2023 Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course

Celebrate the 154th Running of the Travers Stakes in Saratoga Springs, NY

by Jordan Golisano-VanNeil | August 18th, 2023
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Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the 2023 Travers Stakes

When: Saturday, August 26th

Where: Saratoga Race Course

Unless it’s your first time visiting Saratoga Springs, or you live under a rock, then you’ve probably heard of the Travers Stakes and are counting down the days until its finally here. If you’re reading this and you’re feeling confused, let us educate you! The Travers Stakes, also known as Saratoga’s Midsummer Derby, is the biggest event of the Saratoga Springs racing season and this year is no exception. The Travers Stakes was named after William R. Travers, the first president of Saratoga Race Course, who’s horse Kentucky, won the first running of the event in 1864. It is the oldest 3-year-old stakes race in the United States, pre-dating the Kentucky Derby. However, unlike the Kentucky Derby, the Travers has not been run consecutively every year since its first running in 1864. Due to a short period of corrupt track ownership when many stakes races were cut from the program, the Travers did not run in 1896 and 1898-1900. It was also not ran in 1911 and 1912 when politics shut down racing in the entire state of New York. 2023 will mark the 154th running of the Travers Stakes and we could not be more excited! The biggest racing day of the season also means that the entire town of Saratoga Springs will be celebrating all weekend long with parties and live music.

Events Schedule

Thursday, August 24th:

Saratoga Race Course Military Appreciation Day
- NYRA will pay tribute to active military members and veterans in appreciation of their sacrifice and service to our nation. Saratoga Race Course will host the West Point Parachute Team and Color Guard. All veterans and active-duty military will be honored with a special ceremony in the Winner’s Circle and receive free admission with military ID. Gates open at 11:00AM
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
- Eric Church with special guests Lainey Wilson & The Red Clay Strays at 7:00PM
Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill
- Live Music: Motion Blur

Friday, August 25th:

Saratoga Race Course Smart N Fancy
25th Annual Travers Soirée at Saratoga National Golf Club at 6:00PM

Saratoga Performing Arts Center
- Phish at 7:30PM
Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill
- Live Music: Ten Most Wanted

Saturday, August 26th:

Travers Day
- Gates open at 7:00AM; First Post at 11:40AM
- Seating, delicious buffet, one complimentary cocktail, general admission to the Clubhouses, post parade program
- Live performance: Big Medicine
  ILL Funk
Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill
- Live Music: Gravity
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
- Phish at 7:30PM

Sunday, August 27th:

Saratoga Race Course: New York Showcase Day
- Live Music: The Soul City Band
Handicapping Seminar Meet-And-Greet
- Enjoy your Sunday at the races in the Spa’s newest hospitality venue, the climate-controlled Paddock Suite, learning betting strategies and tips from expert handicappers. Guests will also be treated to a meet-and-greet with Saratoga Race Course’s new track announcer Frank Mirahmadi, along with a rotating cast of on-track talent, personalities and VIPs.
Sunday Brunch at the Rail of the 1863 Club
- Every Sunday at The Rail will feature a special brunch which includes buffet, soft drinks, admission, program, tax & gratuity. Contact a member of the Premium Sales Team by telephone at 844-NYRA-TIX or by email at PremiumSales@nyrainc.com for more information.

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