At Belmont Park on Saturday, October 2 they will run the Champagne Stakes for two-year-olds as they have in the fall since 1867. It is s storied race and one from which I learned some important lessons as a teenager.

 It was the fall of 1978, the world was in its usual state of flux, New York City was in the midst of its financial crisis, and something called a cellular phone was being used for the first time. The world also saw a test tube baby for the first time and a handheld stereo called the “Walkman” was making music portable. A phantom named the Uni-bomber was beginning his terror spree. The only thing certain was that things were changing – quickly.

Those of us in the horse racing world, however, were confident we had it figured out. Everything had gone so smoothly since Secretariat came onto the scene. 

Secretariat was so good as a two-year-old that he was named Horse of the Year. He roared into his three-year-old campaign and swept the Triple Crown with such authority it left young people and grizzled old horse players alike in awe. 

Fans grudgingly accepted his early relocation to the breeding shed because his connections assured that he met all the tests of greatness. He was the best of his generation, won at sprints and routes, beat older horses, won giving weight, won on dirt and grass and in a sporting gesture and a nod to the Canadian roots of his trainer and rider, won in Canada. He set track records along the way and managed to be on the cover of news stalwarts – Time Magazine and Newsweek in the same week.

Secretariat’s departure to stud left a big hole in the sport, but it was clear that his babies would come along soon enough.

While we waited, Forego, who ran in Secretariat’s Kentucky Derby, would emerge as the best handicap horse in a generation; the fabulous, rough and tumble filly Ruffian would come along and thrill us like no other, and the fierce and fleet footed Seattle Slew would come along for unknown connections and dominate the Triple Crown again in 1977.

If that wasn’t enough, 1977 saw the beginning of a rivalry between two-year olds from different backgrounds. The royally-bred Alydar from Kentucky and the modestly bred Affirmed from Florida would trade victories as two-year olds and come into the 1978 Triple Crown races as rivals – each with their own fierce supporters.

In 1978 we were again treated to a Triple Crown winner in Affirmed – this time one where tenacity and grit – not power and brilliance – were the defining characteristics. 

We understood this game now. We knew how to look for the next great one. When the first crop sired by Secretariat was less than stellar, we nonetheless remained confident that the next great one was right around the corner. When we turned our eyes towards the two-year olds of 1978 we knew what we were looking for and there he was. He was a son of Secretariat owned by Bertram Firestone; trained by Leroy Jolley and he was beautiful. His name was General Assembly. 

It was at Saratoga exactly a week after the Travers (where Affirmed beat Alydar again but lost the race in the stewards’ stand) – the Hopeful Stakes – the last stakes of the then four-week Saratoga meet. General Assembly, the son of Secretariat was about to take his rightful place as the heir apparent. He didn’t disappoint. Not only did he run like his father, he looked like him. He rolled to an authoritative victory and we all nodded that we had seen the two-year-old champion and 1979 classic winner. Remember – we had this game figured out.

Eight weeks later at Belmont, October 8, 1978 General Assembly was favored to annex the Champagne Stakes on his way to the two-year-old Eclipse Award and I was assigned to work selling tickets on the third floor of the Belmont Clubhouse. The high rollers frequently gathered on the third floor of the Clubhouse at Belmont back then. I took pride in handling their large bets.

It was before the new era of computerized mutuals, and racing was slowly moving away from the requirement that each race only be bet in the thirty or so minutes before the race. Advanced wagering was being approached cautiously due to tradition and computer limitations. At that time advanced wagering on the remainder of the card could only take place after the Daily Double on the first two races.

Before the first race, I was approached by an unassuming man in his forties, and he asked when he could bet “the feature.” I politely told him he had to wait until after the Daily Double. After the first race, he reappeared. I indicated that it wasn’t after the Daily Double had been closed to wagering but after the races had been run. He apologized but dutifully returned after the second race to inquire a third time. This time I had to tell him he had to wait until the second race was official. He stepped away again.

Finally, the bell rang signifying all subsequent races were now open for betting. I motioned to the polite but impatient gambler, and he approached. He indicated he wanted to bet the feature. He produced four banded stacks of $100 bills each containing $5,000. He wanted to bet $20,000 – all to win.

