Historic Saratoga Race Course

We have wanted to visit historic Saratoga Race Course since we started RVing back in 2006 in our first RV. But Saratoga Springs, where the race course is located, has only a few very expensive RV Parks that are booked all summer long.

Historic Saratoga Race Course

While visiting upstate New York this past summer with a stay near Albany, I was thrilled to learn that Saratoga Springs was a relatively short drive away. So on a glorious Sunday we went for a drive.

After a brief stop in Latham for some yummy Duck Donuts (the breakfast of champions LOL) we arrived at historic Saratoga Race Course.

We strolled the magnificent grounds of Saratoga enjoying beauty at every turn. Then we decided to place a small wager on the first race. Didn’t win, but it was fun cheering for our horse. Two dollars well spent.

My interest in all things equestrian began during our catering years. Probably 75% of our catering clients were involved with the horses. Steve has loved horse racing since before we were married. Apparently he used to go the the track to place bets for his boss who was barred from the tracks. It must have been so much fun to play with someone else’s money.

A couple of years ago we had the opportunity to tour Churchill Downs in Louisville KY. Churchill Downs is where, the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of horse racing’s coveted Triple Crown is held.

For 2024 and ’25 the final leg, the Belmont Stakes, is Saratoga Race Course while Belmont is being refurbished. Now we will just have to go to Baltimore MD and visit Pimlico Race Course, the site of the middle leg!

History

The very first Thoroughbred race meet happened at Saratoga in August 1863. It was just one month after the devastating Battle of Gettysburg. Our country desperately needed a distraction and entrepreneur John “Old Smoke” Morrissey had just the ticket.

He planned a 4 day meet that brought thousands of fans to Saratoga. The races were held at a one mile oval track, known as Horse Haven, that had been built in 1847 for harness racing. That first track remains to this day as a tribute to American horse racing history.

Beauty

There are very few sports venues that can compare to the beauty and allure of Historic Saratoga Race Course. It is America’s oldest and most admired Thoroughbred track. Saratoga Race Course is in good company with places like Augusta National Golf Course, Fenway Park and Wrigley Field!

Main reason to go

The obvious reason is to bet on the horses. But it’s also to witness the greatest and most accomplished Thoroughbreds as well as the up and comers. The horses are bred for speed and endurance. Watching these magnificent and regal creatures parade in front of us before each race was awe inducing.

From the race course we walked up the street for an intriguing and informative visit to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. More on that next time.

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