There is a signed print of this horse in the doctor's offices of my Mom's work. Yes, I was in New Jersey this past weekend...my Mom is a trooper to the extreme, and she is going to be fine, thank God. She is now recuperating from the surgery to her 3x broken ankle, and she is looking forward to getting on her feet again. Thank you so much everyone for your good thoughts and wishes!
On my way home from my old home (New Jersey) I exited at what I thought was a rest-stop...what I found was Saratoga Springs. I’d never been there before. It was perfectly quiet down Union Avenue on this Sunday evening and I could see the track and barns from the road. Further down, we passed huge, fabulous houses and a fancy restaurant or two.
I forgot everything. I was transported to a time and a place where Man O' War was sold as a yearling... I could see the barns he walked through (Secretariat and many others, also. And many still do.)
Saratoga race track from Union Ave. |
Saratoga Race Course opened on August 3, 1863.
It is the
oldest organized sporting venue
of any kind
Saratoga is typically open for racing from late July through early September. I guess that is why it looked so immaculate: they are preparing for the season to begin any day.
I imagined the early 1900’s-- ladies strolling the sidewalks in long gowns, with gloves, fashionable hats, and parasols. Cool drinks in tall glasses for the women and tinkling aged whiskey on the rocks for their gentlemen escorts.
Saratoga in 1907 |
Saratoga was also known as The Spa for its rejuvenating springs and spas. At the turn of the century, the cool mountain air of the northeast was the place to be in summer. There was no jet-setting across the Atlantic. You went up to the country.
I know, because my Mother's family owned and operated a boarding house resort in the Catskill region. As a consequence, my Grandfather brought his family to the races at Saratoga quite frequently. My grandparents loved the races.
Like many other race tracks, Saratoga is not without its tragic stories.
Go For Wand is buried there.
Like many other race tracks, Saratoga is not without its tragic stories.
Go For Wand is buried there.
When we got home, I told my Mom about seeing Saratoga .
(Distorted Humor x Belle's Good Cide)
A Danzig and Seattle Slew horse.
And too many more champions to list...(you name it).
Highest earnings of any New York Bred in history.
Because he was born with an undescended testicle which made him uncomfortable when he ran.