FATR’s Guide to Saratoga Races
Saratoga is one of the most prestigious tracks in the United States because of its tradition. “Although Saratoga Race Course is considered the third oldest race track/course in the U.S., by many accounts, it is the oldest organized sporting venue of any kind in the country.” –Saratogaracetrack.com
Known for its white wooden rails and red and white striped canopies- this racetrack really steps you back in the day when racing was a fashionable affair.
Being an upstate New York resident (former now), I never cherished the scenery of the track and the town until now. Beautiful green trees surrounding the driveways, white pickets fences up and down the streets, gorgeous old Victorian Homes with guest resting out front in their Adirondack chairs- this is the ultimate laid-back get away for a racing weekend.
What you need to know:
Visiting the race track is a must (well, duh) but I can make the whole experience a lot easier with these few tips:
- Parking can be a nightmare but doesn’t have to be. Just relax and go with it. You can either pay to park at a house, or head toward Fasig Tipton sales grounds and find a spot on the quiet streets and hike it. If you want closer parking, get their early and pay to park in one of the track lots or splurge for valet ($32 weekdays, $45 Weekends and $50 on Whitney/Travers)
- No seats? No problem! General admission still gives you the full on experience. Pay the extra to get into the clubhouse for a little bit more room and better view of the finish line. You will always be able to find a spot to rest your feet but as always be sure you are wearing comfortable shoes (or heels) to survive the day!
Clubhouse Admission: $8
Grandstand Admission: $5**Travers Day Admission:
– Clubhouse: $20
– Grandstand: $10 - Dining options a plenty (kind of). I do love a good lunch at Saratoga– the atmostphere is both electric and laid back. There are plenty of dining options but they can be VERY hard to lock down especially on the weekends. Check out the website and start calling/emailing. There is also a new spot called the Saratoga Room if you need to try that one after everything. Not sure exactly where it is located so be sure to ask. The best spot is the Turf Terrace but good luck! Try the Porch or The Easy Goer next!
- Dress Code. This is important depending on where you are able to lock in seating. Regardless, of course we want you to dress up but just in case you want a lazy day these are the two spots with the strictest code: The Turf Terrace and Box Seating:
“No jeans, shorts, sneakers or flip-flops.
Gentlemen – collared shirts required
Ladies – Dresses, Skirts or Slack outfits
Children 3-12 years old: Neat Casual” - Walk Around! If you have never been here, or even if you have, walk around and enjoy the entire experience! See the paddock, go to where the horses enter from the barns, see the vendors and the fun things they offer and of course eat drink and be merry! This really is a carnival type racetack with our the ‘carneys.’ Take photos by the fountain and the rail! Tag #fashionattheraces so we can see!
Get the lay of the land here:
Once you are finished racing head a couple streets over to Siro’s or head downtown to the great restaurants on Main Street. My favorite restaurant is Chianti – but you will need to make a reservation in order to grab a good table. Into the bar scene? Gaffney’s has a great nightlife as well as beer garden, Irish Times has a roof top bar including live music, and The Parting Glass is always a fun people watching scene.
Enjoy and be safe! Call an UBER if you’ve had a couple more champs than anticipated! (Happens to the best of us….)
