And They’re Off At Saratoga
It’s here. the track announcer will speak the familiar words “It is now post time” followed by “And they’re off” and the historic Spa’s racing season will be underway.
There are few sporting venues that can compare to the beauty and charm of America’s greatest horse racing destination. Augusta, home of the Masters, along with Fenway Park and Wrigley Field, tributes to baseball’s glorious past may compare, but none can surpass it.
It’s Summer in Saratoga. Adding to the mystique of “The Sport of Kings,” The Performing Arts Center will host some of the finest talent in the music world. Golf courses abound. Up the road from Union Avenue sits Saratoga National. A marvelous layout, it is as challenging as it is beautiful. The eighteen hole course in the Spa State Park is scenic and not as demanding as the afore mentioned. It makes for an enjoyable morning before heading over to the track.
What can compare with walking down historic Union Avenue and the entrance to the racecourse. If one has the time, a visit to the National Museum of racing is a worthwhile stop on the way. The world of thoroughbred racing is on display. Here the horses, trainers and jockeys who surpassed their rivals in talent and fortitude are enshrined for eternity in Horse Racing’s Hall of Fame. Trophies won by America’s greatest stables abound in rooms befitting their importance. It is a must stop for the serious racing fan. For the novice and the vacationer who come to Saratoga, it can be a wonderful learning experience. Then it’s a short walk into the past. The enticement of the historic track awaits. The ghosts of Man o’ War, Secretariat and so many other great champions can be felt, as one strolls the beautiful grounds.
{loadmoduleid 268}
The main reason one comes here is to wager on the magnificent thoroughbreds that are bred to display speed and endurance over distances ranging from five furlongs to more than a mile and a half.
At Saratoga you can expect the best of them to appear. They will strut their stuff in search of a visit to the winner’s circle. The best will compete in a stakes race schedule that is stacked with major events. The Whitney Stakes, The Alabama, and the coveted Travers Stakes lead the way. This years” Mid Summer Derby” may be one for the ages. If all goes well it’s a distinct probability that the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga winner will be entered in the race. How about that to ice the cake for one of America’s greatest horse races. The meet will be full of surprises. You can bet on that. It’s what makes horse racing such an interesting sport. You can also be rest assured that a champion in the making will make an appearance here. That has been a sure thing since racing began here in 1863.
Get ready, the best is yet to come.