SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Stampede 13U summer team hit a 17-game winning streak for their season.

“We played a total of 29 games…and we finished the season with a record of 23-5-1,”   said Phonsey Lambert, coach of the 13U team as well as the athletic director and baseball coach at Saratoga Central Catholic High School. 

“What was interesting is, we beat 18-14U teams, and one 17U team along the way,” Lambert said.

Lambert’s team was elevated in a tournament called Last Man Standing where they advanced to the championship game.

{loadmoduleid 268}

“They moved us up to the 14U level. They advanced us up there and we lost the championship game on a walk off base hit 4-3,” Lambert said. 

That loss ended the Stampede’s 17 game winning streak, but Lambert said he was impressed with how the team played this summer. 

“We had a great year and an outstanding season. The kids followed guidelines and they were hard workers. They were great listeners and they have a lot of talent on this team,” Lambert said.  “The kids played very well together during the summer and during these difficult times. We are very respectful towards each other and they are very coachable. The players were respectful of the new rules and regulations in this ever-changing world in our pandemic.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Members of the Saratoga Little League Challenger Division played their hearts out this past Thursday at their under the lights baseball game.

Teammates had a chance to help each other hit a ball, throw a ball and tag each other while staying socially safe.  Robert Kelly and Derrick LeGall, president of the league, designed the program to give children with special needs the chance to play baseball.

Saratoga Spring Little League’s adaptive baseball program is in its fifth year and is only one of a few in the region. It gives players with specialized needs a place to join in and enjoy playing the game of baseball in our community. 

Kelly can be reached by email at r_kelly@saratogaschools.org and Legall can be reached at derricklegall@gmail.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In the Fall of 2018, mother of two, Anna Laloë was searching for ways to keep her two girls engaged in mountain biking.

“I started this selfishly for my then six- and eight-year-old daughters. When you hike and bike with your own children, they’ll often complain. But, as soon as other adults or kids join, the complaints stop,” Laloë wrote on her website.

The Saratoga Shredders began with 10 to 15 girls biking together at the Saratoga State Park. This past summer, the Shredders registered close to 90 girls, meaning 90 individual girls have showed up at least once to a practice.

“[We] couldn’t do it this past spring due to COVID-19, but once guidelines from Governor Andrew Cuomo were developed, we were able to start the Shredders up again,” Laloë said. “We had 25 girls show up the first night and it only grew from there.”

For this past season, the group has added two more trail systems to their weekly rides. Girls in the group can explore Luther Forest in Malta and Kalabus-Perry Preserve in the Wilton area. Because of COVID-19, the Shredders have been diligent about restrictions and social distance guidelines. When a girl shows up to participate, their family signs a release form and she splits off into her respective age level group.

“We have five groups organized by different bug names. The [Shredders] are always in pods of 10 to 15 girls and because we have a huge number of volunteer female mentors, we can break up into five or six girls per group,” Laloë said.

The group names are all inspired after insects and each represents a different age group and skill level, including young beginners to older intermediate and experienced groups. When a girl registers for a ride, Laloë needs to know their age along with their riding experience, which can range from neighborhood riding to trail experience.

{loadmoduleid 268}

“You don’t need a fancy bike or any experience trail riding…just come ride your bike,” Laloë says.

Laloë comes from a background in mountain bike racing. She spent five years racing at a high level.

“I pulled back on my racing career, went back to working full time, and was ready to give back to the community that had given me so much throughout my racing career.” Laloë said. “This was a big transition for me; going back to work and going from race to ride mode. It’s been a wonderful transition for me and my two daughters and this group of awesome girls.”

With only two more weeks of the summer schedule left, Laloë is already looking forward to the fall schedule. No date is set yet, but interested parties can visit online at www.saratogashredders.com for updates. While looking forward to the fall season, Laloë wanted to thank the volunteer mentors and sponsors of the Shredders. She continues to welcome other female mentors and volunteers.

“Thank you to the ones that have come. [They] hold this group together,” Laloë said.

As for her favorite part about Saratoga Shredders, Laloë answered it was seeing the Shredders’ reaction at the end of a ride.