Knowing that I had figured this game out, I prepared to print tickets on General Assembly – the heir apparent. I placed my hand on the number three button correlating to General Assembly. He corrected me. “Number 2 please” he commanded. “What!” I thought. “Are you sure” I said as I flipped my program to see who he was betting. “Yes sir” he said “Spectacular Bid. You might want to bet him yourself.” Flabbergasted I punched out 400 $50 Win tickets on Spectacular Bid – my mind puzzled. Was he mad or informed? Was he eccentric or slick? Was he too rich for his own good?

It would take hours to know. There was a buzz in the crowd as Spectacular Bid – not General Assembly – opened as the favorite but eventually the New York betting public ignored the early money and showed its loyalty to General Assembly, making him the favorite at $1.40-1. Despite the large early bet Spectacular Bid fell to the $2.40-1 third choice after Calumet Farm’s Tim the Tiger became the second choice in the last minute.

When the gates opened, we saw something different. What we then knew was that you never know what or who is waiting around the corner. Within jumps of the start Spectacular Bid had assumed the lead from his rail post position and the race was over. General Assembly would gamely try to get to the leader on the turn, but the gray colt would skip away and snatch the title of the next great one. He went on to one of the best horses not to win the Triple Crown.

Spectacular Bid’s New York debut taught me some lessons. In ascending order of importance, never ignore early money; respect what others know; and most importantly – “you never know who or what is waiting around the corner. As in racing as in life – the strongest opponent you may face is the one you don’t see coming – you simply never have everything figured out.”

NISKAYUNA — It was homecoming for the Niskayuna Varsity Football Team as the Silver Warriors defeated the Ballston Spa Scotties in a regular season game on Friday, Sept. 24, to secure their third win. 

Niskayuna scored all their points before halftime, to lead 28-0. In the first quarter, Dan Quinn had a 4 yd. scoring run and a 16 yd. TD pass to Dahvion Wimberly. In the second, Quinn threw for 2 more TD passes, one for 22 yds. to Tanner Wood and the other 15 yds. to find Wimberly again. Harvey was 4/4 on extra point attempts. 

Ballston Spa battled back in the second half with Isaiah Hannah and Andrew Kramer’s rushing touchdowns to make the final score 28-14. Hannah had 3 carries for 15 yds. and the 1 TD. Kramer had 5 carries for 10 yds. with the 1 TD. Passing, Kramer completed 4 of 10 attempts for 25 yds. with a long of 11. On defense, Hannah had 5 tackles with 2 for a loss and a fumble recovery. 

Also notable for the Scotties, Darrien Insogna had 18 carries for 142 yds. with a long of 55. Troy Gottman caught 2 passes for 14 yds. and Blaine Zoller caught 1 pass for 11 yds. On defense, Zoller had 5 tackles with one for a loss. Scott Dufore had 4 tackles and an INT. 

Niskayuna improves to 3-1. Ballston Spa falls to 2-2. Ballston Spa will play on their home field Friday, Oct. 1 against the South Glens Falls Bulldogs; kick-off will be at 7 p.m. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — It was a battle between the red, white, and blue as Saratoga hosted Schenectady on Friday, Sept. 24.  The Blue Streaks came away victorious with a 35-18 win over the Patriots. Over 2,000 people were in attendance for the Class AA football match and Saratoga’s homecoming game. 

Schenectady’s Damire Smith scored the first touchdown of the game on a 4 yd. run after a 10-play scoring drive made by the Patriots. Jakiem Edge made an interception at the Patriot’s 1-yard line for a change in possession, stopping Saratoga from scoring in the first quarter. 

But, as the fans rattled the bleachers 2 minutes into the second quarter, Saratoga’s Rodell Evans evened the score on a 1 yd. run. Schenectady battled back, with Moses Grant also scoring on a 1 yd. run. It was the Blue Streaks who walked away at halftime with the 2-point lead after Gordon Murray’s 20 yd. scoring run and a successful two-point conversion pass from quarterback Nate Siewert to Chris Youngs. 

