Succumbing to the Lure of Saratoga Once Again
Call this part potpourri of Saratoga, part invitation, part travelogue, and part history. Whether you have been there many times, just a few times, or never, it is hoped this will get you in the mood. Remember, come July and August all roads lead to the Spa.~ Steve Haskin
Succumbing to the Lure of Saratoga Once Again
By Steve Haskin
Yes, it’s that time of the year again. As I prepare for my initial 2022 sojourn to Saratoga I get those same feelings of anticipation mixed with the usual flood of memories that have been accumulated and stored away since my initial visit 54 years ago. That is when this wide-eyed racing novice took his first close-up photo of the immortal Dr. Fager walking along the rail prior to a workout, stood by the rail and watched C.V. Whitney’s Chompion upset Calumet Farm’s Forward Pass in the Travers, saw Dr. Fager’s kid sister Ta Wee break her maiden, and spent my post training hours at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame every morning looking at the same paintings and trophies, while engulfed in history, then collecting the free color postcards of Damascus, Dr. Fager, and Buckpasser at the admission desk on my way out.
In many ways it is still 1968, just as it might have seemed like 1928 to a veteran Spa visitor back in ‘68. Although the once quiet little town in the Adirondacks has grown enormously, now inundated with restaurants and condominiums, it has never lost its sense of history, the love of the Thoroughbred, and its ability to enthrall. It is still a place to escape, forget one’s problems, and become totally immersed in a time long forgotten. In short, Saratoga has always been and always will be hallowed ground.
Over the past half a century I have proposed to my wife in Saratoga, celebrated my daughter’s first birthday, seen her and my grandson sit on their first horse as pre-toddlers, and become enshrined in the same Hall of Fame I visited so many times in the presence of family and friends.
After years of staying at the old Grossman’s Victoria Hotel on Broadway, rented houses, motels, and finally the Ramada Inn in nearby Glens Falls I now consider the Saratoga residence of our dear friends Avi and Rhoda Freedberg as our second home, located right on the Oklahoma training track. Paradise to me now is awakening to the sounds of horses’ hooves right outside our window, walking out the back gate to the rail and exchanging greetings with Wayne Lukas, Bill Mott, and other trainers and riders as they walk by while we sit on the back porch having breakfast.
As I prepare to embark on yet another journey to the Spa I look forward to meeting racing fans, old and new, first at the Spa Fine Art gallery on Broadway Friday night from 7 – 9, where the extraordinary artist Lisa Palombo will be exhibiting her beautiful color-splashed paintings of Secretariat. I will also have a few of my Secretariat photographs on display.
Then on Saturday, Whitney day, I will be at the Secretariat merchandising stand adjacent to the jockeys’ room selling and signing my collection of Secretariat photos, along with several photos of Riva Ridge and my never before seen conformation photo of Ruffian taken at her barn at Belmont Park. Even if you don’t purchase anything or just want to browse at all the Big Red apparel, and memorabilia stop by to say hello.
If I don‘t see you there or if you plan on going to Saratoga at a later date, let me call on my decades of experience at the Spa and give you a little travel guide of some of my favorite things to see and do, and places to eat.
You have to begin the day at Breakfast at Saratoga watching the horses train from the grandstand apron while enjoying a breakfast buffet, then taking a 45-minute tram-ride tour of the backstretch. You can also go across Union Avenue to the Oklahoma training track and get a great view of the training from atop the Mary Lou Whitney stand erected several years ago. If you wish to save breakfast until later you can go to the Horseshoe restaurant across from the Nelson Avenue stable entrance where you can see horses walking by going to and from their barns. And you’re going to get a good breakfast with great atmosphere.
If you’re spending the morning strolling down Broadway, there is Compton’s for breakfast or give in to the aroma emanating from Uncommon Grounds, where you’ll probably have to wait in line for coffee and bagel or pastry. If you want to indulge in a sweeter, richer fare, there is Mrs. London’s Bake Shop, which moved years ago from its original location on Phila Street.