“It’s towards the ends of rides…watching all the girls come back to the parking lot and seeing their faces lit-up and hearing each of their tales of adventure – it’s just mind-blowing to see and hear,” Laloë said. “To see that sense of accomplishment, sense of empowerment, sense of adventure that we are instilling in them just by going for a bike ride.”

The Shredders can be found online or on facebook. They can be reached at 781-879-3647.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Little League Challenger Division started with a home run for their fifth season this summer. 

Leading up to a game under the lights this week, the Challenger Division welcomes special need kids in the community. Robert Kelly and Derrick LeGall, president of the league, designed the program to give children with special needs the chance to be kids and the opportunity to play America’s favorite pastime. 

“Every kid wants to be outside, making friends, enjoy the fresh air and to just have a good time. We give that opportunity to the kids and to the parents as well,” LeGall said. 

Xavier Camlet, a member of the Challenger team, said he loves the opportunity to play on a team, help his teammates out and most importantly have the chance to hit the ball. 

“I like helping my friends, letting my family come here and hitting the ball too,” Camlet said. “I like working for my team, helping them and hitting the ball out there…letting my teammates know where the ball is going to be.”

His mom, Jessica Camlet, ejoys the opportunities the team gives to Xavier. 

“He’s excited every day to play with his friends and it builds up his self esteem and confidence, I think that’s the biggest thing for him. When we got Xavier—we adopted him—he wasn’t very experienced and socialized and this gives him the chance to really be a kid and that’s my favorite part…just seeing his face light up. He’s just so happy to contribute and to be with his friends,” Camlet said. 

Xavier Camlet and his teammates are practicing for their under the lights game at the West Side Recreational Little League Field on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020 at 7 p.m.

One of his teammates, Regan Perella is playing on the team for his first year and will sing the Star Spangled Banner at the start of their under-the-lights game. 

“I do like singing and I don’t get nervous,” Perella said. “I’m loving it.”

Perella has enjoyed the fans’ reaction he gets when he plays baseball and likes all the fans his has, including his father Jim Perella. 

“We love all of the kids getting together and just having a great time,” Jim Perella said. “We love to see the kids play and everyone leaves here with a smile. These kids are playing ball just like America’s favorite pastime and we love that.”

The team is open to families outside of the Saratoga community as well and will accommodate kids up to the age of 21-years-old.

The Little League Challenger Division was established nationally in 1989, and is Little League’s adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges. Any individual with a physical or intellectual challenge may participate. The Little League Challenger Division accommodates players’ ages 4 to 18 or up to age 22 if still enrolled in school.

Saratoga Springs Little League’s adaptive baseball program is in its fifth year and is only one of a few in the region. It gives players with specialized needs a place to join in and enjoy playing the game of baseball in our community. 

Little League Baseball, Inc. is a non-profit organization with the mission “through proper guidance and exemplary leadership, the Little League program assists youth in developing the qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical well-being. By espousing the virtues of character, courage and loyalty, the Little League Baseball program is designed to develop superior citizens rather than stellar athletes.”

“I’m really proud of this program because I see moms, dads and kids working together out on the field,” Kelly said. “I enjoy seeing the kids having fun and experiencing what everyone else can experience.”

“My favorite part about all this is just watching the kids enjoy themselves,” LeGall said. “Whether it’s a hit they get and they look to make sure mom or dad saw it….it’s something that brings joy to their faces and it brings joy to me because that is what it’s all about.”

Kelly can be reached by email at r_kelly@saratogaschools.org and Legall can be reached at derricklegall@gmail.com. The team practices every Thursday evening and plays Saturday morning games. 

The arrival of fall doesn’t mean your kids’ baseball glove has to sit around gathering dust. The Spa City Stallions are hosting tryouts for 11 to 13-year-olds who want year-round training. 

MAJOR LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

The Spa City Stallions are being headed up by the Harrington family – a family with Major League experience.

“With the Harringtons being a baseball family and having the experience that we do, we bring a more functional approach to baseball. Kids haven’t been learning the skills to help them move forward and it’s a rude awakening for them when they go out on a full-sized field,” said TJ Harrington. 

