Horse Racing Tracks & Racinos in Upstate New York
Syracuse & Central NY Racing Guide
Horse Racing Near Syracuse & Central New York
Central New York boasts a proud harness racing heritage, with several tracks and racinos offering live racing, pari-mutuel betting, simulcasts, and entertainment. As of March 2026, Vernon Downs is the closest major harness venue to Syracuse (~30-40 minutes), while Finger Lakes delivers thoroughbred racing and Tioga Downs combines harness with a full casino resort experience.
Many venues operate as "racinos" (racing + slots/table games), with live racing seasons generally running spring through fall (thoroughbreds April–November at Finger Lakes; harness varies by track). Year-round simulcast betting is common, and some host special events, concerts, or festivals. Check official sites for current post times, stakes races, and entry fees.
Community-updated — email jim@syr-area.com with corrections, new events, or additional tracks.
Featured Horse Racing Venues Near Syracuse
Top picks for live racing, betting, and entertainment in CNY/Upstate NY.
Vernon Downs Casino Hotel – Vernon
Historic harness racing track with casino, hotel, dining, and entertainment — the closest major venue to Syracuse (~30-40 min drive). Visit Vernon Downs
Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack – Farmington
Thoroughbred racing (April–November) + video lottery terminals and gaming — a reliable regional destination (~50-60 min from Syracuse). Visit Finger Lakes
Tioga Downs Casino Resort – Nichols
Harness racing combined with full casino resort amenities (slots, tables, hotel, dining) — exciting getaway (~1.5–2 hrs from Syracuse). Visit Tioga Downs
Vernon Downs Casino Hotel
Location: 4229 Stuhlman Rd, Vernon, NY 13476
Phone: (315) 829-2201
Type: Harness racing & racino
Historic harness racing venue with casino, hotel, dining, and entertainment — closest major track to Syracuse (~30-40 min drive). Visit Vernon Downs
Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack
Location: 5857 NY-96, Farmington, NY 14425
Phone: (585) 924-3232
Type: Thoroughbred racing & gaming
Thoroughbred racing (April–November) with video lottery terminals and gaming — big regional venue (~50-60 min from Syracuse). Visit Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack
Tioga Downs Casino Resort
Location: 2384 W River Rd #1406, Nichols, NY 13812
Phone: (888) 946-8464
Type: Harness racing & casino resort
Harness racing combined with full casino resort (slots, tables, hotel, dining) — exciting getaway (~1.5–2 hrs from Syracuse). Visit Tioga Downs Casino Resort
Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel
Location: 8315 Park Rd, Batavia, NY 14020
Phone: (585) 343-3750
Type: Harness racing & gaming
Harness racing (July–December) with casino, hotel, and entertainment — solid regional track (~1 hr 50 min from Syracuse). Visit Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel
Saratoga Race Course
Location: 267 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Phone: (518) 584-6200
Type: Iconic thoroughbred track
World-famous thoroughbred summer meet (July–September) — bucket-list destination (~2 hrs from Syracuse). Visit Saratoga Race Course
Aqueduct Racetrack
Location: 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, South Ozone Park, NY 11420
Phone: (718) 641-4700
Type: Thoroughbred horse racing
Thoroughbred track and casino in Queens — races late fall through spring; only NYC-limits track (~4.5–5 hrs from Syracuse). Visit Aqueduct Racetrack
Belmont Park
Location: 2150 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY 11003
Phone: (718) 641-4700
Type: Thoroughbred horse racetrack
Iconic thoroughbred track hosting the Belmont Stakes (Triple Crown final leg) — major destination (~4.5–5 hrs from Syracuse). Visit Belmont Park
Monticello Raceway
Location: 204 NY-17B, Monticello, NY 12701
Phone: (866) 777-4263
Type: Harness racing track
Iconic "Mighty M" harness track offering year-round afternoon standardbred racing on a ½-mile oval — owned by Empire Resorts with a rich history in Upstate NY racing. Visit Monticello Raceway
Yonkers Raceway & Empire City Casino
Location: 810 Yonkers Ave, Yonkers, NY 10704
Phone: (914) 968-4200
Type: Harness racing track
Yonkers Raceway & Empire City Casino, founded in 1899 as the Empire City Race Track, is a one-half-mile standardbred harness racing dirt track and slots racino located at the intersection of Central Park Avenue and Yonkers Avenue in Yonkers, New York. Length: one-half-mile Visit Yonkers Raceway & Empire City Casino