While you are downtown and want to bring a piece of Saratoga racing back home with you, you can find everything racing at Impressions and Crafter’s Gallery, with plenty of gifts to choose from for those from eight months to 80 years old. Then to get a real sense of racing history or any kind of literary history stop at the Lyrical Ballad bookstore with its catacomb-like winding corridors. In their racing section you will find new, old, very old, and ancient books on racing. This is a haven for historians. You can even find books by a certain old Brooklyn-born balding author who stops in often to check out what’s new there and perhaps autograph a few books.
While on Broadway stop in and hang out for a while in the lobby of the Adelphi Hotel, the smallest and last remaining of the old hotels that once dominated Broadway, mainly the Grand Union and United States Hotels that sprawled over city blocks and catered to the opulent tastes of America’s financial giants, politicians, and colorful figures like Diamond Jim Brady. The Adelphi has gone through a number of facial changes, but still retains its look and feel of a bygone era. In was at the Adelphi that the colorful John Morrissey, the founder and builder of Saratoga Racecourse, the famous mineral water spas, and the historic Canfield Casino took his last breath. Canfield Casino, once known for its decadence, is still there located in Congress Park and is now a museum showing the history of Saratoga, as well as an event hall.
And for the lovers of the arts, if you’re in Saratoga in late July there is Shakespeare in the Park free of charge in Congress Park. And in Spa State Park you can always find a concert going on at SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center), often with big names performing. And just down the road on South Broadway there is the National Museum of Dance.
If you’re not going to the races or have time in the morning head down Union Avenue and right before the entrance to I-87 hang a right into Yaddo, the historic artists’ retreat, and walk around the fountains, statues, and gardens. This is an idyllic spot that my wife and I, and our daughter, have frequented on many occasions. It remains a very special place.
And of course for all water lovers you have nearby Saratoga Lake and a 30-minute drive up the Northway brings you to the touristy Lake George.
Whitney day this year will feature a number of top-class horses competing in the Grade 1 Test Stakes and the Saratoga Derby, with the Whitney showcasing Horse of the Year contenders Life is Good and Olympiad and last year’s Secretariat Vox Populi Award winner Hot Rod Charlie. If you wish to discuss the race and see who I like stop by and I will be happy to provide bad or useless information.
The Saratoga backyard area is dominated now by picnic tables, but you better get there early on weekends because often the most exciting race of the day is the mad dash to secure one. A unique attraction of the backyard is the horse path where you can get a close-up look at the horses as they head to the paddock from the stable area. While you’re there you have to try the famous mineral water from the Big Red spring, named after racing’s two Big Reds Secretariat and Man o’ War, who ironically suffered two of the biggest upsets in the history of Saratoga. You might not like the taste, but this is the water that drew so many people to the Spa starting back in the 1800s
In addition, there is live music throughout the day and don’t forget to check out the number of tents that are set up just past the main entrance, where you can see the works of some of the top equine artists and desigers and purchase prints. hats, jewelry or whatever suits your fancy. It is among these tents, just past the horse path, you will find yours truly on Saturday and be able to get your Secretariat fix by taking home a piece of Big Red in whatever form you desire,
As much as you might enjoy standing outside the paddock watching the horses walk around their designated tree, with some saddling there, just remember that the horses used to walk around their trees right out amongst the public. Back then you could pick a horse and watch him or her circle around their tree just a couple of feet away or walk from one tree to another to get a close-up look at all the horses. I remember in 1969 Arts and Letters had become so popular they had to rope off the public who were lined seven and eight deep around his tree.