TJ’s dad, Tim Harrington, has been a scout for the Boston Red Sox for 21 years and spent 14 years as Glens Falls High School’s varsity baseball coach. TJ was a 1994 San Diego Padres draft pick and served nine years as a strength and conditioning coach for the LA Angels. His nephew, Mike, who played for the Cortland Red Dragons, has earned a number of awards including being named the 2018 D3 Pitcher of the Year. 

This was the first year for their Spa City Stallions team, comprised of players from South Glens Falls, Queensbury and Saratoga. Even with all of the hurdles that youth sports had to jump over because of the pandemic, they played a great six weeks of games this season. 

{loadmoduleid 268}

A NEW BRAND OF BASEBALL

Even if you didn’t know anything about their combined Major League experience, one look at the new, private Spa City Stallions field in Greenfield Center can tell you that these guys take baseball seriously. All aspects of the game are covered and player skills honed in an environment where no shortcuts have been taken.

The Spa City Stallions fall developmental sessions will be followed-up by indoor strength and conditioning training at the Chase Sports Complex in South Glens Falls before going back out on the field for Spring training and out on the road for summer games as members of the Eastern New York Travel Baseball (ENYTB) league. 

To accommodate a variety of student schedules, TJ is committed to maintaining flexibility with the Stallions’ training times. During the 1½ to 2-hour sessions, they’ll be hitting balls in the batting cages, utilizing computer-aided pitching analysis, building strength and endurance with exercises, weights and hurdles. As a small private group, they personally ensure that all the safety protocols the state has put in place are being adhered to, he said. 

“We’re a one-stop shop for baseball,” said Harrington.

The Spa City Stallions player costs and fees are comparable to other ENYTB teams. Free tryouts are being held on Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 23 at 55 Wilton Rd., Greenfield Center. Players are asked to bring standard baseball equipment and answer basic medical questions at registration. Tryouts for kids age 11 are at 10 a.m., age 12 at 12 p.m. and age 13 at 2 p.m. A second round of tryouts will be Aug. 29 and 30. For more information, find them on Facebook @spacitystallionsbaseball

Earlier this week I was given the opportunity to interview Jack Knowlton and discuss his meteoric rise to the top of the horse racing universe. It all began twenty- five years ago.

THE FORMATIVE YEARS

In 1995 Jack and five pals of his formed Sackatoga Stable. The name was a play on words. A combination of letters from the crew’s hometown of Sackets Harbor along with Jack’s residency in Saratoga Springs creating an amusing name for the enterprise. They chose the staid checkered colors of maroon and gray that matched those of their high school for the stable’s jockey silks.

They liked the name so much that they named their first horse Sackets Six. Little did they know that eight years later lightning would strike them in the form of a three-year-old gelding with the name Funny Cide.

ON THE FUNNY CIDE OF THE STREET

In 2002 Jack and his partners paid Seventy-five thousand dollars for the chestnut gelding. By that time the ownership group had risen to ten members including a crusty, colorful character, Delmar businessman Gus Williams. Funny Cide would not disappoint. As a two-year-old he took all three of his starts, two of them easily. He didn’t show much as a three-year-old until the Wood Memorial, New York’s major Kentucky Derby prep. There he gave the favorite Empire Maker all he could handle, finishing a game second. Jack and his merry men were heading for Louisville for a shot at the “Run for the Roses.” Along with them was a bus load of friends and associates clamoring to be a part of the action.

Jack saw it like this.The sheiks and blue bloods were coming in private cars and limousines. They, on the other hand were considered a bunch of local yokels, coming to the Derby on a school bus with a New York State bred gelding. The fact that a gelding hadn’t won the race in fifty-five years and a New York bred had never won it didn’t add much prestige to their presence at the big event.

Empire Maker was the favorite to win the race. He had all the earmarks of a champion. He was owned by Prince Khalid Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. With impeccable breeding and a resume to go along with it, this Goliath looked like he was about to put the Derby field in his back pocket.

Jack Knowlton and trainer Barclay Tagg had other ideas. They knew that horse races aren’t won at the breeding shed or the magnificent horse farms in Kentucky. They are won on the racetrack. And Funny Cide was about to prove it.

