By Rebecca Eppelmann<\/strong><\/p>\n Summer is upon us and with it come the staples of the season: barbeques, swimming, fairs, and of course, the Saratoga Race Course. I have a vivid memory as a child of visiting the track with my grandfather, choosing a winning horse and picking out a black velvet horse from the gift shop. But I’m not the only person to have this sort of childhood memory; since the track opened 140 years ago families have flocked to the summer destination as a way to experience the “enchanting mornings and exciting afternoons.” Start early<\/strong> Getting a good seat<\/strong> Racing Museum<\/strong> New this year<\/strong> A hat<\/strong> Binoculars<\/strong> Proper attire<\/strong> An early start<\/strong> A sense of humor<\/strong> Glossary of racing terms<\/strong> Program<\/strong> Cooler<\/strong> Good company<\/strong> July 31<\/strong> July 30 July 31 August 1 August 2 August 3 August 4 August 6 August 7 August 7 August 8 August 9 August 10 August 11 August 13 August 14 August 15 August 16 August 16 August 17 August 18 August 20 August 21 August 22 August 23 The Victory Ride The Kings Bishop The Bernard Baruch (Hdcp) August 24 August 25 August 27 August 28 August 29 August 30 The Forego (Hdcp) August 31 The Saranac Saratoga Race CourseA sure summer betBy Rebecca EppelmannSummer is upon us and with it come the staples of the season: barbeques, swimming, fairs, and of course, the Saratoga Race Course. I have a vivid memory as a child of visiting…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":138,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\r\n
\nIf you think the number of people enjoying Saratoga this year will dwindle based on the economy, think again. “All indications so far, based on reservations, are that this is going to be a big year at Saratoga,” said Joe Dalton, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
\nPeople are spending less time flying since they don’t want to spend a day at the airport, not to mention skyrocketing fuel prices grounding many travelers. With its’ convenience to New York City, Boston and Montreal, Saratoga is an easy drive for many.<\/p>\n
\nTo get the full track experience, start your day well before the one o’clock post time. For track-goer and Ballston Spa resident Betsy Seplowitz, mornings at the track offer the most draw. “The most underrated thing about the track is the early morning features—breakfast, watching the horses workout and a tour of the back track.”
\nIn that thought, she is hardly alone.
\nOne of the track’s most popular dining experiences is the breakfast buffet. Served each race day, including Travers Day and Alabama Day, diners can feast on a full buffet from 7am until 9:30am while watching top class Thoroughbreds put in their morning workouts. The cost for breakfast is $14.95 per person. Admission to the track is free, but after breakfast is over, the track closes and re-opens at 11am.<\/p>\n
\nFinding a perfect seat at the track is a very individual experience. For some, like Glenville resident Peter Miranda, the best seat in the house depends on the day. “For a casual day it’s always the picnic area. For a more eloquent experience it’s the rail pavilion.”
\nWhether you prefer a place in the sun or the shade, getting a place to rest your feet is an important part of a relaxing day at the track. If you plan to get there early, there is the tradition of claiming a picnic table by throwing a tablecloth over it.
\nFor over 10 years, Kevin and Tina Kane of Cohoes have had their own “track ritual”. One Saturday every August, they go up early to secure picnic tables at the Top-of-the-Stretch for all of their close family and friends to join them in a day of fun and relaxation, rain or shine.
\nTina views this spot as the best seat in the house. “To see and hear the horses round the top-of-the-stretch is simply amazing. And, with big-screen TV's in the picnic area, you still get to see the finish.”
\nIf you don’t want to get up at the crack of dawn to get your seat, reserved seat sales can be made at the Union Avenue gate office at 8am, a great alternative, especially if you’ll be at the track for breakfast. Additionally, the downtown Saratoga Springs Holiday Inn sells reserve seats for both grandstand and clubhouse starting at 6pm the evening before. Buying these reserve tickets may not alleviate your chances of waiting in line, however. For major races and on most weekends, hundreds of people will wait in line. If you’re flexible with your days, pick a Monday or Wednesday race day, which typically attract lighter crowds.<\/p>\n
\nAfter breakfast, the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame right across the street is well worth your time. Open daily from 9am-5pm during track season, you can take a self-guided tour of the museum where you will learn about racing history from over three centuries and countless examples of elegant art, stories of human and equine sacrifice, determination and races, with heart pounding excitement and photo finishes.
