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The summer racing season begins today at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs. Known as "The Spa," the venue will host 40 days of live racing, concluding on Labor Day (September 1). The highlight of the season is the Travers Stakes, set for Saturday, August 23.
The Saratoga summer meet, as noted by the New York Racing Association (NYRA), features some of the best thoroughbreds in the country. Fans can look forward to key events like the Jim Dandy Stakes on July 26 and Whitney Day on August 2. The Travers Stakes, one of the oldest and most prestigious races for three-year-olds in the United States, will attract elite horses that competed in the Triple Crown earlier this year.
The 2025 Travers Stakes, according to NYRA, will be the 156th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million race. The event will be broadcast live on FOX and FOX Sports. The Travers has a rich history, dating back to 1864, and is named after William R. Travers, the first president of Saratoga Race Course.
For those planning to attend, the NYRA advises purchasing tickets in advance. Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and fans are encouraged to bring their own tablecloths. The Saratoga season promises a mix of thrilling races, fashion contests, and special events honoring racing legends.