The seventeen horse field approached the gate. Funny Cide took his place in the 6 slot under the reins of one of America’s top jockeys, Jose Santos. At 12 to 1 he was overlooked by the bettors, who had their eyes firmly fixed on Empire Maker.

The bell rang and Santos tucked the chestnut to the inside. He stayed there until they hit the half mile pole. Then he made his move. Funny Cide blew by the leaders. In hot pursuit Empire Maker followed. Santos hit the gas and was two lengths clear of Empire Maker at the wire. The race was over and a legend was born.

Jack Knowlton, Funny Cide and his crew were now household names in the sporting world. David had taken down Goliath and the average guy loved them for it.

Two weeks later all roads led to Baltimore for the running of the Preakness Stakes. Funny Cide took this one in a laugher, cruising home by almost ten lengths.

The gelding that was just another Derby starter two weeks earlier, was heading to Belmont Park with a chance to win the Triple Crown and immortality.

Jack was on clouds number one through nine. He and his high school buddies made an appearance on The Today Show being Interviewed by Katie Curic. If that wasn’t enough, he rubbed shoulders with the premier sports artist in the world, Leroy Neiman. They spent an afternoon together at Manhattan’s fabled eatery and watering hole “21 Club.” With its row of jockey statues adorning the entrance to the restaurant, it was the perfect setting. There Neiman invited Jack to his gallery and also spent a day with him at Belmont. To add icing to the cake, Neiman painted a beautiful rendition of Funny Cide. The original was sold at a charity event. A signed print of it hangs proudly in Jack’s office.

A BRUSH WITH IMMORTALITY

If Jack wasn’t busy enough with his new-found celebrity, his main thoughts were obviously with winning a Triple Crown. It rained all of Belmont Day in the New York area. The torrential downpour wouldn’t stop a near record crowd of over one hundred thousand fans from converging on Belmont Park to root their newfound hero to victory.

The big guy was facing five opponents in his quest for immortality. Derby favorite Empire Maker was back for this one. For whatever reason Funny Cide wasn’t quite up to the mile and a half test that day. He took the lead out of the gate and was hounded by Empire Maker until he gave way on the far turn. Down the stretch Empire Maker drew clear. The Saudi Arabian Prince had his taste of revenge. As for Funny Cide his popularity would only grow in leaps and bounds.

THE FUNNY CIDE BRAND

Funny Cide was about to take on his own zip code. He was so popular that beers and wines were named after him. Ice cream flavors showcased his name. Novelty bobble heads became a sought after collectible for the Funny Cide fans.

As for Jack, he travelled the country as a good will ambassador for the breeding of New York State Thoroughbreds..And who better than the soft spoken visionary that had done so much for the sport in his native state.

A STAR IS BORN

Let’s move ahead to the present. it’s been almost two decades since Jack and his crew pulled off the miracle in Louisville.

Again he has raised eyebrows throughout the horse racing community. Along with his trainer Barclay Tagg and a new set of owners he is poised to get a second Derby.

This chapter differs a bit from the legend of Funny Cide. This time Jack has a colt that could very well become Horse of the Year and a World Class Champion before this racing year ends.

A product of the 2018 Fasig – Tipton sales here at Saratoga, Jack laid out 110,000 dollars for the rights to the New York State bred yearling. 

He was given the striking name Tiz The Law. It was apropos that he would break his maiden at Saratoga as a two-year-old last year. Then in only his second start he won the Grade One Champagne at Belmont. Jack Knowlton knew from that moment he had another New York Bred racehorse poised to run in the Kentucky Derby.

This year has been all Tiz The Law. In four starts as a three year old he has reeled off the Holy Bull Stakes, then the Florida Derby, The Belmont Stakes and Saratoga’s Crown Jewel, the Travers.

In this Covid-19 year of surprises, the Belmont and Travers were scheduled to run prior to the Kentucky Derby. The distance for the Belmont Stakes was shortened to a mile and an eighth. Tiz The Law took the race easily. As far as Jack is concerned they could have gone two miles and nobody in that field would have touched him.

Jack is convinced that the chances are strong that his colt will get the Derby and go on to Triple Crown glory. It is difficult to fault that evaluation.

