For many years, Saratoga Racecourse had a slogan it was the “August Place to Be”. With racing kicking off this past weekend, Saratoga is now the “July and August Place to Be”. More than 35,000 people were on hand Friday, July 22 to kick off Opening Weekend and this year’s 40 days of racing (July 22 – September 5).
Saratoga Racecourse was named one of the world’s greatest sporting venues by Sports Illustrated and for those of you who have visited the track you certainly understand why. As you walk the grounds of Saratoga Racecourse you will see an interesting blend of the old and the new with some of the old dating to the track’s opening in 1864.
From a racing perspective Saratoga will offer 69 Stakes Races this year. Of the 69 Stakes races, 37 are Graded Stakes (Grade 1, 2 or 3) which provides an opportunity to see the best horses currently in training.
We (Woodford Racing) were fortunate to run two of our horses on Saturday. Catapult and Wyeth ran as an entry (1 and 1A) going a mile on the turf. While they didn’t win, it was a wonderful experience to be a part of Saratoga’s Opening Weekend. I particularly enjoyed going into the saddling area before the race and listening to our trainer (Chad Brown) provide instructions to the jockeys (Irad Ortiz rode Catapult and Javier Castellano rode Wyeth).
If you want to enjoy more than world class racing, you can walk the grounds of the track. In addition to the many bands and musicians performing, there are several artists anxious to discuss their paintings, photos and sculptures.
If you like good food, you can choose between several restaurants and food trucks featuring just about any kind of food you might like. The State of New York also hosts “Taste of New York” each week which features New York State wine, spirits and craft beers.
Saratoga Racecourse is a “great place to be!