\nIn addition to the permanent galleries, two special exhibits will run through track season and beyond. Ride On!, which features equine veterinary medicine and the challenges involved in healing the horse, will be on display through December 31, 2009. White House Horses, a traveling exhibit that showcases the roles the horse has played in the White House will be on display through October 17, 2008.
\nVisitors can also take a behind the scenes tour of the “Oklahoma” training track, which begins at 8:30am.<\/p>\n
\nA few new additions to the track will give fans more choices for their palate, more comfort in the heat and special packages and seating available online.
\nThis season welcomes the inaugural year of Saratoga Restaurant Row. This new addition to dining will include highlights of some of Saratoga Springs’ most popular restaurants right on the track, with special house items priced between $4–$7. Featured restaurants are Brindisi’s, Grey Gelding, Panza’s, 1 Caroline Street Bistro\/Mouzon House and Hattie’s, whose fried chicken beat out Bobby Flay’s in a Food Network throw down a few years back.
\nFor those who avoid the track on the hot and humid days, relief is in the air – or rather, in the tents. Air conditioning has been added to the tents at the rail and the paddock for comfort. And, in response to intense demand, NYRA has added additional seating capacity for groups, with a second tent at the top of the stretch and a fifth luxury suite. Also new this year is special packages and seating available through Ticketmaster.
\nWhether you choose to spend a few hours at the track or spend a few days in Saratoga checking out multiple attractions the historic city offers, you certainly won’t be bored. For Tom Zayac of Ballston Spa, and many others, “Saratoga is the perfect place for young and old, rich and not so rich to have an absolute blast. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect and catch up.” <\/p>\nTrack must-haves<\/h1>\n
\nThe track has always been famous for sightings of the many different brightly colored and unique looking hats adorning the heads of female spectators. There are plenty of places to have them custom made for you, so be sure to pick a headpiece that will really make you stand out in the crowd.<\/p>\n
\nA great way to give yourself a perfect close-up of your favorite horse. Or, use them to check out the crowd! Maybe you’ll spot a celebrity or two. If you don’t own a pair, don’t fret: the track has a rental facility.<\/p>\n
\nThis all depends on where you are watching the race from. Requirements for the Grandstand are simply shirts and shoes. Most other areas at the track prohibit short-shorts, tank tops (men), and jeans. Box seats have the strictest dress code: suits or sports jackets for men and dresses, skirts or pants for women.<\/p>\n
\nThe earlier you can get out of bed and get to the track, the better. Not only will you grab a better parking space, but you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy breakfast at the track while watching the horses run through their workouts.<\/p>\n
\nOkay, so you can’t win them all! Don’t get too serious about whether your horse finishes first or last. Loosen things up by choosing the horse with the most outlandish name on purpose. Don’t be skeptical: horses with names like Whywhywhy, Fuzzbuster, and Jelly Bean Holiday have been winners.<\/p>\n
\nDo you know what Quinella, Parlay and Superfecta mean? Neither do I. That’s why a pocket-sized book or printed list of racing and betting terms might be helpful. It will help you to place a bet more easily and you won’t be confused over terms from the announcer.<\/p>\n
\nA track program is an absolute must-have. This way, you can read stats about the horses to determine which one to bet on. Racing schedules are already posted on the NYRA’s website at www.nyra.com.<\/p>\n
\nNot only will you be able to use it to store beverages or snacks, but use your cooler to save a coveted picnic table if you get to the track early enough. It is a time-honored tradition at the track that coolers or other personal effects on a table mean it is reserved. Also, there is no air conditioning anywhere besides the Luxury Suites, so plan on bringing lots of water if you’re planning on making a day of it. Make sure to leave glass containers at home.<\/p>\n
\nWhether you win big that day or go home empty-handed, as long as good friends or family are along for the ride it should be an enjoyable day. Never underestimate the amount of fun that can be had at the track if you’re with the right company.
\n—Jill Vallecorsa<\/em><\/p>\nSummer fundraisers<\/h1>\n
\nEquine Advocates Dinner and Auction – Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, silent auction, gourmet sit-down dinner, live auction, and an honoree presentation to Dr. Patricia Hogan and a special award to Virginia Kraft Payson. Live concert by Gladys Knight. 5:30pm-10:30pm. $300 per person. The New Stonebridge Farm at Clark Road, 148 Rte. 32, Saratoga Springs. For more info: 245.1599.