If everything goes according to Hoyle horse racing fans will get to see Tiz The Law next year. Jack would like to see him go to the Pegasus to start the campaign, then on to Dubai. He sees the Whitney Stakes here at the Spa also a distinct possibility. Jack puts it this way. “Each one is a mountain to climb.”

FINAL REMARKS

Jack had a few things to discuss that are very important to him. Foremost he would like to see his trainer Barclay Tagg inducted into the Horse Racing Hall of Fame here on Union Avenue. He points out that the eighty-two-year-old Tagg is one of only four contemporary trainers to win all three Triple Crown Races.

He also would like to see uniform drug testing on a nationwide basis. He sees too many rules and regulations that differ in the various states that conduct thoroughbred racing.

Jack is proud of the fact that he has taken two relatively inexpensive horses to the top of the sport. He expresses that it is proof with a small investment a partnership of shareholders can participate in the game at the highest level.

Finally, Jack has become the face of New York State Thoroughbred Breeding. His success with that breed is unparalleled. In fact he has done literally the impossible. Jack has taken on the Crème de la Crème of the sport. Where the Middle Eastern Sheiks and blue bloods have an open check book to conduct business, Jack has taken them on successfully with a small stable and limited funds. He is quietly proud of that astonishing fact.

Jack Knowlton is one of a kind. When asked about the many successes in his life, he would start the answer with the word “Incredible.” It is safe to say that same word fits Jack to a tee. The life that he leads surely is incredible.

Earlier this week I was given the opportunity to interview Jack Knowlton and discuss his meteoric rise to the top of the horse racing universe. It all began twenty- five years ago.

THE FORMATIVE YEARS

In 1995 Jack and five pals of his formed Sackatoga Stable. The name was a play on words. A combination of letters from the crew’s hometown of Sackets Harbor along with Jack’s residency in Saratoga Springs creating an amusing name for the enterprise. They chose the staid checkered colors of maroon and gray that matched those of their high school for the stable’s jockey silks.

They liked the name so much that they named their first horse Sackets Six. Little did they know that eight years later lightning would strike them in the form of a three-year-old gelding with the name Funny Cide.

ON THE FUNNY CIDE OF THE STREET

In 2002 Jack and his partners paid Seventy-five thousand dollars for the chestnut gelding. By that time the ownership group had risen to ten members including a crusty, colorful character, Delmar businessman Gus Williams. Funny Cide would not disappoint. As a two-year-old he took all three of his starts, two of them easily. He didn’t show much as a three-year-old until the Wood Memorial, New York’s major Kentucky Derby prep. There he gave the favorite Empire Maker all he could handle, finishing a game second. Jack and his merry men were heading for Louisville for a shot at the “Run for the Roses.” Along with them was a bus load of friends and associates clamoring to be a part of the action.

Jack saw it like this.The sheiks and blue bloods were coming in private cars and limousines. They, on the other hand were considered a bunch of local yokels, coming to the Derby on a school bus with a New York State bred gelding. The fact that a gelding hadn’t won the race in fifty-five years and a New York bred had never won it didn’t add much prestige to their presence at the big event.

Empire Maker was the favorite to win the race. He had all the earmarks of a champion. He was owned by Prince Khalid Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. With impeccable breeding and a resume to go along with it, this Goliath looked like he was about to put the Derby field in his back pocket.

Jack Knowlton and trainer Barclay Tagg had other ideas. They knew that horse races aren’t won at the breeding shed or the magnificent horse farms in Kentucky. They are won on the racetrack. And Funny Cide was about to prove it.

The seventeen horse field approached the gate. Funny Cide took his place in the 6 slot under the reins of one of America’s top jockeys, Jose Santos. At 12 to 1 he was overlooked by the bettors, who had their eyes firmly fixed on Empire Maker.

The bell rang and Santos tucked the chestnut to the inside. He stayed there until they hit the half mile pole. Then he made his move. Funny Cide blew by the leaders. In hot pursuit Empire Maker followed. Santos hit the gas and was two lengths clear of Empire Maker at the wire. The race was over and a legend was born.

Jack Knowlton, Funny Cide and his crew were now household names in the sporting world. David had taken down Goliath and the average guy loved them for it.