After your day at the races, there are so many great restaurants in Saratoga now to choose from. But some of the more popular places like Osteria Danny and Solevo are almost impossible to get into without making reservations weeks or months in advance. Our favorite place for years has been Nove, formerly called Sergio’s, which is about 15 minutes north of Saratoga just before you get to the iconic Wishing Well, which used to be THE place to go and see horse people, along with Siro’s, located just outside the clubhouse entrance to the track. The Wishing Well is where my wife and I announced our engagement to her family in 1979 and where the Migliore family reserved a private room and celebrated our daughter’s first birthday in 1985. This was where you could usually find the legendary turf writer Joe Hirsch dining out with friends and co-workers.
So, there is a little taste of Saratoga today and yesterday. I hope to see some of you there; if not next weekend perhaps in the future. One thing about Saratoga, it remains timeless.
Totally a wonderful tribute to Saratoga! I can not believe there has not been a horse named Yaddo. Maybe he is yet to come.
I loved my time in Saratoga. It was magical. I could have spent much more time. Wish I had the extra week or two. Much to see. One day I totally enjoyed was a visit to Old Friend’s Cabin Creek. Thanks for a refresher course on more to see. I hope to get back there again.
Tyler’s Tribe, the gelded son of Sharp Azteca, out of a Mission Implazible mare, is undefeated in 3 career starts at Prairie Meadows. Granted the competition at PM is well below that of the major tracks around the country, but the way he wired the field in all 3 starts is something to behold. On June 20th, he broke his maiden in a 4 1/2 furlongs MSW, winning in 52.12, drawing off by 16 3/4 lengths. In his second start, the 5 1/2 furlong Prairie Meadows Juvenile S. (Black type), he drew off by 8 1/2 lengths in 1:03.64. In his latest start, the Prairie Meadows Futurity, at 5 1/2 furlongs, once again he wired the field, drawing off by 12 1/2 lengths, in 1:04.18.
Hopefully, the connections will point this impressive gelding to a stakes race, against open company, at a major track.
He could be one of the top colts from this year’s 2yr. old crop. Certainly one to keep an eye on moving forward.
Re-watchimg Justique’s debut run…from last to first, Victor sitting still as they went by….thats one of those performances where you don’t worry about figures, her next race will be in September, the Del Mar Debutante…..
For what it is worth here are my thoughts on the Whitney. Life is Good (LIG) was ready to run Olympiad (OLY) was not. In the post parade before the race LIG had his ears pricked and was on his toes while OLY ears were flopping and he was plodding. OLY seemed to going thru motions during the race… big disappointment (too much nyquil the night before???) LIG ran a nice race but I wouldn’t say he was “Dazzling” like another article on another website had it. Nice move by Irad in the stretch preventing Happy Saver from pulling off a “Rich Strike” performance on him. I still have my doubts about him getting 1 1/4 mile ( at least on the frontend ) unless he is all by himself like he was for this race which probably won’t happen in the BC Classic . Pletcher has a dilemma from what I can see with him. We are 3 months from the BC Classic and he needs to make a decision on whether to train him up to that race ( which I think would be a BIG mistake unless he changes his running style to a closer which probably won’t happen) or find a race for him. The Jockey Gold Cup on Sept 3rd would be to me be a good choice for him but Pletcher usually does not like bringing his horses back that soon. His other choice would be the Woodward on Oct 1st (more likely due to it being a shorter distance than JGC but than again leaves him only a month before BC Classic … Pletcher usually like more time between races. Nothing else for him in NYRA between those date unless he puts him on the turf and that ain’t gonna happen. Same for Monmouth… good luck Todd !!!
As far as Hot Rod Charlie … he is trier a but just needs some racing luck or maybe a different racing strategy like more mid pack at the beginning of the race. He seemed to flatten out a tinge in the stretch JGC might be good for him as it is 1 1/4 mile race and especially if the the field isn’t too tough.
Good racing luck too all and have a Great Week !!!
Yes, when I read in The Blood-Horse that Life is Good supposedly “Dazzles” in winning the Whitney Stakes I had a giggle. I would say most would agree that Life is Good would not have won the Whitney Stakes if it was 10f instead of 9f. Moreover, the dazzling performance convinced me even further that the Dirt Mile would be a better choice for Life is Good than the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
It will be interesting to see how Flightline performs in the Pacific Classic.
