The Best 12 Horse Race Tracks in New York

If you’re in New York and looking for a good time that includes horse races you can watch and bet on, you don’t need to look further than these race tracks located in the state.

Looking to bet online? Check out one of the sites above!

Both thoroughbred and harness racing is available in the state. New York is a large area with many horses being raised and bred in the state and there are also plenty of race tracks willing to take on these race horses and their owners.

With a long and interesting history, New York has been putting on races for horses since 1665. Many of these race tracks that have been built over the years are still being operated to this day.

While they’ve been updated and provide more for the visitor, they still have the old time feel of horse racing for guests to enjoy. The New York State Racing and Wagering Board has jurisdiction over all of the races and facilities that provide the races to ensure that they’re all up to date and code on everything that has to be done to be legal in each establishment.

Placing a strong emphasis on the care and well being of the horses being raced, the race tracks ensure that each horse racing facility is up to date with their health and medical care. They provide high quality race environments so that these horses have the best treatment prior to, during, and after races.

With that being said, if you’re in the New York area searching for a horse race track, there are many to be found. Here’s a comprehensive list of the horse race tracks provided in the state.

1 – Aqueduct Racetrack

You can enjoy the Aqueduct Racetrack and all the history it holds. Opening for the season on April 28th, they have a full list of races and activities planned through the spring and summer months. Receiving a face lift in 2012, the race track shows these $5 million improvements. Betting and stakes can be found posted online or upon your arrival at the track.

Consider all of the horses that will be racing in that particular race, as well as their stats. With a large audience area, grab tickets to sit and watch the horses’ race to the finish line ahead. The best part about this track is that many known horses have raced here including Sea Biscuit, Man o’ War, Cigar, and Rachel Alexandra.

2 – Batavia Downs

Batavia Downs is a harness racing track that provides much more than horse racing for the guest. Not only does the area offer live horse racing and betting, but they also have a hotel and casino for you to enjoy during your stay. Restaurants, a spa, and other outlets are provided for those staying for extended periods of time. With a half mile track and live horses, you might find that this is the ideal place to spend your time.

The horses race from July to September and tickets for the races are affordable. Bets can be made prior to the start of the race in the cashier’s box. The schedules are posted online, allowing you to check the dates and times prior to booking a reservation or purchasing tickets for the shows.

3 – Buffalo Raceway

Opened in 1942, the horse racing at the Buffalo Raceway has been going strong ever since. Running harness horse racing from January to July, you can come out to watch some of the most popular horses run around the track. Enjoy concessions as well as night races with lights that blaze above. You can check the schedule of races right online, allowing you to book in advance before you make the trip.

Place your bets at the cashiers stand before the races begin. Plenty of special events are offered throughout the year that guests can enjoy. With giveaways, handicap contests, festivals, complimentary programs, and so many others; plan a trip during one of these special events to get even more from your time spent at the race track.

4 – Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack

The Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack provides 160 days full of thoroughbred horse racing a year. You can come out and enjoy not only the races and restaurants, but the casino that is also located on the property.

Live entertainment is also provided in many areas. Choose to stay here for a weekend and catch all of the offerings or consider stopping by for a day full of racing fun when the races begin. Check online for the race schedule and to purchase tickets in advance.

You can watch all of the races live on the computer, or replays of the previous races for the season. An internet connection is all that is needed to do so.

Check out the insights based on the horse’s stats to find out which ones are looking to bring it all the way home this season. This can help you place your bets on the upcoming races you’re scheduled to visit.

5 – Goshen Historic Track

This harness racing track has been around since 1838 and continues to bring in big horse names each and every season. It’s known as the oldest continuously running horse race track in North America, giving it a great history that you can follow.

With a museum set up inside, you can take a tour of the past, while learning a bit of history. After learning, place your bets on some of the fastest horses in the area and watch as they speed to the finish line.

Numerous festivities and activities welcome you to the tracks. With Kentucky Derby Days being put on, you can dress in your best to place a bet and watch your favorite horse dominate the track. Many of the festivals also provide family fun days where you can bring the kids with you to enjoy a day full of horse racing, fun, and games that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

6 – Monticello Raceway

For a little exciting adventure, you can check Monticello Raceway’s racing schedule online. Book your seats at this fast moving harness racing course early and enjoy the fun. Make sure to visit the banker with your bet. The purse continues to go up as people place their bets on some of the best known horses that race around the track, looking to pursue the chance at victory.

They provide a resort and casino right by the race track that provides visitors with a place to spend some time and stay. Make sure to catch a race or two during your visit so that you can enjoy a little extra while out at the race track. Monticello Raceway continues to provide excellent service, as well as awesome race views from many of the open seating arrangements around the track.

