The Saratoga Special Stakes for juvenile colts and fillies will be run on Saturday, August 1, and dates back to 1901. The race was conceived by William C. Whitney in the first year his consortium operated the Spa track. Mr. Whitney was fond of a fast horse and was proud to own a colt or filly that he deemed worthy of special appreciation and admiration, backing that up with a $500 subscription fee for the race.
What made it “Special” is the purse was “winner-takes-all,” a truly sporting gesture, which stated you believed your 2-year-old was the best of the best. Mr. Whitney’s bay colt, Goldsmith, won the initial running of the Saratoga Special with Hall of Fame jockey Nash Turner in the saddle.
A fine tradition and exclusive event that went along with the race was the Saratoga Association President hosting a dinner party on the eve of the running, for all those that had subscribed to the Saratoga Special.
Man o’ War’s trainer, Louis Feustel, had forgotten to pay the subscription, which left Big Red out of the “Special.” Other famous horses have won the Saratoga Special, such as Irish Lad, Sysonby, Roamer, Regret, Sun Briar, Morvich, Whirlaway, Native Dancer, Bold Forbes and Summer Squall. The sporting “winner-takes-all” purse structure was discontinued following the 1958 running.
Saratoga Race Course rode a wave of good weather again last week to produce goodcrowds and even better athletic efforts – both equine and human.
Counting Stars
The equine star of the week was West Point Thoroughbreds’ striking filly Counting Stars. The Mark Casse trained filly established herself as the top three-year-old filly in the land with a dominant victory in the Coaching Club American Oaks on Saturday. Showing her affinity for the spa oval, Counting Stars (a reasonably priced yearling purchase at $135,000) dominated the field and increased her earnings to more than $1.6 million. She is set to move onto The Alabama Stakes August 22nd. (In my opinion her effort was so impressive that her connections should take a serious look at challenging the colts a week later in the Traves Stakes on August 29th.)
Irad Ortiz
The human star of the week was jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr., who won a record-tying six races on Saturday and another pair the next day. Three jockeys – Flavien Prat, Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz, Jr. monopolized the winner’s circle last week winning a majority of the races and having some combination of those three often finishing one-two. It is rare that a rider colony as talented as this one finds itself at the mercy of three riders. We will see whether that continues.
Racing Stewards
Long-time horse players and fans have become acutely aware of a drastically different approach by New York’s three racing stewards this year. After a controversial disqualification early in the meet that generated significant criticism, the stewards recently have initiated many more inquiries into races but for the most part have decided to let the results stand after long deliberations. The old rules of thumb that – stewards’ inquiries usually resulted in disqualifications and the longer the deliberation the more likely a disqualification – have now been completely reversed. The new approach seems to be eagerness to post an inquiry but reluctance to make a change (no matter how long the deliberation). If the intention of the new methodology is to show ‘the Sherrif is watching” thereby producing cleaner riding without disqualifications, it does not appear to be working as the riding has continued to be rough. For now most bettors are puzzled – which is never a good thing.
Strange Doings
One foul claim that either was made and reviewed or was not made and reviewed (a little unclear which) came on Friday in the Rick Violette Stakes. Jockey Manny Franco onboard the runner up Caroline Street Beat, asked the outriders to “hold the race” when galloping out alleging interference near the finish line but the outrider in question did not deem that to be a foul claim and the information was not effectively conveyed to the stewards. When Franco came back for unsaddling, first he and then trainer Miguel Clement, spoke to the stewards on the phone pleading their case. Meanwhile, the first-place finisher was ushered into the winner’s circle. The racing public was never informed of the goings on but there was a long delay before declaring the race “Official”. The contact between the first two finishers was significant but the public was not shown the replay until after the race was official and shown only once. An unforced error.
Another strange (and dangerous) occurrence took place on Saturday immediately past the finish line in Race 7 where Jockey Flavien Prat’s mount was bumped hard by the second-place finisher unseating Prat. The displaced passenger first clung onto the horse that initiated the contact but eventually tumbled to the turf as the rest of the field ran by and around him. Prat was lucky to escape serious injury sustaining only minor soreness.