\nAugust 5<\/strong>
\nLend an Ear – Benefits the YMCA of Saratoga's scholarship fund. Meet Michael B. Levinson, Interior Designer, author of Launch It. Taryn Rose, orthopedic surgeon-turned- shoe designer, will be the guest speaker and will donate a collection of her designer shoes as a raffle item. Silent auction of new and gently used earrings, Gemesis Jewels will sell fine jewelry, designer hats also for sale. In conjunction with this event, a fashion show of the latest styles and trunk show of Taryn Rose designer shoes will be held at Saratoga Trunk. 11am-3pm. $100 per person\/ $75 for under 35 years old. Hall of Springs, Saratoga Spa State Park. For more info: 583.9622 ext. 126.
\nAugust 6<\/strong>
\nThe Race For Choice – Benefits women's reproductive health care services at Saratoga Springs Planned Parenthood. 11:30am. $100; $50 under 30. Union Gables, Saratoga Springs. For more info: 374.5353 ext. 218.
\nAugust 11<\/strong>
\n2nd Annual Dare to Dream Gala – Guests of honor will be the David Cassidy family.
\nTantalizing international buffet, festive selection of refreshing “mocktails” (alcohol will not be served), live music and auction. Cocktail attire. 7pm-11pm. $75; $600 for tables of eight. Hall of Springs. For more info: 581.1230; www.preventioncouncil.org.
\nAugust 12<\/strong>
\nOld Bags Luncheon – Silent auction of new, gently used, vintage and designer handbags and more. 11am auction, 12:30pm lunch. Saratoga National Golf Club, Saratoga Springs. For more info: 212.521.5305.
\nAugust 15<\/strong>
\n17th Annual Double H Ranch Gala – With a special performance by Big Medicine. 6pm-Midnight. Six Flag’s Great Escape and Splashwater Kingdom. For more info: 696.5921 ext 228.
\nAugust 16<\/strong>
\nSaratoga Derby – Join in the fun of the annual Saratoga Derby 5K run\/walk, to benefit Saratoga PLAN (Preserving land and nature) and the Saratoga Healthy Transportation Network. Registration is from 7:15am-8am, run\/walk begins at 8:15am. Great prizes and gift bags. $15 advance registration; $20 day of. Saratoga PLAN, 112 Spring Street parking lot, Saratoga Springs. For more info: 587.5554.
\nAugust 19<\/strong>
\nOne Fine Day – Benefits Shelters of Saratoga. Light gourmet fare, complimentary wines and pampering treatments. Snag a date with the area’s most eligible bachelors, including John Gray. $65 (must be purchased in advance), table $480. Union Gables B&B, Saratoga Springs. For more info: 581.1097.
\nAugust 19, September 18<\/strong>
\nToast to the Ta-Ta’s – Enjoy an evening of food, fun and prizes to benefit the walking team of Avon Walk '08 to support Breast Cancer. $35. Village Pizzeria, Middle Grove. For more info: 882.9431.
\nAugust 20<\/strong>
\nBelmont Child Care Association Benefit – A Western Round Up, dinner and auction fundraiser honoring Tracy and Todd Pletcher. 6:30pm. $250 per person. Saratoga Springs City Center, Saratoga Springs. For more info: 488.2103.
\nAugust 21<\/strong>
\n10th Annual Ronald McDonald House Charity Saratoga Fashion Show – Benefits the House that Love Built exterior renovation project. Face, fashion, food & fun is the theme for this year’s silent auction, which will feature a plethora of fabulous goodies to bid on. Enjoy a wonderful luncheon and day of world class racing to top off the event! Guest tickets $150, patron tickets $250. The Railhouse Pavilion at Saratoga Race Course. For more info: 438.2655.
\nAugust 22<\/strong>
\n10th Annual Travers Wine Tasting – Benefits Senior Services of Albany's Meals On Wheels features wine tasting with 200 wines and beer, cuisine from DP Brasserie, McGuire's, Yono's, Glen Sanders Mansion, Vin Santo Tapas & Wine Bar, Hattie's, Classe Catering, The Farmhouse Table, and Springwater Bistro, “Speakeasy Courtyard” for the cigars and scotch and a “Jazz Lounge” featuring Jill Hughes. Silent auction, desserts and a live auction featuring a lease on a 2008 Audi, furs, jewelry, more. $125. 7pm-11pm. National Museum of Racing, Saratoga Springs. For more info: 463.4381; www.seniorservicesofalbany.com.
