Saratoga’s Grand
Summer #5
By Dick Healy
Saratoga went through a hot, sticky Travers weekend
that Saturday saw the 2007 Kentucky Derby Winner, Street Sense, make a
come-from-behind charge at Grasshopper to win the $1 million Mid Summer
Derby race. The steamy temperature continued into the Sunday and Monday,
moderating slightly as Tuesday drew near. So late summer visitors to the
Race Course are enjoying good weather as the current racing season
approaches final stretch weekend.
The days are getting shorter, however, there’s still plenty of on track and
off track activity to keep visitors busy day and night. For example, this
Friday the track will feature sunset racing, with the first post time
staring at 2:45 p. m instead of the normal 1 p. m. According to a
spokesperson for NYRA, the Spa will also offer Harry Hour specials in select
areas starting at 5 p. m.
Though the Travers is over, Saturday’s card will offer a pair of grade one
stakes for older horses. The Grade 1, $500,000 Woodward where fans can see
Whitney Handicap winner Lawyer Ron compete. Also featured on Saturday is the
Grade 1, $250,000 Forego Handicap for older sprinters at seven furlongs.
The high quality racing continues on Sunday, Sept 2, with juvenile fillies
running in the Grade 2, $250,000 Spinaway. This will complete the summer
competition of two-year-old fillies that began with the opening day
Schuylerville and the Adirondack that took place midway through the meet.
The final stretch celebration week includes several musical performances
throughout the backyard and under the bandstand. Some groups that will be
performing include Reggie’s Red Hot Feetwarmers: Doc Scanlon’s Rhythm Boys:
and the Peter Davis Quartet.
The season wraps up Labor Day with an all-American Labor Day barbecue at the
Paddock Pavilion and at the Rail Tent. Adult tickets cost $20 and $14 for
children ages 3 to 12. Price of the BBQ includes Clubhouse admission and an
official “ Post Parade” program.
Saratoga, the oldest Race Course in the country, is celebrating its 139th
season. The city is a true historic setting and when the ponies are running,
there’s nothing more exciting and colorful.
