Saratoga’s Grand
Summer #2 - 2009
by Dick Healy
Opening day at Saratoga’s famous Race
Course saw a crowd of 25,444 turnout to greet the Spa City’s 141st racing
season. It was a 40-percent increase over last year’s opening day, defying
those pundits that predicted a slow start to the season.
Many fans stayed in town following the
races to visit their favorite restaurant or to take a stroll down Saratoga’s
Broadway where shops were open and people watching was at its best.
This week we attended the two-night annual
Fasig-Tipton select yearling sales over on East Avenue. With millions spent
on upgrading the horse auction site this past spring, visitors, horse owners
and leading trainers were greeted to an expanded walking ring, new food
facilities and enhanced PA system and viewing areas. On August 15-16 Fasig-Tipton
will hold New York Bred Yearlings sales.
This Friday, August 14, the National
Museum of Racing’s 54th Annual Induction Ceremony will take place, starting
at 10:30 a. m. in the Humphrey S. Finney Sales Pavilion.
New this season is te Daily Racing Form’s
live audience format that take place at the Carousel Restaurant at the Race
Course from 11:45 a. m. to 12:30 p. m. every racing day. They don’t race on
Tuesdays.
Many visitors come to Saratoga for the
entire meet, which this year runs from July 29 through Labor Day weekend.
Some patrons purchase season passes which can be obtained at the Grandstand
Customer Service Center. For the 36-day meet you can buy a clubhouse pass
for $75 that is also good on Travers Day
If you’re traveling with little tots, get
down to Congress Park in center town to the Marcus Charles Illions Carousel
where the kids can ride on 28 horses. The Carousel is in the shadow of the
famous Canfield Casino inside the park which, if you have time, is worth a
visit too.
