Thoroughbred racing is not the only thing Saratoga Springs, NY is famous for. Presently, four nights a week there is a thunder of hooves and wheels amid the screams of drivers and cracking of whips, under the brilliant lights at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway. Since 1941, Saratoga Raceway has hosted live harness racing at their night track. It was among the first tracks in the U.S. to offer pari-mutuel wagering. Currently, racing is going on anywhere from three to five times a week (depending on the season), mostly year-round, usually consisting of thirteen fast-paced races.

Although no longer part of Grand Circuit racing, video lottery profits have enabled the racing plant to boost purses. Purses have climbed in the past few years from three million dollars more than triple that amount being projected in the upcoming racing seasons. Additionally, the track has replaced Grand Circuit races with local races: the Virginia O