Two weeks later all roads led to Baltimore for the running of the Preakness Stakes. Funny Cide took this one in a laugher, cruising home by almost ten lengths.

The gelding that was just another Derby starter two weeks earlier, was heading to Belmont Park with a chance to win the Triple Crown and immortality.

Jack was on clouds number one through nine. He and his high school buddies made an appearance on The Today Show being Interviewed by Katie Curic. If that wasn’t enough, he rubbed shoulders with the premier sports artist in the world, Leroy Neiman. They spent an afternoon together at Manhattan’s fabled eatery and watering hole “21 Club.” With its row of jockey statues adorning the entrance to the restaurant, it was the perfect setting. There Neiman invited Jack to his gallery and also spent a day with him at Belmont. To add icing to the cake, Neiman painted a beautiful rendition of Funny Cide. The original was sold at a charity event. A signed print of it hangs proudly in Jack’s office.

A BRUSH WITH IMMORTALITY

If Jack wasn’t busy enough with his new-found celebrity, his main thoughts were obviously with winning a Triple Crown. It rained all of Belmont Day in the New York area. The torrential downpour wouldn’t stop a near record crowd of over one hundred thousand fans from converging on Belmont Park to root their newfound hero to victory.

The big guy was facing five opponents in his quest for immortality. Derby favorite Empire Maker was back for this one. For whatever reason Funny Cide wasn’t quite up to the mile and a half test that day. He took the lead out of the gate and was hounded by Empire Maker until he gave way on the far turn. Down the stretch Empire Maker drew clear. The Saudi Arabian Prince had his taste of revenge. As for Funny Cide his popularity would only grow in leaps and bounds.

{loadmoduleid 268}

THE FUNNY CIDE BRAND

Funny Cide was about to take on his own zip code. He was so popular that beers and wines were named after him. Ice cream flavors showcased his name. Novelty bobble heads became a sought after collectible for the Funny Cide fans.

As for Jack, he travelled the country as a good will ambassador for the breeding of New York State Thoroughbreds..And who better than the soft spoken visionary that had done so much for the sport in his native state.

A STAR IS BORN

Let’s move ahead to the present. it’s been almost two decades since Jack and his crew pulled off the miracle in Louisville.

Again he has raised eyebrows throughout the horse racing community. Along with his trainer Barclay Tagg and a new set of owners he is poised to get a second Derby.

This chapter differs a bit from the legend of Funny Cide. This time Jack has a colt that could very well become Horse of the Year and a World Class Champion before this racing year ends.

A product of the 2018 Fasig – Tipton sales here at Saratoga, Jack laid out 110,000 dollars for the rights to the New York State bred yearling. 

He was given the striking name Tiz The Law. It was apropos that he would break his maiden at Saratoga as a two-year-old last year. Then in only his second start he won the Grade One Champagne at Belmont. Jack Knowlton knew from that moment he had another New York Bred racehorse poised to run in the Kentucky Derby.

This year has been all Tiz The Law. In four starts as a three year old he has reeled off the Holy Bull Stakes, then the Florida Derby, The Belmont Stakes and Saratoga’s Crown Jewel, the Travers.

In this Covid-19 year of surprises, the Belmont and Travers were scheduled to run prior to the Kentucky Derby. The distance for the Belmont Stakes was shortened to a mile and an eighth. Tiz The Law took the race easily. As far as Jack is concerned they could have gone two miles and nobody in that field would have touched him.

Jack is convinced that the chances are strong that his colt will get the Derby and go on to Triple Crown glory. It is difficult to fault that evaluation.

If everything goes according to Hoyle horse racing fans will get to see Tiz The Law next year. Jack would like to see him go to the Pegasus to start the campaign, then on to Dubai. He sees the Whitney Stakes here at the Spa also a distinct possibility. Jack puts it this way. “Each one is a mountain to climb.”

FINAL REMARKS

Jack had a few things to discuss that are very important to him. Foremost he would like to see his trainer Barclay Tagg inducted into the Horse Racing Hall of Fame here on Union Avenue. He points out that the eighty-two-year-old Tagg is one of only four contemporary trainers to win all three Triple Crown Races.

He also would like to see uniform drug testing on a nationwide basis. He sees too many rules and regulations that differ in the various states that conduct thoroughbred racing.