LIG …shoe in for the Dirt Mile iffy for the Classic … If Sadler expects him to win on the frontend with only 5 furlong workouts ( I don’t care how fast they are) I think he could be vulnerable for the 1 1/4 especially if he is pushed by 1 or 2 horses. But Sadler is too smart of trainer and I expect a couple of longer works to follow soon. If he sits mid pack to just off the pace he is long gone in the stretch….. He is a monster !!!!
LIG ran well, riders needs replaced.
rider
Steve: Hope you had a great time at Saratoga, in spite of the weather. I seriously thought about going up just to meet you in person, but it was so hot here in the Catskills I spent the day inside with a fan pointed at me (no AC in the main part of the house).
Did you get a chance to see Race 6, a MSW for 2YOs won by Disarm? An impressive performance by the winner, and both Arthur’s Ride and Crupi demonstrated plenty of ability in the second and third spots. Arthur’s Ride was incredibly green, roaming all over the place and still picking up second over the fast-closing Crupi. Could this be a key race we refer to in the future?
I really liked Disarm. Steve Asmussen seemed pretty excited about him moving forward. A February foal by Gun Runner from a Tapit mare, we might see big things from him. He won from the rail against what looks like a pretty good field.
My thoughts exactly, Tommy Mc. Hope to see him run in the Hopeful later this month.
Baffert may have a good 2yr old one in NEWGATE (By “Into Mischief”). Saw him last weekend at Del Mar. Won impressively!!!
Unfortunately,earlier that week he lost another 2yr old by ” Into Mischief ” due to a training accident (horse flipped over and broke its back).
I went to visit Disarm at the barn Monday and took pictures of him.
Lovely article Steve. First time I went to Saratoga was 40 years ago. Coming from Toronto what would be such a big deal about getting a hotel room Travers Weekend? Asked at our 4th hotel “don’t you know it’s Travers Weekend? We learned quickly over the years. No track or place like it anywhere. Was there for Holy Bulls Travers and one of the greatest race calls ever. A big fan.
Mike
Steve nice article on Saratoga… A lot of histories and memories of the “Great ” ones. Steve, have you ever been to Del Mar? Was just there this past weekend. The weather was perfect, with clear skies and temperatures in the mid 70’s. Great racing with a party atmosphere pretty much full fields with the only negative being a lit bit of a track bias (rail is a little bit dead) on the dirt. Hopefully, that will be evened out before the end of the meet.
Here is my take on the Whitney. I think Life is Good is vulnerable here if Olympiad breaks from the gate well. If he doesn’t and Life is Good does then everybody else is racing for 2nd. I expect either Life is Good (LIG) or American Revolution (AR) to be scratched before the race. It will depend on the weather. Clear day AR gets scratched, if it rains LIG gets scratched. JMO. Steve, enjoy your weekend !!! I always enjoy your column.
Strong return by Art Collector in the Alydar Stakes. Hopefully, he can collect another Grade 1 or two before he is off to stud. The female family is strong enough that there is hope for Art Collector to succeed at stud. Bernardinni deserves to have a successful son to balance the success he is showing as a broodmare sire.
He is a nice horse but it was a weak field and the only real threat (King Fury) to him was scratched before the race. I would cherry-pick races with him and bypass the BC Classic unless you’re happy to pick up 4th or 5th place money.
Yes, all good points. There are a handful of out and out brilliant runners that can carry their speeed to at least 9f which Art Collector would find it hard to outgun. As you say, with the right choice Art Collector can hold his own.
Steve, saw the photo you took of Ruffian (that you shared on (FB). That is one of the best photos I have seen of her!
Thanks Lynda. Theyre actually all sold out.
I was late for the party and missed out on ordering one. Hopefully additional prints will be available again in the future.