Journalism Retires
Journalism, winner of the 2025 Preakness Stakes, sustained an injury while winning his most recent start at Del Mar last Sunday and has been retired. It is believed his injury occurred during horrendous and awkward start before rallying from far back for a hard-fought victory. He was a talented runner who met every challenge with determination. In many ways his racing career was star-crossed, but he tried hard every time and I for one hope he has a successful career as a stallion.
Handicapping Feat
A great friend of mine, Pat Cannon, a long-term handicapper, owner and breeder, accomplished a rare and astounding handicapping feat on Saturday’s card by hitting Saratoga’s Pick 6 on a $1 bet. Six singles. His efforts saw him earn a return of more than $1,900. The selections were a handicapping effort, not simply picking numbers and I am proud to say the longest priced winner (Race 12 Oklahoma Smoke paying $17.70) was one he said was made on my advice.
Said Cannon, “Earlier in the day I was giving a tour of the track to some friends new to the races. They all bought the Daily Racing Form and were staring at it like it was The Rosetta Stone. I told them, ‘first day in Saratoga, just play Prat and the Ortiz brothers and you’ll be alive in most races.’ Pretty much what I did myself”.
The Beagle School recently completed an expansion of a renovation that tripled its square footage.
The Beagle School, the longest-running preschool in Saratoga Springs, celebrated the completion of a $1.4 million renovation of its “Little Red Schoolhouse” at 115 Regent Street.
The project more than tripled the school’s square footage, brought both of its locations under one roof, expanded the school from one classroom to three and will allow Beagle to increase enrollment for the school year and summer camp. The celebration included a visit from New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, who announced $500,000 in state operating support for the school.
Founded 54 years ago on the belief that children learn best through play, The Beagle School has long served children ages two through five from Saratoga Springs and surrounding communities. Its founders embraced the idea that every child is a natural explorer, and the school’s mission remains to provide a place where children feel safe to explore, ask questions, solve problems, and discover the world around them.
“This project was 40 years in the making, and it reflects what our community can accomplish when dedicated board members, community partners, teachers, families and public leaders work together on behalf of young children,” said Jessica Todtenhagen, Director of The Beagle School. “At Beagle, the moments children experience through play are where confidence, collaboration and learning come together. This renovated building honors that mission while giving children and teachers the space they need to learn, explore and grow.”
Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Woerner joined Senator Tedisco, members of the Saratoga City Council, school leaders, families and community members for the ribbon cutting ceremony and toured the renovated preschool space. The $500,000 announced at the event is in addition to $250,000 in operating funding and a $150,000 capital grant for playground equipment previously secured for the school, support that will help ensure Beagle’s financial stability as it continues preparing students for kindergarten and beyond.
“It was a pleasure to be in Saratoga with Assemblymember Woerner and to see these great community resources for learning, curiosity and fun,” said Speaker Heastie. “I was also proud to see the newly renovated Beagle School preschool building that will expand class sizes and continue to serve generations of local families through childhood development and education.”
“The Beagle School preschool has been an integral part of the Saratoga community for decades,” said Assemblymember Woerner. “The addition of three new classrooms will allow Beagle School to provide an inclusive educational space for children to learn and grow for years to come. It was great to be there with Speaker Heastie, and I was proud to see the incredible success Beagle School has had in fundraising and renovations.”
The project moved forward with the support of Beagle’s Board of Directors and community partners, including Balzer & Tuck Architecture, The LA Group, Black Diamond Construction and M&T Bank, along with teachers, families and donors who helped make the long-awaited renovation possible.
“This renovation represents the dedication, persistence and generosity of the entire Beagle community,” said Garrett Gray, President of The Beagle School Board of Directors. “For years, board members, families, teachers and community supporters have worked toward a shared vision of bringing Beagle’s programs together in a space that reflects the quality of its education and the warmth of its mission. We are thrilled to see that vision become a reality for today’s students and for the generations of Beagle children who will follow.”
The Beagle School also provides tuition assistance for families, helping make its play-based preschool experience accessible to more children. The school’s long-standing approach encourages children to become active, creative explorers who build confidence, collaboration skills, and a love of learning that carries into kindergarten and beyond.
