The Saratoga thoroughbred racing season just ended three weeks ago, but excitement is already building about the prospect of more days of racing there next summer.

Because of the ongoing renovation of Belmont Park, the New York Racing Association is considering racing at Saratoga on the Fourth of July weekend in 2025.

If NYRA goes forward with it, racing would be held Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6. The regular Saratoga racing meet will begin on Thursday, July 10.

This would not become an annual event. It would only happen in 2025 because of the construction at Belmont Park, which is scheduled to re-open in 2026.

The Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga on June 7, 2025, and NYRA’s CEO has said they haven’t ruled out a five-day Belmont racing festival at Saratoga. This year, it was four days.

Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus said the July 4 weekend racing would work perfectly with its All-American Celebration.

“We would welcome the opportunity to make that weekend another must-attend summer event,” Shimkus said.

The longtime owner of Kings Tavern, which is right across the street from the main entrance to the track, said he absolutely loves it.

NYRA submits its proposed racing dates in the fall, and they are typically approved by the New York State Gaming Commission in November or December.