Loved this.. my first visit to Saratoga was with my old friend, Delaware Park racecaller Tony Bentley.. despite being from the midwest, waking early in Saratoga felt like home.. i never forgot that first feeling and breath of fresh air.. the horses obviously reveling in the wonderful morning air.. the relaxed smiles on virtually everyone’s faces
The morning is the best time. Unfotunately this weekend is going to be hot and humid with chance of showers ad thundestoms every day though next Wednesday. I norrmally would never go this weekend but I have to be there for the art exhibit and photo signings.
47 years ago in the Whitney…..a big Cal bred battled favored Group Plan for the entire nine furlongs, coming away the winner, in 1:48 1/5……..Ancient Title..
49 years ago a Cali based horse, Florida bred, I think…..owned by Fred Hooper…..ran 1:47 flat……Tri Jet….
I think Tri Jet ran his big Whitney performance right after racing at Hollywood Park, and getting beat, by Quack and Royal Owl…..
54 years ago, the immortal Dr Fager tow-roped a field in the slop at the Whitney.. Dr Fager carrying 132 lbs and giving 18 lbs to each of his 3 rivals. There are great renewals of this famous race and then there are GREAT renewals of it…
He was 1-20 in the morning line
Steve Vin Scully has passed…
I’m sure you listened to Vinny as a Brooklyn Dodger fan…..
67 years Dodgers announcer..
I sure did. Everybody loved Vin. 67 years. Amazing
My father used to listen to Vinnie on I believe WNGN in New York…was always a ‘da bums’ fan -if I’m correct or the ‘Station of the Stars”….later being on KFI Los Angeles where I listened to him describe Sandy Koufax’s many gems.
He was the greatest announcer of all time. Period.
I was born in San Francisco, was a big Giants fan….Russ Hodges and Lon Simmons were great announcers….my father’s job moved us to SoCal, and I discovered Vin Scully, and you are right about his baseball announcing, he would tell those stories, make you feel like he was in your living room….no other like Vin Scully……
On my bucket list before I die is to ride the train from Toccoa, Georgia to Saratoga.
Thank you Steve for your picture postcard with words that you do so well.
Your descriptions took me to Saratoga this afternoon!
…then, from Saratoga, Lynda you can spread your wings and head East to Europe. Chantilly, Paris, the Chartres Cathedral beckon you and so much more.
Does AMTRAK cross the ocean now?
I have thought about taking passage on an ocean liner to England.
Ha ha No, but Amtrak does go from New York, NY to New London, CT. That’d be a great adventure on a cruise from New York to London, so much history, but I’d wait until Covid is more past history than present history.
David’s I have a good friend of many years who lived in the United States for about ten years I guess before moving back to England. She has invited me to come to England and stay with her for a visit.
She lives outside of Warrington on a small farm.
England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales are so beautiful. The Highlands of Scotland look very much like the Blue Ridge Moutains and the Southern Appalachian Mountains regions here in the United States.
Traveling to the British Isles might not be a good thing however. I might find myself not wanting to come back home.
My country has changed so much in the past 25 years or so that it has left me feeling disheartened.
Thankfully I live in a rural county that is still somewhat removed from the mega metro plex urban areas that I detest.
I live a simple life with simple things and find myself retreating from “society” more and more as time passes.
For now I have to content myself by being an armchair traveler.
Lynda, I’d take up that offer when things have settled down, if that does ever come to fruition. I know that feeling, comfortable within yourself. The internet provides almost everything you want/desire so the travel experience can be enjoyed at home. Peace and quiet is a beauty in itself.
Epicenter earned a 102 BSF for his big Jm Dandy win. His last 5 in order are 98, 102, 100, 102, & 102. Good horse. He’s very consistent. But, he only beat Tawny Port by 2 lengths. I think the 3-year-old division is still wide open as we move into August. Can Epicenter win The Travers? Sure. He’s probably your favorite. But, I wouldn’t take too short of a price on him. There are a bunch of horses that could step up in The Travers. Including a couple that he beat last Saturday. Why can’t Nest be competitive in The Travers? The Travers could be a great betting race.