“We are beyond grateful to Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Woerner for their support,” Todtenhagen said. “This investment will have a tremendous impact on future students by helping ensure The Beagle School can continue delivering on its mission for generations to come.”
Your feet are the foundation of nearly everything you do. From walking around the neighborhood and spending a day at work to playing golf or simply keeping up with your family, the support beneath your feet can make a difference in how you feel throughout the day.
At The Good Feet Store, the focus is on helping people find personalized support for their individual needs and lifestyle.
Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, the Good Feet Arch Support System is designed around three different types of arch supports that can be used throughout the day depending on your activity and needs. Whether you’re spending hours on your feet, exercising, traveling, or simply looking for more support in your everyday routine, the goal is to help you stay active and keep doing the things you enjoy.
The process starts with a free, personalized fitting and consultation. A Good Feet Arch Support Specialist takes the time to learn about your lifestyle, daily activities, and goals before helping you explore options that may work for you.
You don’t have to wait until foot discomfort is keeping you from doing the things you love to start thinking about proper support. Taking care of your foundation today can be an important part of staying active for years to come.
With locations in Clifton Park and Colonie, The Good Feet Store is here to help Capital Region residents take the next step toward better support.
Ready to see what personalized arch support could mean for you? Visit The Good Feet Store for a free fitting and consultation:
Clifton Park: 309 Clifton Park Center Road, Suite 10, Clifton Park, NY 12065 Colonie: 3 Wolf Road, Colonie, NY 12205
(Daniel Jones Competing at the USA U16 National Championship in Fargo)
Section 2 has a new double All-American in its ranks, Daniel Jones, a rising sophomore of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School. Jones competed at the USA U16 National Championship in Fargo, North Dakota from July 10th through the 18th where he earned sixth place in both the Greco-Roman and Freestyle events.
Jones qualified for the National Championships through the US Open in Las Vegas in April where he placed sixth place in both the U15 Greco-Roman and Freestyle events.
Jones seemed destined for the backside of the Freestyle bracket in his quarter-final bout against Kaden Clark of Alabama.
Down 2-0, Jones completed a takedown against Clark to even the score. Then Jones administered a step out penalty, putting him down 3-2 in the match. With 20 seconds left, Jones threw a lat-drop take down to win the match that sent him into the semi-finals.
“I’ve never had a win like that before,” Jones reflected.
Jones has been training with Dominick Moyer with Journeymen Wrestling since he was 7 years old.
“Coach Moyer is there whenever you need him; he’s 110% into it,” Jones said.
That commitment has seemingly been passed down into Jones.
“A month leading up to the [Fargo National Championship] we would have one day off with two sessions every day,” Jones said. “But even before that, I’m a year-round wrestler so I go six times a week. I usually get two workouts in a day, like a practice and then weightlifting, just always committed.”
Danny was born into a wrestling family. His father, Steve Jones wrestled at SUNY Cortland where he boasted 82 career wins and earned an All-American honor during his college career.
“I’m in a dual role, I’m his dad but also his high school coach,” Steve Jones told Saratoga TODAY. “He did an amazing job on focus and commitment through this training cycle, and he had to go out and earn it. I’m just proud of his effort and dedication and it’s a great steppingstone towards his future.”
Jones, who hasn’t even started his sophomore year of high school yet, has high aspirations for his future in wrestling.
“I definitely want to get back to the semifinals in Fargo, to feel that again. And to be a state champ next year.”
Brass PlayIN at SPAC in 2024 (Courtesy of Francesco D’Amico)
Back by popular demand is The Philadelphia Orchestra “PlayIN” on SPAC’s iconic amphitheater stage Thursday, August 20. Trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba players of all ages, levels, and abilities are invited onstage to join Philadelphia Orchestra musicians for a shared music making event.
Participant check in begins at 12:45 p.m. at the Route 50 Gate entrance to SPAC before the program starts at 1:30 p.m.