Jack is proud of the fact that he has taken two relatively inexpensive horses to the top of the sport. He expresses that it is proof with a small investment a partnership of shareholders can participate in the game at the highest level.

Finally, Jack has become the face of New York State Thoroughbred Breeding. His success with that breed is unparalleled. In fact he has done literally the impossible. Jack has taken on the Crème de la Crème of the sport. Where the Middle Eastern Sheiks and blue bloods have an open check book to conduct business, Jack has taken them on successfully with a small stable and limited funds. He is quietly proud of that astonishing fact.

Jack Knowlton is one of a kind. When asked about the many successes in his life, he would start the answer with the word “Incredible.” It is safe to say that same word fits Jack to a tee. The life that he leads surely is incredible.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — As Saratoga residents begin to blow off the dust on their bikes and running shoes after the long quarantine, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation (SSPF) is offering a fun and educational way to get back into being active. Throughout the summer, the SSPF is offering guided walking and biking tours throughout Saratoga to give you the full story on this historic city.

The annual Bike Tours are returning again this summer to give people the full scoop behind the Saratoga Spa State Park. Join Linda Harvey-Opiteck, the SSPF Secretary as the path takes you along old roads, carriage paths, and trolley lines. By biking and walking these paths, the community will gain an understanding of the historic development of the area through the 1900’s. The trip will highlight the significant architectural and landscaping changes the springs and spas went through throughout this period. Even today the park remains a staple cultural and amusement spot for locals and tourists alike. The SSPF highlights the preservation of the spas and the local beauty of the quiet and off-the-beaten-path springs. Ever since their founding in 1977, the SSPF has worked for the protection and enhancement of the Saratoga’s cultural heritage.

The tour starts on South Broadway at the Lincoln Baths near the early bathhouses before moving along to some lesser known springs along Route 50. Afterwards, the tour will head to the serene Geyser Park area before finishing up at the complex of Beaux Arts building in the center of Saratoga Spa State Park.

Harvey-Opiteck says that her favorite part of the tour is “making people aware of the significance of this park that is in their backyard and helping them find new parts of the park that they not have explored before. Everyone puts a focus on the historic architecture in Saratoga Springs but here we have a National Historic Landmark, which there is no higher significance in the United States.”

Tickets for the tour are $20 for SSPF members and $25 for any non-members and space is limited to around twenty participants so sign up in advance. Also, for those who are interested but might not have a bike can rent one through the many CDPHP Cycle stations throughout Saratoga. The course is mostly flat so people of all ages and fitness ranges are welcome to attend. Tours are offered on Saturday, July 11, Saturday, Aug. 22, and on Sunday Sept. 27.

The SSPF is also offering their “Summer Strolls” again this summer which take you through multiple different neighborhoods and locations around Saratoga to learn more about their cultural history as well. There are twelve walks scheduled throughout the summer and like the Bike Tours, space is limited so registering for a ticket in advance is required. A guide who is well rooted in Saratoga’s rich history will lead the tour and the locations visited range from elegant streets of Saratoga’s downtown to the tranquil, hole-in-the-wall springs. These tours are offered every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. all the way through Sept. 6.

For those looking to get active this summer, try signing up for a Bike Tour or Summer Stroll. The two not only give you an in-depth guide on the city’s rich cultural history, but also are a great way to make being active fun.

For more information on the tours or to make a reservation, call the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation 518-587-5030 or visit their website at www.saratogapreservation.org.

SARATOGA COUNTY — During Governor Cuomo’s announcement on June 14 regarding the shift to Phase 3 of reopening, he stated that low-risk youth sports can begin again on July 6. This was a pleasant surprise for many families around New York as it gives their kids an outlet to get outside and stay active during quarantine.

Since early March, many local Recreation Departments have been forced to shut down annual sports and youth-enrichment programs. The Saratoga Recreation Department was forced to cancel its spring soccer, fishing, ice skating, and bowling programs due to the escalation of the COVID-19. While necessary at the time to protect athletes and families, many were sad to hear that another community outlet was shut down until further notice. As summer grew closer, many questioned the potential of these Recreation Departments and their programs being closed for another season. However, with New York’s almost complete shift to Phase 3, this question is now answered.