I agree! People are panning Zandon now, and Early Voting….they lost, SOMEONE wins, the rest LOSE—its ONE race….people draw conclusions, they anoint a horse that wins, and toss the also rans….it’s ONE race
People probably base it on what they saw previously from horse who didn’t win, not just on last race. I like Early Voting, he had a bad day, I’ll give him another chance. I liked Zandon in the Blue Grass, which some panned, but at least he won, hasn’t since. Epicenter has beaten Zandon a few times, never the reverse, that’s worth noting.
Loved this column on Saratoga, Steve. It is a real insider’s view, but told from the modest perspective of someone who was once an outsider. I can totally relate to picking up postcards of famous horses on the way out of the racing museum — when I was 13 or so I wrote to the NYRA office for photos of horses and they sent the three best: Dr. Fager, Damascus, and Buckpasser. I still have all of them in a clip box. There’s an outside chance I might get up there for the Whitney, but we’re about to go on vacation with all that entails. Would love to see those photos of Ruffian!
Enjoy your vacation. You can always order the Ruffian photo on the website. The photo is on there
Hi Steve!
Ill be at Saratoga this weekend! Ive been going most of the past 20 years or so for a long weekend with my mom. The town and the track there’s nothing like it! I like olympiad in the whitney I’m hoping it’s a great race. Im not a little kid but i still get excited getting a jockeys autograph or saying hi, nice ride and to get a friendly smile or picture (i have one with irad) is awesome. I could go on and on about the track and town. Might have to come by and say hello!
I hope you do
The town and track were heavily influenced by NY mobsters and Saratoga still has that speakeasy feel to it. It is quite the party.
Saratoga goes back way before that era. It has a rich colonial history and was always a trading crossroads. Last of the Mohicans details some if it, was set near there. Look at a map, the Hudson River is just to the east, it’s on the edge of the Adirondacks and not far from Albany the state capitol in the other direction. It’s halfway between NYC and Montreal. Then the springs turned it into a health resort with trainloads of people arriving from the City. Add gabling, prohibition and rum running not that far from the border, with a big tourist population and it makes for a racy atmosphere but it really has more of a family atmosphere, like a fair.
Steve, reading your “Succumbing to Lure” almost compelled me to try and see what chances I had of making Travers Stakes day at Saratoga. Unfortunately, no chance was the end result. The Saratoga Tourist Bureau should use your article as a ‘things to do’ while in Saratoga. I was sold. Ha ha It was like being there, as the mind recalls what you have written. Sad, happy. You just wanted to be there. Have a wonderful time, Steve. I’m so envious.
Thanks David but I dont know if my column made you feel better or worse. 🙂
Steve, your column warmed the heart, immensely. Happy times.
Steve, this is exactly the column I needed to read today. I’m going to Saratoga for the first time this weekend and now have a laundry list of places to check out and things to do. I’m sure I won’t accomplish it all this year, so I’ll have to come back next year. Oh darn. Hope to meet you at the art gallery on Friday!
Look forward to seeing you. Remember I’ll also be at the Secretariat merchandising stand at the track Saturday with my Secretariat and Ruffian photos.
To go to Saratoga….and to say hello to Steve Haskin, and walk around those big Oak Trees, and Sycamores….and see Olympiad, Life Is Good and Hot Rod Charlie, in The Whitney would be too much!
I’d be very happy to succumb to the allure of Saratoga any year. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to get there this year, but you’ve provided several great suggestions for the next time I do get there. And you’re right, Steve, it was great being able to get “up close and personal” to the horses in the paddock when they used to be saddled right under the trees. Hope you have a great Whitney weekend.
