Horse Racing

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Saratoga Grandstands from a 1907 postcard
Dateline: 07/01/00

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America's oldest track, Saratoga Race Course, opens for it's 131st season on July 26th and runs through September 4th. The Spa meet is generally held to be the most prestigious in the nation with 35 stakes races worth $8.725 million in purses, an increase of $1.125 million over last year. 32 of the stakes are graded with 12 Grade 1 events. Check their stakes calendar to see what races are scheduled for each day. As they become available, a list of the horses nominated this year will be linked from each race on the schedule.

This year NYRA will offer something new for the Saratoga meet. The Saratoga Fantasy Challenge allows you to select your fantasy stable of trainers, jockeys, and runners for the meet for a chance to win the grand prize of a $1000 betting voucher.

Saratoga marks the beginning of the serious two year old racing season. The Breeders' Cup juvenile favorites often come from Saratoga and such prestigious races as the Saratoga Special and the Hopeful for the colts or the Adirondack and the Spinaway for the fillies.

The three year olds are also in the spotlight at Saratoga with the Travers, known as the Mid-Summer Derby. This year's renewal is expected to attract several of the top 3 year olds possibly even a rematch between Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus and Preakness winner Red Bullet. The Whitney for the older horses should draw Running Stag, Behrens, and last year's Travers winner Lemon Drop Kid. The three year old fillies also have a major race here in the Alabama which should draw Kentucky Oaks winner Secret Status. The best series of the meet may be the races for older fillies and mares where Heritage of Gold, Beautiful Pleasure, and Silverbulletday will meet.

Saratoga is also noted for it's turf racing and steeplechases. There will be several major turf stakes for the older horses of both sexes, with the premier events being the Sword Dancer Invitational for the males and the Diana Handicap for the females.

Misty morning workout at Saratoga, photo by Deborah Kral
Misty morning workout at Saratoga, photo by Deborah Kral

Once the exclusive retreat of high society, Saratoga is now much more democratic with picnic tables as well as turf club boxes available. The lawn and picnic area are noted as being a great place for families and children. Many racing fans plan their year around a trip to Saratoga to watch the top horses compete, take a sip from the Big Red Spring, and hang out at Siro's Restaurant. Of course no trip to the Spa would be complete without a visit to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

Saratoga, the August place to be!

More Saratoga Info:

Title graphic from 1907 Saratoga postcard in the author's collection.

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