PlayINs are signature events for The Philadelphia Orchestra and part of the ensemble’s HEAR initiative, a portfolio of programs promoting the role of music in Health, Education, Access and Research. The PlayINs have taken place regularly in Philadelphia since 2012 and are part of a full array of programs designed to promote access for people of all ages to experience orchestral music either as listeners or performers. The August 20 PlayIN is designed specifically for brass players and is the ninth annual event at SPAC.
Registration for the PlayIN is open to all musicians who register at spac.org. Once the list is full, interested individuals will have the opportunity to add their name to a wait list in the event of cancellations. Music is available to download through the event listing online at spac.org. Participants are not required to play all pieces and may listen in their seats while more difficult pieces are being played. Participants should remember to bring their own copy of the printed music, along with their instrument. The event is free and open to the public, with audiences encouraged to attend.
The afternoon PlayIN on August 20 precedes The Philadelphia Orchestra’s 7:30 p.m. performance: “Gershwin’s an American in Paris”, conducted by New Zealand conductor Gemma New.
For additional information on the PlayIN, as well as the schedule for The Philadelphia Orchestra’s SPAC season residency from August 5 – August 22, visit spac.org.
The Saratoga Central Catholic Baseball Team were one 15 teams that helped the school earn “School of Distinction” status (SCC Saints Athletic)
Saratoga County schools are well known for their achievements on the field.
Spa Catholic went back-to-back as champions in Baseball, Burnt-Hills produced an All-American wrestler (see page 30) and Saratoga Springs was one game away from winning a state championship in Football.
But that success doesn’t end when the students leave the field. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has announced which schools received School of Distinction and School of Excellence status for the 2025-26 academic year, including several Saratoga County Schools.
These achievements recognize schools with high levels of scholar athletes. To be recognized as a scholar athlete, a student must maintain a grade point average of 90 or above. For team status, the top 75% of a team must be considered scholar athletes.
At the end of the year, the total number of teams reaching Scholar-Athlete status and awards are given for schools with a high percentage of teams reaching that status. Schools with 75% of their varsity teams reaching the status are considered a “School of Excellence” while schools with 100% of their varsity teams reaching the status are considered “School of Distinction.”
With all sports seasons over and GPAs finalized, here is a rundown of the Saratoga County Schools that achieved a high in and out of the classroom.
School of Distinction
Only one school in Saratoga County achieved school of Distinction status for the 2025-26 school year: Saratoga Central Catholic High School. All 15 of the Saints’ varsity teams achieved Scholar Athlete status with a total of 124 student athletes reaching Scholar-Athlete status across the three seasons.
Schools of Excellence
Six schools in Saratoga County achieved School of Excellence status. Here is a rundown of those schools.
• Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Senior High School. 28 teams achieved Scholar Athlete team status with 497 athletes achieving status across the three seasons.
• Mechanicville Junior/Senior High School. 18 teams achieved Scholar Athlete status with 257 athletes achieving status across the three seasons.
• Saratoga Springs High School. 35 teams achieved Scholar Athlete status with 715 athletes achieving status across the three seasons.
• Schuylerville High School. 23 teams achieved Scholar Athlete status with 213 athletes achieving status across the three seasons.
• Shenendehowa High School. 34 teams achieved Scholar Athlete status with 520 athletes achieving status across the three seasons.
• Waterford-Halfmoon Junior Senior High School. 14 teams achieved Scholar Athlete status with 115 athletes achieving status across the three seasons.
Full totals for all school districts statewide can be found on NYSPHSAA.org
Ian and Margaret Murray in the Original Greenhouse (Aissa Murray)
Brookside Nursery is celebrating 50 years of their family-owned business by opening a brand-new retail space and greenhouse. A ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on August 15th will mark the next chapter in the storied history of Brookside Nursery.
To accompany the ribbon cutting, Bars without Boundaries will provide seasonal drinks. Then at 10:30 a.m. Little Wild Poppy will provide a bloom bar, and Happy Little Faces will be painting faces. At 11:00 a.m. Adirondack BBQ Smokehouse and JJ’s Snack Bar’s ice cream will be available. Finally, at 2 p.m. patrons can participate in a fall planter make and take.
