July Fourth Racing at Saratoga? Local Businesses React

Saratoga Springs, NY (WRGB) — Local business owners are excited about the potential economic boost that could come if the New York Racing Association (NYRA) decides to extend horse racing at the Saratoga Race Course to include the July Fourth weekend in 2025.

NYRA is currently considering moving the conclusion of the Belmont at the Big A Spring Meet from Aqueduct Racetrack to Saratoga Race Course in 2025. This decision would bring live racing to Saratoga during the holiday weekend, a time when the historic track typically remains quiet.

“Tourists have been coming anyway—the more, the merrier,” said Paul O’Donnell, owner of Celtic Treasures, a popular Saratoga shop. “We start July Fourth weekend, we’ll be here.”

The prospect of July Fourth races has generated excitement among local business owners, who see the potential for increased foot traffic and sales. “I’m always excited. The more people that come, the better off we are,” said Heidi Owens West, owner of several downtown Saratoga shops, including Lifestyles, Carolina and Main, and Union Hall Supply Company. “I hope I can attract them, and they find what we do compelling.”

NYRA officials clarified that this would not be an expansion of the 40-day summer meet, which traditionally begins in mid-July. Instead, the July Fourth weekend races would be part of the Belmont at the Big A Spring Meet if NYRA decides to temporarily move the races to Saratoga due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park.

“Expanding the summer meet beyond 40 days is not under consideration,” Patrick McKenna told CBS6 in an email. “NYRA is determining whether to conclude the Belmont at the Big A spring meet at Saratoga Race Course in 2025, which would result in live racing at Saratoga over July 4 weekend.”

While the final decision has yet to be made, the potential for additional racing days has stirred debate within the community. Many hope the extra races will draw more visitors to the area, benefiting local businesses and the broader economy.

CORRECTION: The lower third in the accompanying video incorrectly stated that NYRA is looking to expand the 2025 meet. The correct information is that NYRA is considering temporarily introducing July Fourth racing at Saratoga in 2025 as part of the Belmont at the Big A Spring Meet. This potential change would not expand the traditional 40-day summer meet.