the horizon, now’s the time to grab your tickets and prepare for another unforgettable Saratoga summer. Tickets are available online—purchase yours today!

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Introducing a Sweet Treat From Stewart's for Horse Racing Fans

Horse racing enthusiasts can now enjoy a new way to celebrate the Belmont Stakes, thanks to a creative partnership between the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and Stewart’s Shops: The Bel-Mint Stakes.

This limited-time ice cream flavor is a tribute version of Mint Cook Crumble rebranded by Stewart's just in time for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.

The ice cream will be available from April 28 through June 8 in honor of the Belmont Stakes, taking place in Saratoga for the second year in a row, June 4 to 8. 

The name was chosen via an online poll conducted by NYRA in March, and the ice cream is available at over 175 participating Stewart's locations.

But the collaboration doesn't stop with dessert: Fans can pick up a 3-day general admission pass for the Belmont Stakes at $99, offered exclusively at Stewart's while supplies last - this is a 15% savings. There's even an add-on savings to include admission for all four days of the July 4th Racing Festival at just $20.