Five decades ago, Brookside Nursery started as a one-room store centered around a wood fire stove. Ed Murray steadily expanded the blueprint of the nursery, building offices, and the original greenhouse in 1993, which is being replaced this year.
Margaret Murray supplied memories from her home country, selling Scottish kilts, treats, and even dog houses.
The Original Brookside Nursery (Aissa Murray)
Ian Murray, the son of Ed and Margaret, took over the business from his parents and continued their legacy.
Aissa Murray is the third generation of her family to continue the business and currently is raising the fourth generation, Henry and Harper.
“I went away for a while and came back here when my daughter was young. I remembered why I loved it so much,” Aissa told Saratoga TODAY. “I grew up here and loved it. I remember fondly many, many times just planting in the greenhouse and watering and all the time spent here.”
Murray says she now sees herself in her children.
“My daughter is dying to get on the register and help customers. My son loves the equipment. He wants to drive all of it.”
And the parallels continue further:
“My son was here a couple days ago out watering the trees. My dad drove by and he called to him as he pulled in: “Hey, are you going to own this someday?” Henry hollered back, “Well, yea.”
The New Addition to Brookside Nursery (Aissa Murray)
“It has been the joy of my life to see my kids grow up in the business I grew up in,” Aissa said. “It would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of my father and my grandparents before him as well as the team of people we work with each day. We wouldn’t be successful if not for the amazing team that works with us each day and the amazing community who chooses to support small businesses.”
Brookside Nursery provides residential and commercial landscaping, and has even done work at the Saratoga Race Course. They also offer their expertise to home gardeners on what will grow in the inclement northeast climate and how to care for the plants.
Brookside Nursery will continue to host community events in their newly renovated greenhouse. Looking ahead, Wild for Life is bringing in a beaver on October 3rd and will do a presentation on how to rehabilitate animal habitats in the area. Also coming is monthly plant bingo, a goat milk soap workshop, and a bonsai workshop.
To learn more about these events and to register, follow Brookside Nursery on Facebook.
500 pounds of cannabis was recovered after a car chase which started in Queensbury and ended in Saratoga County ( Courtesy of NYSP)
A State Police Charger and Tahoe were damaged during a car chase (Courtesy of NYSP)
Two Massena residents have been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after leading New York State Police on a two-county car chase that ended in Saratoga County.
The driver, identified as Torrey Jackson, 39, of Massena was arrested and charged with felony attempted aggravated assault upon a police officer, felony 1st degree criminal possession of cannabis, two counts of felony 2nd degree assault, 2nd degree felony criminal mischief, felony tampering with physical evidence, and several misdemeanors.
The passenger, identified as Tori Rushlow, 29, of Massena, was arrested on charges of felony attempted aggravated assault upon a police officer, felony 1st degree criminal possession of cannabis, felony 2nd degree assault, 2nd degree felony criminal mischief, felony tampering with physical evidence, and several misdemeanors.
According to State Police, the chase began on Interstate 87 south in Queensbury at 3:24 p.m. on July 16 when Jackson allegedly failed to stop when Troopers attempted to pull the vehicle over. The chase entered Saratoga County and left the interstate at exit 17 — continuing through rural and residential roads, fields and people’s yards.
The chase reentered I-87 at the exit 16 off ramp with Jackson allegedly traveling south in the northbound lanes of traffic. While entering the interstate, Jackson is alleged to have struck a State Police vehicle traveling north. Upon reaching a roadblock set up at exit 15, the vehicle turned around and proceeded north utilizing both the northbound and southbound lanes of traffic.
During this part of the chase, Jackson is alleged to have attempted to ram multiple State Police cars while Rushlow allegedly threw several garbage bags containing vacuum sealed bags of cannabis out the window of the vehicle, according to New York State Police.
Eventually the vehicle came to a stop in the median, with both Rushlow and Jackson allegedly attempting to flee on foot. Despite their attempts to flee and active resistance, Jackson and Rushlow were taken into custody, arraigned in Wilton Town Court and remanded into the Saratoga County Correctional facility.
Two State Troopers sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and two vehicles were damaged. All told, over 500 pounds of cannabis was recovered from the scene.