Saratoga started to run away with the lead after a 17 yd. TD pass from Siewert to Christian Mello in the third quarter, a 30 yd. TD pass from Siewert to Youngs 14 seconds into the fourth, and then Jared Arpey’s 20 yd. TD run. 

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The score was 35-12 in the fourth quarter when Smith had an 80 yd. TD run for Schenectady, making the final score 35-18. Smith finished the game with 13 carries for 170 yds. Also, for the Patriots, Grant had 77 yards on 16 carries. 

For the Blue Streaks, John Bidonde had 92 yards on 14 carries. Evans, also a quarterback, had 73 yards on 9 carries and completed 2 of 5 attempts for 21 yards. Siewert completed 5 of 9 attempts for 52 yards. 

The Blue Streaks league record improves to 1-2, and they are on the road in Guilderland on Friday, Oct. 1. 

Taking place at halftime during the homecoming game, The Best Buddies and Unified Sports programs unveiled a banner honoring Saratoga Springs High School’s as a National Unified Champion School. This distinction marks the highest level of achievement for Unified Champion schools in the nation. SSHS is one of 14 schools in New York State to earn this recognition. 

Congrats to this week’s Athlete of the Week – Sarah McMahon!

Sarah is a senior at Schuylerville High School and is the Captain of the Schuylerville Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team for the second year in a row. Along with being a leader on her own team, she helps the JV players with their soccer skills and development as well. So far this season, Sarah has led the team to a 4-0 record with 0 goals scored against the team. Sarah has scored 6 goals herself so far. 

Sarah is also one of the top students in her class. She has been a volunteer coach with the OSAA (Old Saratoga Athletic Association) rec. soccer program for years. When not working on school and sports, Sarah works on her family’s farm. 

Contact the Recreation Department at 518-587-3550 x2300 or recreservations@saratoga-springs.org with questions. 

Intro to Ice Skating   

Build your skills! From your first steps on the ice through advanced moves, the Intro to Ice Skating Program will prepare you for more specialized forms of ice skating. 

The program is for ages 3 and up. Early fall dates are Tuesdays starting Oct. 5 through Nov. 9 from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. Fall dates from Nov. 16 through Dec. 21 (no Nov. 27) are Tuesdays from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. or Saturdays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 

Intro to Ice Skating will be held at the Vernon and Weibel Ice Rinks (30 Weibel Avenue). You will need: snow or fleece pants; warm jacket; mittens or gloves; bike, ski, or hockey helmet (required for all). A responsible adult must accompany beginning skaters on the ice to assist with instruction. Adults do not need skates. 

Fees before Sept. 27 are $65 for City residents and $85 for non-City residents. Fees after Sept. 27 are $90 for City residents and $110 for non-City residents. Skate rental fees per class are $5, and a punch card (good for current session only) is $25. 

Coordinator is Jill Ramos, USFS Quadruple Gold Medalist with over 25 years of experience. Instructors are: Amanda Shelburne, Regional and National Coach and PSA Master Rated with over 40 years of experience; Pat Kenkel, Regional and National Coach with over 35 years of experience; Kelsey Clechenko, with over seven years of experience; Gwen Craig, with over 6 years of experience; and Mary Magnus, US Speed Skating Coach and Nationally Ranked Speed Skater. 

Boxing – Co-Sponsored with Saratoga Youth Boxing 

This non-contact clinic will teach proper boxing technique and conditioning. Light contact will be available for those who want to take it to the next level. Full safety equipment and coaches approval required.

This clinic is for ages 8–15 and will run from Oct. 25 to Oct. 29, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Saratoga Youth Boxing Gym at Weibel Ice Rink (30 Weibel Avenue). Fees before Oct. 22 are $55 for City residents and $65 for non-City residents. Fees after Oct. 22 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents. A t-shirt is included; participants will need to bring a water, sneakers, and towel. 

 Bowling – Co-Sponsored with Saratoga Strike Zone 

See if bowling is up your alley! This so-sponsored program will introduce participants to bowling fundamentals and technique through discussion, demonstration, and practice. Rental shoes and ball provided. 

