SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (January 30, 2025) – Saratoga Casino Hotel announced the return of live harness racing for its 84th season on Sunday, February 2. The 2025 schedule at the Spa oval will consist of 150 racing programs running through mid-December.
This year, horsemen will compete for over $17 million in purses. The track will also host nine New York Sire Stakes programs featuring the best New York bred horses in the state racing for an additional $1.5 million in purses. The premier event of the season will be the 16th Annual Joe Gerrity Jr. Memorial Pace on Saturday, July 19. With a purse of $250,000 the Gerrity is expected to attract a field of top pacers.
Father and son, Mark and Brett Beckwith, will be looking to defend their 2024 training and driver titles. Mark trained 182 winners in 2024, a record number of wins for a trainer in a single season, and 21-year-old driver, Brett, crossed the finish line first 306 times last year.
“We are looking forward to another great season of racing,” said Race Secretary, Peter Iovino. “The influx of young reinsmen is bringing a new level of excitement to harness racing at Saratoga Casino Hotel.”
The month of February will feature some exciting promotions including up to 10% bonuses on all winning wagers on Saratoga Harness races for SaratogaBets account holders while playing on property through the SaratogaBets mobile app or any self-service betting terminal. Interested horseplayers can log on to www.saratogabets.com to sign up for a free account.
A wheel spin drawing will be held on Sunday, February 2 where all customers in attendance can fill out an entry form in the racing program for a chance to spin the prize wheel to win a $25-$100 free bet. One winner will be selected after races 2-10.
On Sunday, February 16, the first 400 customers will receive a long sleeve T-shirt followed by another chance to spin the prize wheel on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 17.
The winter, spring and fall schedule will include matinee racing on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and select Wednesdays, post time 12pm. The summer live racing schedule will be Mondays and Tuesdays, post time 12pm and Saturday evenings with a post time 6:45pm. Go to www.saratogacasino.com for Track Announcer Mike Sardella’s race picks, racing recaps and the full live race schedule.
Photo Caption: Live Harness Racing at Saratoga Casino Hotel
Photo Credit: Jessica Hallett
About Saratoga Casino Hotel:
Saratoga Casino Hotel, located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY, features slot machines, electronic table games, a luxury hotel, Vapor, Morton’s® The Steakhouse, a casual dining restaurant, full-service bars, deli and a variety of guest services. Simulcast wagering is available and live harness racing runs February through mid-December. For more information, please visit www.saratogacasino.com or call 800-727-2990. Must be 18 years of age or older to play video gaming machines or wager on horses. Please play responsibly.