Thanks, Steve, for keeping the flame alive for what racing should still be. I have not been to Saratoga since 2005. My father and i spent six straight Whitney weeks at the Spa. I remember the first year being so magical, parking in makeshift lawn lots, the kids hawking papers. By the final year my father was quite ill. After the first saturday at the track , he wasn’t up to going to the races. We always stayed at the rustic Pine Point cabins, on Lake Vanare, just below Lake George. Dad would handicap the races and i’d go to the track while he stayed at the cabin to watch the races. A month later, he was gone. I think that last trip to Saratoga was his goal. I have not been back. I may someday, or i may just keep the memory.
I’m very sorry about your dad, but he did leave you with great memories. I hope one day you can make it back to to Saratoga and relive thoe days.
Hi Steve, I hope we can stop by and finally meet you. We didn’t plan to go up for the Whitney Day but my brother called 2 weeks ago and wanted to visit us this Saturday. We’re local and he was a huge fan of the track when he was young. (He’s a recovering stockbroker, now in CT teaching inner city school 5th graders Math and Science). Anyway, I managed somehow to get a table and today, he tested positive with Covid. So, I thought about reselling the table. Why not? But I’ve never been to Saratoga on one of the big race days. And somehow, I just can’t, resell the table.
I’m sorry to hear about your brother, but hope you can stop by.
We’ve been to Saratoga Springs once, 21 years ago during the off-season. What a beautiful place that I wish we could have spent more time at. Your article stirred up those memories and has made me want to go back soon. Thanks for sharing your memories Steve. Another wonderful article!
Thanks William. hope you can make it back some day
You’ve generously mentioned many of the attractions that I love at Saratoga, though nothing can match your accommodation overlooking the Oklahoma Training Track, an enviable vantage point that has always been my unattainable dream.
One additional attraction that I would highly recommend is Old Friends. It’s not that far away from Saratoga, involves a gorgeous drive, and puts you in touch (literally) with some retired racing greats, such as Commentator. On my last visit to Saratoga, I went there a couple of times and was awed on both occasions.
And I would add that the odds of catching a rainbow after the biggest race of the weekend is pretty high!
I was going to mention Cabin Creek and seeing Commentator, but am considering doing a column on him in the near future.
Another great piece Steve, as far providing us with bad or useless information that depends on what we do with it. Horse racing is not meant to be played by “boys in shorts” I love when the horses walk to the paddock trees. In 87 the horses are walking to the paddock for the Revidere Handicap and and I’m watching them when Funistrada came over and sort of nuzzled me. You know what he won and went off a longshot and I didn’t bet him. Sometimes its not about handicapping!
Wonderful article and information, Steve. Saratoga is on my bucket list….someday…..I sure wish I could have been there to see Curlin and Rachel win their Woodwards! Have a grand time while you’re there, and I hope you’ll get to meet some of your fans here on your blog. Come to think of it, I’d like to meet some of them too.
It is great to have on your bucket list, but the goal is to take it off your bucket list.
Thank you for sharing your memories. I visited Saratoga in 2015, the weekend before it opened for the season. I hope to get there again next year.
I didn’t get that feeling at all, at Del Mar the other day….it was a big crowd, and the place handled it fine, little bars all over the place, and the beautiful walking ring that is not as accessible as it used to be—I hadn’t been to Del Mar in 40 years and it didn’t have the historic feel to it, like Santa Anita does, and even SA cannot compete with Saratoga, in that respect….enjoy your day, Steve, because YOU belong there!
Matthew, I had a similar experience when going back to Flemington racecourse last year, after not being there for 30 years or so. Flemington is the oldest metropolitan racetrack in Australia, actually older than Saratoga as well, but Flemington has been modified with spectacular new grandstands which is wonderful for the general public but it has taken away that old charm Flemington always had. Progress?
The two things I loved about Del Mar were #1 the train ride down the coast, along the beach….and #2 the little terrace bars that look down on the walking ring, you can enjoy a drink while looking at those beautiful horses, and their connections, and that’s a pretty cool site!