Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Casino Hotel announces the return of live harness racing for its 85th season, beginning Sunday (Feb. 1). The 2026 schedule at the Spa oval will consist of 150 racing programs running through mid-December, including several Saturday matinee race cards throughout the season.
Horsemen will compete for over $17 million in purses during the season. In addition, the track will host eight New York Sire Stakes programs featuring the best New York-bred horses in the state racing for an additional $1.5 million in purses.
“I expect a very strong season of racing,” said Race Secretary Peter Iovino. “The horse population has been abundant the last few years and this gives us the ability to offer a high-quality product for our fans.”
Saratoga Casino’s premier event, the Joe Gerrity Jr. Memorial Invitational Pacing Series, will kick off on Saturday, July 11, with a new format better suited for local horsemen participation. This year, competitors will vie for points in the $20,000 Invitational over seven consecutive Saturdays, with the top point-earners advancing to the $100,000 final on Saturday, Aug. 29. Total purses for the Gerrity Invitational series are $240,000.
Defending their 2025 titles this season are leading trainer Melissa Beckwith and top driver Jim Devaux. Beckwith trained 174 winners in 2025, while Devaux crossed the finish line first 288 times last year.
Saratoga Casino will partner with the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association, to offer some exciting promotions in the month of February. Highlights include a long-sleeved shirt giveaway to the first 400 customers on Saturday, Feb. 14. Other promotions include a wheel spin drawing on Saturday, Feb. 7, and Sunday, Feb. 15, where all customers in attendance can enter for a chance to spin the prize wheel to win a $25-$100 free bet. One winner will be selected after races two through 10.
This season will also feature an expanded wagering menu that includes two Pick-5s with carryovers, two Pick-4s with carryovers, $1 minimum wager, 20-cent superfectas and $1 triples in every race, plus a $3 minimum late daily double.
Throughout the season, SaratogaBets account holders can earn up to a 10% bonus on winning wagers on Saratoga Harness races while wagering on property via the SaratogaBets mobile app or at any self-service betting terminal. Interested horseplayers can log on to www.saratogabets.com to sign up for a free account.
The winter, spring and fall schedule will include matinee racing on Saturday, Sundays, Mondays and select Tuesdays, with a noon (EST) post time. The summer live racing schedule will be Mondays and Tuesdays at noon, along with Saturday evening programs beginning at 6:45 p.m.
For track announcer Mike Sardella’s race picks, racing recaps, and the full live race schedule, visit www.saratogacasino.com.