\nAugust 23<\/strong>
\nSaratoga Bridges Day at the Races – Benefits Saratoga Bridges. Enjoy a day at Saratoga Race Course on Travers Day with a delicious buffet and beverage service. $125. The Paddock Tent, Saratoga Race Track. For more info: 587.0723. <\/p>\nSaratoga Race Schedule<\/h1>\n
* Free giveaway with paid admission<\/h2>\n
\nThe De La Rose
\n80,000 added
\nF&M 4YO & UP
\n1 mile (turf)<\/p>\n
\nThe John Morrissey (NYB)
\n80,000 added
\n3 YO & UP
\n6 ½ Furlongs<\/p>\n
\nThe Honorable Miss (Hdcp)
\n150,000
\nF&M 3 & UP
\n6 Furlongs<\/p>\n
\nThe Darley Test
\n250,000
\nF3YO
\n7 Furlongs<\/p>\n
\nFourstardave (Hdcp)
\n150,000
\nF 3& UP
\n1 1\/16 miles (turf)
\n*Saratoga T-shirt <\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Breeders’ Cup
\n150,000 added
\n3YO
\n1 1\/8 (turf)<\/p>\n
\nNew York Stallion Series Cab Calloway Division
\n150,000
\n3YO
\n1 1\/8 (turf)<\/p>\n
\nNew York Stallion Series Statue of Liberty Division
\n150,000
\nF3YO
\n1 1\/8 (turf)<\/p>\n
\nThe A. P. Smithwick Memorial (S’Chase)
\n75,000 added
\n4YO & UP
\n2 1\/16 (turf)<\/p>\n
\nThe Waya
\n80,000 added
\nF&M 4YO & UP
\n1 ½ (turf)<\/p>\n
\nThe Yaddo (Hdcp) (NYB)
\n100,000 added
\nF&M 3YO & UP
\n1 1\/8 (turf)<\/p>\n
\nThe West Point (Hdcp) (NYB)
\n100,000 added
\n3 YO & UP
\n1 1\/8 (turf)
\n*Saratoga stadium seat <\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe Troy
\n80,000 added
\n4 YO & UP
\n5 ½ Furlongs (turf)<\/p>\n
\nThe Adirondack
\n150,000
\nF 2YO
\n6 ½ Furlongs<\/p>\n
\nThe Saratoga Special
\n150, 000
\n2YO
\n6 ½ Furlongs<\/p>\n
\nThe Lake Placid
\n150,000
\nF 3YO
\n1 1\/8 (turf)<\/p>\n
\nThe Alabama
\n600,000
\nF 3YO
\n1 ¼<\/p>\n
\nThe Sword Dancer Invitational
\n500,000
\n3 YO & UP
\n1 ½ (turf)<\/p>\n
\nThe John’s Call
\n80,000 added
\n4 & UP
\n1 5\/8 (turf)
\n*Saratoga long sleeve T-shirt <\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe Union Avenue (NYB)
\n80,000 added
\nF&M 3YO & UP
\n6 Furlongs<\/p>\n
\nThe Albany (NYB)
\n150,000 added
\n3YO
\n1 1\/8<\/p>\n
\nThe Ballston Spa (Hdcp)
\n200,000 added
\nF&M 3YO & UP
\n1 1\/6 (turf)<\/p>\n
\nThe Personal Ensign
\n400,000
\nF&M 3YO & UP
\n1 ¼<\/p>\n
\nThe Travers
\n1,000,000
\n3YO
\n1 ¼<\/p>\n
\n100,000 added
\nF3YO
\n6 Furlongs<\/p>\n
\n250,000
\n3YO
\n7 Furlongs<\/p>\n
\n200,000
\n3YO &UP
\n1 1\/8 (turf)<\/p>\n
\nThe Ballerina Breeders’ Cup
\n250,000
\nF&M 3YO & UP
\n7 Furlongs<\/p>\n
\nThe Saratoga Dew (NYB)
\n80,000 added
\nF&M 3YO & UP
\n1 1\/8<\/p>\n
\nThe P. G. Johnson
\n80,000 added
\nF2YO
\n1 1\/6 (turf)<\/p>\n
\nThe New York Turf Writers Cup (Hdcp) (S’chase)
\n150,000
\n4YO & UP
\n2 3\/8 (turf)<\/p>\n
\nThe With Anticipation
\n80,000 added
\n2YO
\n1 1\/16 (turf)<\/p>\n
\nThe Woodward
\n500,000
\n3YO & UP
\n1 1\/8<\/p>\n
\n250,000
\n3YO & UP
\n7 Furlongs<\/p>\n
\nThe Spinaway
\n250,000
\nF2YO
\n7 Furlongs<\/p>\n
\n100,000 added
\n3YO
\n1 3\/16 (turf)
\n*Saratoga cooler bag <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"