Saratoga’s Grand Summer
By Dick Healy

With perfect weather and a strong race card, the 139th Saratoga Race Course season got off to a good start last Wednesday, with attendance reaching 30,052 and, according to a NYRA the “ Accounting for an on-track handle of $3,825,564 –an Opening Day track record for handle on Spa races.”

The outdoors tent bars and interior restaurant at famous Siro’s did a brisk business following the last race of the day, and downtown dining establishments filled up quickly as the night progressed.

This is what separates Saratoga from all other racing towns. The pure ambiance of the historic town draws visitors each summer that enjoy just walking Broadway or any number of side streets that are lined with shops, restaurants, and vintage hotels like the restored Adelphia.

Of course if you’re coming to Saratoga Aug 6-7 you might want to get over to East Avenue and watch the Select Yearlings Fasig-Tipton Sales where each night at 8 p. m. sharp one- year-old thoroughbreds are auctioned off to the highest bidder. You could be watching racing history in the making, for buyers at Fasig-Tipton’s annual Saratoga Sales are seeking to purchase that special yearling that one-day may become the next Triple Crown champion.

You can enjoy lunch on the sales grounds and later gather at the outdoor bar and mingle with international visitors, famous horse people and possibly a movie star or two that are known to frequent the two-night horse auction.

Premium giveaways at the Race Course are a big attraction. For example on Aug. 12 the Saratoga umbrella can be had free with a paid admission and Saratoga cooler bags will be offered Aug. 19. You’ll also be allowed to purchase an additional five admission coupons at the multiple admissions booth, in addition to the one you receive at the entrance turnstiles. Each additional admission coupon will cost $3 and can be redeemed for one premium giveaway at either of the two redemption centers, which are located near the Big Red Spring and by the top of the stretch.

As the race season continues the top horses in the country will be competing. A few names that come to mind are Kentucky Derby winner; Street Sense, Preakness winner, Curlin and Belmont champion Rags to Riches.

As we all know, things change daily in horse racing. So checking racing schedules is advised to make certain your favorite horse is running on a given day.