7 – Belmont Park off Road Race Track

The site of the Belmont Triple Crown championship that happens every year, this is a track that you have to visit at least once in your lifetime. First opened in 1905, the track has a rich history that can be seen while walking the halls of the race area.

They provide stats on all of the horses, new and old, that will be racing throughout the season. This provides a way for newcomers to easily place bets on the horses based on their current stats.

Races are held throughout the spring and summer months, allowing everyone from near and far to book a stay out by the race track. You can purchase tickets and check the race events online. Many festivities also happen throughout this time in the area. Plan your entire stay in Belmont Park and enjoy the many horses that come out to race the tracks.

8 – Saratoga Race Course

The Saratoga Race Course can hold up to 50,000 people during a single race, providing plenty of seating options for those that want to head out to see an event. With a strong history behind the race track, it continues to provide racing fun for many of the guests that come to visit. Opened in 1863, many of the most famous horses that so many know today have come and gone, racing the track to their glory.

Today you can still see some of the most famous horse’s race on the track from time to time. You can place your bets, purchase tickets, check the shows, and even watch them live right from your screen when it comes to visiting the web site online. This provides everyone with an idea of what to expect during the races. Generally, they tend to sell out fast, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.

9 – Saratoga Raceway

Saratoga Raceway has a large selection of things to do when visiting the area, with everything from the racetrack to the casino, the night club, and the hotel. You won’t be at a loss during your visit finding things you can spend your time on. The race tracks feature thoroughbred horses that have all been trained for these very races. You can choose your favorite horse before the races begin. They post all of the stats to help you make the best decision.

Plan your stay at the raceway and come out to see the horse races, play in the casino, eat some of the finest food, check out the nightclub, and even stay in a suite. Everything is personalized to your liking, making this one of the biggest destinations in Saratoga Springs.

10 – Vernon Downs Race Track

Harness racing is provided at this race track for one and all to come out and see, spend the day, and place their bets on the winning horse. Additionally, the race track is also part of a giant hotel and casino resort that provides visitors with a little something extra to do when it comes to spending their money and having a good time. You can check for reservations online, as well as take a look at the horse racing schedule. You can plan the entire visit ahead of time.

Regular events are held at the race track, giving you a few opportunities to come out during the festivities and get a little more out of the races. Check out the stats of each of the horses and racers before placing your bet online. This way, you can continue to see who is going to lead the top of the race. If you enjoy fast racing, luxury suites, and a little time to gamble in the casino on the side, this race track is the perfect place to be.

11 – Yonkers Raceway

This raceway is eclectic, bright, and unique. It has a more modern feel to it then some of the other race tracks that can be found throughout New York State.

Though not as large as some of the other tracks with just a half mile track, it still provides an exciting way for you to bet on some of the best horses racing. The harness racing that happens can be found online, so you’re easily able to check the schedule and plan your visit.

Attached to the horse track they provide a casino and restaurants for those that want to get more out of their day. Hotels are located nearby if you’re thinking of staying in the area. You’ll find something to do for everyone when visiting this area of New York. Book ahead and plan your visit so you can get the most out of the Yonkers Raceway.

12 – Tioga Downs Racetrack

Want to check out the heart of the southern tier of New York? Now you can with a little horse racing that comes with it.

Tioga Downs offers harness racing for those interested in seeing a fast action race. With a casino and resort connected to the race track, you can make the event an all weekend one. You can book your stay, check out the schedule, and even watch the races live.

Make sure to put down your bet when it comes to being at the race. Check the horse’s stats right online, or they have them posted at the cashier’s box when placing a bet.

Tioga Downs has all of the exciting offerings so that you can make the most of your trip while in the area. The race track, as well as seating, has all been remodeled to provide a fresh, large appearance that’s not only comfortable but spacious to those guests coming for the races and to play.

Conclusion

If you find yourself in any of these areas in New York, these horse tracks can provide a good way to spend your day. Enjoy the many horses, the tracks, and the other extras that the race tracks provide.

Horse racing is a good pastime, plus it provides a way for you to double or even triple your money if you get lucky. Find a horse that you enjoy watching race and bet on them each time they come to the track of your choice.

Enjoy a little something extra when choosing one of the race tracks listed above that also provide a hotel and casino. Some have eateries, spas, and other goodies hidden within their buildings. They provide a quick getaway when you want something fun to do without having to go very far.

New York is full of places to spend your time, including the horse tracks. Find out which horses are going to come out winners when you watch them speed around the track, making bets on who’s going to come out on top next. Which one will you visit first?