They’re in the gate. And they’re off at Saratoga, the oldest racetrack in the United States.
When Saratoga opened its doors in 1863, the meet lasted four days. The hats the women wore have changed a lot since, and the annual convention at the Spa has grown immeasurably. The New York Racing Association’s premier meet, which opens Friday, offers 40 days of world-class racing with numerous stakes that will total $17.45 million in purses beginning with the Schuylerville on Friday afternoon.
Live racing is offered six days a week (closed Tuesdays) with a daily post of 1 p.m. most days.
Seasoned handicappers will be immersed in a 40-day paradise. The best of the best will convene here at the “graveyard of favorites.”
On Aug. 2, Palace Malice, winner of this year’s Metropolitan will hook horns with last year’s Travers winner, Will Take Charge, in the $1.5 million Whitney. On Aug. 22, two of the country’s best fillies will resume their battle when they compete in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign. Close Hatches, winner of the Ogden Phipps at Belmont will try to duplicate that effort when she loads the gate to face Princess Of Sylmar, a game second that day. Both are multiple Grade 1 winners.
Wise Dan, Horse of the Year in 2012 and 2013, is here. Less that two months after having emergency colic surgery, he is on the comeback trail. The stretch running champion will return in either the Fourstardave on Aug. 9 or, if he needs more time, the Barnard Baruch on Aug. 30.
Also, the $1.25 million Travers, aka the Midsummer Derby, will be run on Aug. 23. Tonalist, who ended California Chrome’s Triple Crown bid at the Belmont Stakes, is scheduled to compete as well as the fast-closing Wicked Strong, winner of this year’s Wood Memorial.
One of the many ingredients that make Saratoga special is the Steeplechase events. The A.P. Smithwick on July 31 and the N.Y. Turf Writers Club on Aug. 21 provide a look at the best jumpers in the nation.
The meet will force us to say goodbye to race-calling legend Tom Durkin, who will call his last race on Aug. 31. Durkin has been employing his word magic for 43 years, 24 of them at the Spa, Belmont and the Big A. Watch and listen to Victory Gallop’s 1998 Belmont Stakes win over Real Quiet. Two minutes well spent. He will be missed.
Network coverage has expanded as NBC, NBCSN, Fox Sports 1 and MSG Plus are all on board. NBC will cover the Travers, as well as the Whitney. FS1 will televise the Coaching Club American Oaks and the Sword Dancer.
NYRA has pumped $1.9 million into the facility. Hundreds of new hi-def televisions, improved wireless capabilities, an enhanced sound system and a generous supply of new picnic tables were added for fans. The Saratoga dining porch has been expanded, and Trakus — a new hi-tech system that will enable fans watching on screen to track their horse during the race — will be unveiled.
Every Monday is a family fun day, with face painting, arts and crafts and bounce house inflatables (fear not, they’re secured tightly to the ground) to keep the kiddies happy.
If you haven’t been to Saratoga, do it. It’s time to soak in one of the top 10 sports venues of the 20th century.