This program is for ages 8-14; a responsible adult 21 years or older must accompany each participant. It will run from Oct. 12 to Nov. 16, Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Saratoga Strike Zone (32 Ballston Avenue). Fees before Oct. 4 are $80 for City residents and $90 for non-City residents. Fees after Oct. 4 are $105 for City residents and $115 for non-City residents. A t-shirt is included; participants will need to bring their own water. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Upcoming golf tournament to benefit LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is looking for help from the community. 

Kelli Prestigiacomo recently graduated from the LIVESTRONG program at the Saratoga YMCA – a 12-week training program for cancer survivors. She was so touched by how it helped her physically and mentally that she wanted to give back in some way. Kelli, along with her husband, organized the LIVESTRONG Golf Scramble. 

The golf scramble will take place on Friday, Oct. 15 at the Saratoga Lake Golf Club (35 Gracemoore Rd., Saratoga Springs) with registration at 11 a.m. and a shotgun start at 12 p.m. Cost per golfer is $125 or $500 for a foursome and includes lunch at the turn and a buffet dinner at the Hideaway at the course; dinner only is $60 per person. 

The tournament is looking for tee sponsors, golfers, wine donations (for a wine pull at the dinner), and raffle prizes. There will be a 50/50 and raffle prizes, 1st and 2nd place prizes, hole-in-one-prize, closest to the pin prize, and longest drive prize. 

The YMCA and LIVESTRONG joined together to create LIVESTRONG at the YMCA: “a physical activity and well-being program designed to help adult cancer survivors achieve their health goals.” The 12-week training program is with certified personal trainers and provides participants and their workout buddies with a four-month Y membership. 

To register for or support the LIVESTRONG Golf Scramble, or for more information about the LIVESTRONG program, contact the SRYMCA Developmental Office at 518-583-9622 ext. 138 or email shannon.vanhall@srymca.org. 

GLENS FALLS — The Adirondack Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils and Utica Comets, has announced that they have signed goaltender Alex Sakellaropoulos and Ryan Smith to standard player contracts for the 2021-22 season. 

Sakellaropoulos, 27, played 33 games for the Thunder during the 2018-19 season, going 19-6-5 while carrying a .915 save percentage and a 2.51 goals-against average. The netminder also earned three call-ups to the AHL with Binghamton, Utica, and Springfield. During the 2019-20 season, the Tinley Park, IL native made stops in Rapid City, Norfolk, and Orlando, appearing in a total of 38 games. 

After signing to play with Adirondack for the 2020-21 season, Sakellaropoulos played six games for the Wichita Thunder, going 2-3-1 with a 2.60 GAA and a .934 SV%. 

Sakellaropoulos played four seasons at Union College in Schenectady from 2013 until 2017 and was a member of the 2014 National Championship team. Sakellaropoulos backstopped 82 games for the Flying Dutchmen (40-22-13, 2.54 GAA, .914 SV%). 

Smith, 24, was originally signed to play with Adirondack for 2020-21 following his senior season at the University of Maine where he notched 35 points (18 goals, 17 assists) in 135 games over his four-year career. The Roanoke, VA native served as an alternate captain for his final year. 

Following the Thunder opting out last season, Smith joined the Macon Mayhem of the Southern Professional Hockey League. In 42 games, Smith recorded 26 points (9 goals, 17 assists) and earned himself a three-game call-up to the ECHL’s Tulsa Oilers. 

Prior to college, Smith skated in two seasons for the Green Bay Gamblers in the United States Hockey League, putting up 38 points (17 goals, 21 assists) in 117 games at the junior level and appeared in four playoff games. 

Smith spent two seasons in Lake Placid playing for the Northwood School at the United States High School, Preparatory level. He also participated in the 2015 CCM All-American Prospects Game and was a member of the 2016 USA U-18 Ivan Hlinka Select Team. 

Opening night tickets are on sale now. Visit www.seatgeek.com/adirondack-thunder-tickets or visit the SeatGeek Box Office at Cool Insuring Arena. For all the latest Adirondack Thunder news, follow the team on all social media @ECHLThunder. 