Many local recreation departments have begun to announce the reopening of summer leagues for lower-risk youth sports. Popular sports included in this category are: soccer, crew, individual swimming and diving, baseball, softball, track and field, and golf. While many kids are excited to regain a bit of normalcy in their lives, there are a lot of precautions being taken to ensure that both kids and spectators can be safe. The sports that were given the green-light to open back up contain minimal contact and share little equipment. Furthermore, most of these can be done while practicing regular social distancing rules.

{loadmoduleid 268}

While it is up to each state or community to enforce and mandate certain safety precautions, local recreation departments such as the Ballston Area Recreation Commission (BACC) and Saratoga Springs Recreation have taken many efforts to ensure that people are maintaining proper safety when getting back out on the fields this summer. One change that will be implemented for the summer and fall leagues is a limit on the number of spectators allowed at each game. They ask that there only be two spectators per child participant. As well, these Departments have begun to discuss with league directors about keeping players safe during games. Some private leagues have already started posting their own health and safety guidelines during COVID-19. The Ballston Spa Jr. Baseball League is requiring that all coaching staff must wear masks in and around the playing field and that players are required to have masks on in the dugout. The traditional after game handshake is being replaced with both teams lining up on their base path in front of their dugouts and tipping their cap to opposing team.

However, while things may look bright for Saratoga and Ballston Spa in regard to the reopening of summer youth sports, Glens Falls has decided to keep their sport leagues closed for the summer. In a release by the Glens Falls Recreation department, “In wake of the Coronavirus pandemic and the Covid-19 threat, and in the interest of maintaining public health, the Glens Falls Recreation Department has cancelled the bulk of its summer programming.”

While the concern of COVID-19 will not go away anytime soon, it’s a step in the right direction for local communities as they try and not only restore some normalcy to kids’ lives, but also some smiles.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The 2020 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course will feature 71 stakes worth $14.45 million, encompassing 39 graded stakes and 18 Grade 1s – from Thursday, July 16 through Monday, Sept. 7.

“We’re thrilled to be racing at Saratoga this summer, and we thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for his support and the support of horsemen who have worked with us to navigate the many challenges,” NYRA President and CEO Dave O’Rourke said in a statement. “While this will be anything but a traditional Saratoga season, we hope to provide a semblance of normalcy for both the local community as well as racing fans across the country.”

Under current New York state guidelines, Saratoga Race Course will open July 16 without spectators in attendance. The 40-day meet will feature at least one stakes race every live racing day, highlighted by the 151st renewal of the Grade 1, $1 million Runhappy Travers on August 8 and the Grade 1, $750,000 Whitney on August 1, as the anchors of two of the biggest racing days in North America.

After opening weekend, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays.

Whitney Day, set for Saturday, Aug.1, will feature three Grade 1 events, led by the historic Whitney, a handicap at 1 1/8 miles with an automatic berth to the Breeders’ Cup Classic on November 7 at Keeneland on the line.

The card is bolstered by the Grade 1, $500,000 Personal Ensign, a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff in November; and the Grade 1, $300,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial presented by Runhappy for 3-year-olds sprinting seven furlongs.

The stakes-laden card also includes the Grade 2, $250,000 Bowling Green for 4-year-olds and up on the turf and the $200,000 Caress, a 5 ½-furlong turf sprint for older fillies and mares.

The Runhappy Travers, traditionally contested at the end of August, will be held this year on Aug. 8 to properly account for the schedule adjustments and overall calendar for 3-year-olds in training due to the health and safety measures instituted to mitigate risk and combat the spread of COVID-19.

The “Mid-Summer Derby” will still be contested at 1 1/4 miles for the country’s most talented 3-year-olds and is one of three Grade 1s on the day, joining the $300,000 Ballerina for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up going seven furlongs in a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.

A pair of stakes for sophomore state-breds originally scheduled at Aqueduct Racetrack, the NYSSS Times Square and NYSSS Park Avenue, will now be contested at Saratoga on Aug. 27 and Sept. 3 respectively, both offering a purse of $100,000 for the 6 1/2-furlong main-track sprints.