Train Tracks & Horse Tracks - how New York City & Saratoga connect
In less than four hours, an Amtrak train ride out of Penn Station and up the Hudson River connects one from New York City to a lush, green haven that comes fully alive in August. For forty days, visitors travel to Saratoga Springs, New York for short and long stays to experience the historic Saratoga horse track as well as shop and dine its picturesque downtown.
Indelibly marked by red and white striped tents and awnings, Saratoga Race Course is a thoroughbred horse racing track. This historic track and its grounds opened in 1863 (during the Civil War) and is often considered to be the oldest major sporting venue of any kind in the United States. In the early days, the Saratoga ‘meet’ lasted only four days but has been lengthened to 40 racing days, with races held five days per week. Catch a Saratoga race from mid-July through Labor Day in early September, and due your due diligence to find “just” the right big hat and tailored sundress.
Among cheers of winning thoroughbred picks, ladies with large hats and tailored sundresses, and men in crisp white shirts and navy jackets — a day at Saratoga is something to experience. Tables with red cloths and local Saratoga Springs water (flat or bubbly) are settings for those who wish to spend the day at what locals simply call, “the track.” Its crickety wooden floors and stairs with worn painted banisters are reminders of the history of this place that seems lost in time. Historic photographs document then New York State Gov. Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt visiting the Saratoga Race Course in 1931 and tik tock documents more current celebrities like Rachel Ray. The weather is often sunny and cool and the civil, buzzing atmosphere is inviting.
Over the years, the Saratoga Race Course has evolved but it has never compromised its sense of history and original purpose. One of the most unique aspects of the race course is that horses walk right through the crowd, on a white-fenced path, to get to the paddock for their races. It's such an amazing experience to get so close to the jockey and his horse, a size and masculinity of a thoroughbred only you can conceive in a real, close up life encounter. In addition, the hand-rung bell, which sounds exactly 17 minutes before each post, reminds the horses and riders that it's time to go to the paddock. Just like in the 1870’s, the sound of a bell is a reminder of the days before audio systems, when the metal notes rang through the pristine, wooded race course.
Attempting to pick the best thoroughbred with hostess, Jackie ; Saratoga Race Course, 2023.
If you wish to skip “the track,” eat and shop downtown Saratoga. We had a ladies day and started with lunch at the Merc, where we enjoyed good eats, sincere service by well informed staff, a comfortable setting, and a full bar (with great mocktails!) and a social atmosphere. Stop by Silverado to purchase a commemorative piece of jewelry. They have a large selection of silver jewelry, some designs reflecting the horse traditions of Saratoga. There is a lot of elegant English Country & Western apparel, leather bags, and riding boots at Saratoga Saddlery Boutique ; and I have learned in a my own life, a good pair of riding boots in cold, rainy climates has nothing to do with a horse and everything to do with warmth and a chic way to finish an outfit.
Whatever your August travel plans, make sure at some point to experience the Saratoga Race Course. Its quintessential red and white stripes, white painted wooden structures and hundred year old traditions are at the core of American tradition. There are many characters swarming and you will meet many, but may the lively Italian New Yorker remind you there’s always room at the table. And may the your winning thoroughbred pick remind you that we all deserve a little luck every once in a while.
