Saratoga Casino Hotel is thrilled to announce the commencement of live harness racing for its 84th season on Sunday, February 2nd. The 2025 racing season at the Spa oval will feature 150 racing programs running through mid-December.
This year, horsemen will vie for over $17 million in purses. The track will also host nine New York Sire Stakes programs, showcasing the finest New York-bred horses, with an additional $1.5 million in purses. The highlight of the season will be the 16th Annual Joe Gerrity Jr. Memorial Pace on Saturday, July 19th, featuring a purse of $250,000 and attracting top pacers.
Father and son duo, Mark and Brett Beckwith, are set to defend their 2024 training and driver titles. Mark achieved a record-breaking 182 wins as a trainer in 2024, while 21-year-old driver Brett notched 306 victories last year.
Race Secretary, Peter Iovino, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are looking forward to another great season of racing. The influx of young reinsmen is bringing a new level of excitement to harness racing at Saratoga Casino Hotel.”
February Promotions: To kick off the season, February will feature several exciting promotions, including up to 10% bonuses on all winning wagers for SaratogaBets account holders while playing on property through the SaratogaBets mobile app or any self-service betting terminal. Interested horseplayers can sign up for a free account at www.saratogabets.com.
A wheel spin drawing will be held on Sunday, February 2nd, where all attendees can enter for a chance to spin the prize wheel and win a $25-$100 free bet, with one winner selected after races 2-10.
On Sunday, February 16th, the first 400 customers will receive a long sleeve T-shirt, followed by another prize wheel spin opportunity on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 17th.
Racing Schedule: The winter, spring, and fall schedule includes matinee racing on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and select Wednesdays with a post time of 12pm. The summer live racing schedule will feature races on Mondays and Tuesdays at 12pm, and Saturday evenings with a post time of 6:45pm.
