A Day at the Races

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

I spent the day at the Saratoga Race Track. I haven’t been there in 35 years.

No particular reason, other than my wife didn’t like horse racing and don’t like crowds. But I had a day off with nothing to do and decided to give it a shot.

I was lucky; they were giving away a Saratoga cooler that was certainly worth more than the cost of admission. It drew a big crowd; people were buying multiple admissions to get armfuls of them. One was enough for me.

Saratoga is one of the oldest tracks in the country. It deteriorated in the 50s and 60s, and only stayed in business because state law required it. But over time, it became a destination, and usually has some of the biggest per-day attendance numbers in the sport.

They’ve improved it since my last visit. A nicer picnic area, vendors, good food at the stands. Back then, it was impossible to find a place to sit if you didn’t get reserved seats; today, I never had a problem if I needed to sit for a minute (though many of the seats were in the sun).

I also discovered that the program included past performances, so you don’t have to buy a Racing Form. I had to get a quick lesson on how the electronic betting machines worked, but I caught on easily.

I didn’t do great in my handicapping, though I did pick the winner of one race, at least. But I’m not a big bettor and usually just put something down so I could have someone to root for. One time, my horse was leading when he passed me along the grandstand (alas, he was caught at the wire), and it was pretty exciting to watch.

People were friendly. It’s a family crowd – lots of kids and family outings.

The food was good, but overpriced, especially for the smallish portions. I spent $13 for a lobster roll about the size of a hot dog. Good lobster, but not that filling.

Really had a good day there. I left after the seventh race (I was getting tired and the free parking lot was a mile and a half from the gate), but that was plenty for me.

2

I’d love to see some of these older, historic tracks. When I was in NY for surgery, we repeatedly drove by the exit for Belmont and I itched to get over there. Huh. My screennamesake is buried there (her nose pointed to the wire).

Saratoga hosts the G1 Travers Stakes, where some wonder if Triple Crown winner American Pharoah will start next. Baffert (trainer) hasn’t had as much success in the Travers as others, so he may skip it. Saratoga does have the nickname “The Graveyard of Champions,” after all.

Sounds like you had a good time. Now I want a lobster roll.

(BTW, the G1 Ruffian Stakes is held at Saratoga now, since the closure of Aqueduct.)

3

I had a bet on Ruffian for her final race. :frowning:

I was very much into horse racing in the mid-70s; I worked (and did a sports talk show) at the local OTB cable channel. I left in '77 and only visited the track a few times. The last time, we had a box, which was great.

4

It’s one of our (husband and I) retirement dreams (yeah, like THAT’S going to happen :D) - visit every racetrack in the country. Kind of like how some people have to go to every football stadium or ballpark. I used to love Arlington - we’d go all the time. However, the last few years have pretty much sealed the deal for us - we won’t darken their doorstep again unless some major changes are made, and I don’t see that happening at Arlington, or for thoroughbred racing in Illinois overall for that matter. It’s sad.

PS - So glad you had a great time at Saratoga!!! :slight_smile:

5

Missy2U, rumor has it that several tracks will be closing soon in Illinois. My friend’s SO used to a social worker at a track (either Maywood or Hawthorne) and there’s a lot going on with the IRB. So visit now.

I was at Saratoga about 25 years ago. I don’t remember much except that it was cool and historic.

6

I go to the track about once every 7 or 8 years, why not more often I really don’t know. I love it every time I, now we, go but just don’t think about it that often. Now you’ve got me thinking about it again.

We stopped at Louisiana Downs returning from an Arkansas vacation once, hit the Pick 6 and paid for the entire trip. That ain’t gonna happen again but I would like to see more tracks, especially the historic ones. Saratoga would be nice.

7

[QUOTE

(BTW, the G1 Ruffian Stakes is held at Saratoga now, since the closure of Aqueduct.)[/QUOTE]

Aqueduct is still open; it’s New York’s winter track.

8

Hey, me and my SO are going next week! Thanks for the update. I’ve been, he never has, despite us living in the Albany area for about 20 years.

9

At least once each Summer, we have breakfast at the track (Saratoga) and watch the horses do their morning workouts.

It’s so beautiful. The steam is rising off the track in the early morning, and you sit outside, trackside for breakfast.

I love Saratoga Race Track.