BALLSTON SPA – The Ballston Spa Country Club will host the second annual Golf For Fun Tournament to benefit The Dake Foundation for Children. The event will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 24 with registration starting at 8 a.m. It is a four-person scramble format with games, prizes, and more surprises along the course. Registration fee includes breakfast, lunch, greens fees, and cart; sponsorship details vary by level. Pre-registration is available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golf-for-fun-2021-registration-165272559675. 

Among the volunteers for this year’s tournament will be Abigail, who was a past recipient of the foundation’s bike grant. Abigail grew out of being able to receive grants but continued to be involved with the foundation through volunteering at events. Once she grew out of the bike program, she donated the bikes back to the foundation to support their new Adapt Bike Loaner Program. Stewart’s Shop President, Gary Dake, will be at the event to meet Abigail and hear her story. 

All proceeds from the tournament will go directly to grants that will be used for adaptive equipment and financial assistance for children with physical disabilities. The event was started in 2020 as a new way to raise money during the pandemic and due to its success the foundation has made it a permanent fundraising fixture. 

The Dake Foundation for Children was established in 2009 to help children with disabilities have access to the tools they need to become as independent as possible. The foundation emphasizes fun while providing children with equipment and services to help them reach their fullest potential. Typically, the foundation grants over $70,000 each year to kids and has helped over 250 kids. 

Grant recipient Abigail pictured with her bike. Abigail and her father biked from Albany to Buffalo with her bike from The Dake Foundation. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Wesley Community will honor the memory of U.S. Army Specialist Abigail Jenkins in partnership with her mother during an art exhibit throughout September at the Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs. 

The exhibit, which is curated by Abigail Jenks’ mother and Wesley Health Care Center licensed practical nurse (LPN), Mary Jenks, will feature more than 70 pieces of artwork showcasing the fallen service member’s passion for drawing. Due to current health and safety precautions, the art exhibit is available to Wesley Health Care Center residents only and is not open to the general public. A virtual exhibit is available at thewesleycommunity.org. 

Abigail Jenks was a paratrooper with the U.S. Army who was killed during a training exercise on April 19 while stationed in Front Bragg, NC. The 20-year-old was a 2018 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School and a resident of Saratoga County prior to joining the military. 

Created by Mary Jenks as an opportunity to showcase another side of Abigail’s life, the exhibit features numerous themes and subjects, including a variety of animals and mythical creatures, as well as several Spa City favorites such as horses and ballerinas. Jenks hopes that the artwork will spark memories for Wesley’s senior residents and inspire conversations about their lives during the presentations she will guide throughout the month. 

“The presentation for the residents is hearing about a veteran’s art from a mother’s heart,” said Jenks. “It is a form of healing from the young to the old, as I explain the life of Abigail and highlight some of her most beloved pieces.” 

GREENWICH — Willard Mountain Ski and Snow Sports Club of New York will host their inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony to induct Dave Vanderzee Sr., Patti Piper, Jim Smiley, and Mike Annette into the Hall of Fame on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at Willard Mountain. Doug Lewis, 2x Olympian and World Champion, will be Master of Ceremonies. Tickets are $75. 

The event will feature cocktails and foods from local farms, entertainment, as well as the Induction Ceremony. The inductees and their accomplishments include: Dave Vanderzee Sr., founder of Willard Mtn. who created the family-run ski area; Patti Piper, decorated athlete with unparalleled contribution to alpine skiing; Jim Smiley, 3 generations of unprecedented dedication to the program; Mike Annette who has put more people on the US Ski Team than any other coach. 

“In recognition of our storied past, we will be creating a Hall of Fame “Seat” Wall that will serve as our podium to celebrate our past and our future,” said Dan Spigner, Program Director and Head Coach of the Willard Mountain Ski and Snow Sports Club. “Over 60 athletes participate annually, we are home to five high school alpine ski programs, have been part of the United Ski and Snow Board Association (USSA) for 51 years, and are currently part of the Vermont Alpine Racing Associate (VARA).”

Each year individuals are selected to become members of the Hall of Fame by an induction committee made up of the original members of the Hall of Fame and important names in ski and snow sports. 

Tickets are available at eventbrite.com. To learn more about the Willard Mountain Ski and Snow Club, visit www.willardmountain.com