The stars, stripes, and stakes are aligning for one of the most exciting weekends on the racing calendar — the July 4th Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course. From Thursday, July 3 to Sunday, July 6, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) is putting on four action-packed days of thoroughbred racing, fan giveaways, patriotic festivities, and family fun.
Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or just getting into the sport, Suffolk OTB is your home for betting the full Saratoga festival — from the first gate break to the final fireworks.
Racing Highlights
Each day features high-quality cards with top-tier horses, jockeys, and trainers. Here’s what to watch for:
Thursday, July 3
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Wild Applause Stakes – $150,000 turf race
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Victory Ride Stakes (G3) – 3-year-old fillies on dirt
Friday, July 4 (Main Event Day)
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Belmont Derby Invitational (G1) – $750,000, 1¼ miles on turf
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Suburban Stakes (G2) – $400,000 on dirt
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Manila Stakes (G3) – One-mile turf test
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Schuylerville Stakes – For 2-year-old fillies
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Harvey Pack Stakes – For turf sprinters
Saturday, July 5
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Belmont Oaks Invitational (G1) – $500,000 on turf for 3-year-old fillies
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Sanford Stakes (G3) – Historic 2-year-old sprint
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Kelso Stakes (G3) – 1-mile dirt showdown
Sunday, July 6
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A relaxed final day featuring competitive allowance and claiming races, plus post-race entertainment and fireworks.
Festival Entertainment and Promotions
The July 4th holiday weekend at Saratoga isn’t just about world-class racing — it’s a full-on celebration:
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Free Saratoga sunglasses to the first 15,000 fans on July 4
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$1 Carnegie Deli hot dogs available all weekend
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Live music, marching bands, and patriotic performances
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West Point parachute team jumping onto the infield
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Family activities, pony rides, games, and fireworks on Sunday
How to Bet with Suffolk OTB
Betting Saratoga’s July 4th Racing Festival is easy and convenient with Suffolk OTB. Whether you’re at home, at one of our branches, or visiting a Fast Track location, we’ve got you covered.
Bet Online
Sign up for a Suffolk OTB account and wager online from your phone, tablet, or computer. It’s fast, secure, and available 24/7.
Visit Your Local Branch
Prefer in-person wagering? Stop by any Suffolk OTB branch to place your bets, chat with knowledgeable staff, and watch the action live.
Play at a Fast Track Location
Our network of Fast Track locations across Long Island offers food, drink, simulcast racing, and a great social atmosphere to enjoy the weekend’s races.
Smart Tips for the Festival
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Follow the Turf Stars
The Belmont Derby and Belmont Oaks attract international talent. Look for horses trained by turf-savvy conditioners and those with strong finishing kicks. -
Trust Class Droppers
In some of the undercard races, horses dropping from stakes or allowance company into claimers can offer value. -
Try Exotic Bets
Trifectas and Superfectas can deliver big returns on days with large, competitive fields like Friday and Saturday. -
Watch the Board
Pay attention to late money movement, especially in juvenile races like the Schuylerville and Sanford. -
Play Multiple Days
With four days of racing, the best betting opportunities might not be in the headline races. Scan each card and look for overlays and solid trainer angles.
Festival Info at a Glance
Location: Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Springs, NY
Dates: July 3 – July 6, 2025
Gates Open: 11:00 AM (12:35 PM post on Saturday)
Admission: $7 advance / $10 at gate / $20 for 4-day pass
Veterans/First Responders: Free entry on July 4 (with ID)
Kids 12 & Under: Free with paying adult
Parking: Available on-site and via shuttle
Wagering: Available through all Suffolk OTB channels
Final Word
The July 4th Racing Festival is the perfect blend of big-time stakes action and summertime fun. Whether you’re watching from Saratoga or from your local Suffolk OTB branch, you can get in on all the excitement.
Don’t miss a beat — bet the festival with Suffolk OTB and make your holiday weekend a winning one.
Open your account or find your nearest location today at suffolkotb.com.