Saratoga Springs, NY – Bertrand “Bert” Belanger, 82, of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., passed away at home on Aug. 10. Bert was born to Robert and Gertrude Belanger on May 17, 1944, in St. Michele de Bellechasse, Quebec. He began his racing career, which spanned over 60 years, in 1960 at the age of 16 in Quebec City. In 1969, Bert married his wife, Lyse (née Labbe), and that same year moved to begin his long career in Saratoga Springs. Over the course of his career, Bert attained o

The Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association, Inc. will host a Match Race on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Saratoga Casino Hotel. Katie Davis McCarthy, and RUS rider Randi Stark will compete in a trotting race under saddle. Katie Davis-McCarthy will compete for the BCCA Faith’s House. Faith’s House provides a safe, supportive, and academically inspiring environment for the children of parents working on the backstretch at Saratoga Race Course. www.belmontchildrencar

We appreciate everyone's willingness to donate towards the Barn Fire Tragedy. Donations should be payable to: The Saratoga County Foundation, Inc (with a memo Barn Fire Tragedy) Please send the donations to the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association Inc. PO Box 171, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Any donations payable to the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association Inc are not considered a tax-deductible charitable donation for the donor.

The Memorial Ceremony will begin at 10:45 on Sunday 6/28/26, therefore the main track will be closed for warming up. All horses may warm up on the jog track, until the ceremony concludes. The horses may warm up on the main track. Lasix Schedule 6-28-2026.pdf 77.7 kB

Saratoga Casino Hotel and the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association have announced a public memorial service on Sunday, June 28 at 10:45am to honor the 17 horses that perished in the devastating barn fire on June 16, 2026. Horses to be honored at Memorial Service: Arlanda, Conquest As, Crazy Jet, Five Star Lou, Free Willy Hanover, Gimlet Hanover, Influencer, Lyons Dukey, Muscle Dynasty, Our Father Lindy, Perfect Bang, Quite Like Me, Race Me Bombshell, Shalamar Hanover, T

Barn Fire Donations The SHHA has been receiving calls for addresses and phone numbers of the trainers involved. The SHHA does not provide personal phone numbers or addresses of members. However, if you wish to donate to the trainers individually, please make your checks payable to the individual trainer or gift certificate and mail to the following address: Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association PO Box 171 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Our administrative assistant, Karen Kama

Update on Backstretch Barn Fire at Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness TrackInvestigation Remains Ongoing Following Loss of 17 Horses SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (June 16, 2026) — Saratoga Casino Hotel and the Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association are providing an update regarding the barn fire that occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. this morning in the backstretch area of the harness racetrack. Officials have confirmed that 17 horses perished in the fire. The barn housed a total o

"This is a sobering day in our industry, a horseperson's worst nightmare. We express our deep condolences to all impacted and thank all emergency responders and track workers for their quick response." Henry Westbrook, Jr, President Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association. "This tragic loss is a reminder this can happen anywhere. My heartfelt condolences go out to all impacted. Thank you to all first responders local and state for your prompt response. We must work to lear

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 8:41 am Fire at Saratoga Casino Hotel Harness Track Claims Seven Horses Cause of Fire is Under Investigation SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (June 16, 2026) — Saratoga Casino Hotel and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department report that a fire broke out in a barn located in the backstretch of the harness racetrack at approximately 2:30 a.m. this morning. The barn, which housed approximately 18 horses, was completely destroyed by the fire. Des

Racing is cancelled Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

Starting on Monday, June 15, regular qualifiers will be held on Mondays for the remainder of the meet. Post time 9:30. Baby Races will be conducted on Tuesday, June 16, 23 & 30. Post time 9:30.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATION FORMS AVAILABLE This year the following Directors’ terms will expire December 31, 2026: Brian Cross William (Bill) Grass John Hoagland, Jr Michael (Mickey) McGivern Henry Westbrook, Jr Mark Whitcroft If you are interested in running for a seat on the SHHA Board of Directors, you must be a current SHHA member in good standing and willing to attend monthly meetings, special meetings and donate your time to various committees. You m

The main track will close at 10 a.m. on the following Thursdays for 2-year-old schooling. It will remain closed after schooling for infield maintenance. May 14th May 21st May 28th

Brett's surgeries are in his past and he is home recovering. The Beckwith family thanks everyone for their prayers and support. Knowing Brett, he will be in the bike as soon as possible.

Section 902 of the New York State Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law requires the Commission to assess the projected deficit of the racing regulation account to racetracks and horsemen. As a result of the assessment, effective 5/1/2026 , the starting fees will increase from $29 to $42. This reflects an increase from $19 per start paid to Morrisville (for the drug testing deficit fund) to $32 per start. The $10 fee paid to the NYSGC will remain the same.

Platinum AS repeats in Saratoga Open – U.S. Trotting News

https://www.drf.com/news/saratoga-harness-upstate-new-york-track-claims-handle-crown

Thomas McTygue was a past president of the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association, Inc. (SHHA) and a long-time horse owner and harness racing advocate. This scholarship is given in his memory. The SHHA’s Thomas McTygue Scholarship is given to a graduating high school senior pursuing a two or four-year degree and who is a member of the SHHA, or whose parent, guardian or relative is a member in good standing of the SHHA. The SHHA member must have had a prior year and a

THE WASH STALL DRAINS ON THE HILL DRAIN TO A SINGLE MAIN WHICH IS CURRENTLY FROZEN SOLID. ROTO-ROOTER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CLEAR THIS UNTIL TEMPERATURES RISE AND REMAIN FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME SO THE MAIN CAN THAW. TRAINERS CAN BATHE HORSES IN THE PADDOCK. TRAINERS MUST CALL MAINTENANCE IN ADVANCE AT 518-581-5752 AND LEAVE A MESSAGE STATING WHEN AND HOW MANY HORSES THEY ARE GOING TO BATHE, SO PLUMBERS CAN KEEP THE PADDOCK DRAIN PIPES CLEAR. HORSEMEN AT THEIR BARNS O