Travers Stakes

The Travers Stakes marks the highlight of the Saratoga Race Course meet, held from late July until Labor Day every summer in Saratoga Springs, NY. The Travers Stakes brings together the nations top 3 year-olds, often including the year's Derby, Preakness, and Belmont winners.

The Travers Stakes asks the horses to run the same distance as the Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4 miles. The horses start in the middle of the home stretch of the 1 1/8 mile track, giving fans a great opportunity to see the years best horses up close and personal. Once the race is off, the horses will run for just over 2 minutes, with the action really picking up on the far turn as they make their winning moves.

The entire Travers Day card features top-notch racing, with many other Graded Stakes througout the day. These races, some on the dirt track, others on the lush green turf courses, give other top horses an opportunity to show their stuff and prove who's best in other divisions (fillies, horses older than 3, races on the turf, shorter races, etc.)

The Travers day at the races always brings out a crowd, with often upwards of 50,000 in attendance. Gates open early, at 7:30, and unlike all other days you can stay on the grounds until the end of racing. If you want to get a picnic table, get to the track early you'll be shut out.

The Travers Stakes are run rain or shine. Whether it's a beautiful day like the one Bernardini ran on to win the 2006 edition, or the skies are glowering and thunder is in the air like the 2004 edition one by spunky little Birdstone, the horses will circle the track.

Saratoga Springs puts on a week-long Travers Festival to celebrate the big race. You'll find plenty of live music, street parties, and great food and shopping in town. Whether it be the day of the race or the week before, Saratoga Springs is geared to take care of the many many visitors who flock to town.