Red, White, and Renew - by Kevin Lay

re: Red, White, and Renew - by Kevin Lay

Janice — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:14:02 GMT

I worked on the Belmont backstretch in the 70's, and every August all the girls would chip in and rent a house near Saratoga Lake for the meet. Working at Saratoga was almost a vacation. The mornings were crisp and cool, and in those days you had to heat water up in a drum to bathe the horses...there was no hot water in the taps. The horses seemed to thrive in Saratoga. We always hated going back to the city. I still manage to go once a year in August, it is truly a magical place.

re: Red, White, and Renew - by Kevin Lay

Jeff Hooper — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:21:22 GMT

I first met David Donk at the Spa when he still had Awad. One summer when the going was very hard seeing Donk leave Awad on the turf was a true act of sportsmanship.

re: Red, White, and Renew - by Kevin Lay

FSF — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:11:34 GMT

I grew up and went to college close to Saratoga, and took it for granted until I was in my 20s that everyone who went to the racetrack had a similar experience to what I had growing up. My first memory of Saratoga is standing outside the jock's room, waiting to get an autograph from Angel Cordero. My most recent memory is from last summer, when I took my husband, who had never been to a track of any kind- I managed to get him into a seersucker suit by promising to wear a ridiculously large hat, the only time I have gotten "dressed up" to go....fun times.

Another funny memory is when I took a college friend (another racing neophyte) over to the track during the late fall- she had never been, but thought it was worth it just for the historical value. So even though there was no racing, we were still treated to...a Llama Show!! You never know what to expect when you head out to Saratoga.

re: Red, White, and Renew - by Kevin Lay

Professor Moriarty — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:53:18 GMT

Bring Back Professor Moriarty's!

re: Red, White, and Renew - by Kevin Lay

s lee — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:11:12 GMT

Ah, Saratoga. The best summer has to offer. I remember being up there in the summer of 1970 and watching Ta Wee breeze. There were, as always, a lot of good horses up there, and a number of them worked before she did. They were lovely, eager and fast - but then Ta Wee went by and you knew you were looking at SOMEBODY.

I really really hate getting up early in the morning, but at Saratoga I practically bounce out of bed at 5 a.m. to get to the track to watch, to listen, to smell.

Ah, Saratoga!

re: Red, White, and Renew - by Kevin Lay

Bill — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:48:22 GMT

I remember staying at the old Rip Van Dam back in the '70s while a thunderstorm pelted rain and hail against the roof. I felt like I was trapped inside a snare drum. Pop Duell's drug store was the place to buy the Form and Siro's was the place to dine. Magic, indeed.

re: Red, White, and Renew - by Kevin Lay

Ray Manley — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:37:03 GMT

Very well said Kevin. One of the things I love about Saratoga is that it never really changes. Time seems to stand still. I have been going to Saratoga since the early 60's. The track, the town, the ambiance, the history and the natural beauty of the area all contribute to a truly special place. And breakfast at Saratoga, is there anything better? Enjoy your trip this summer.

re: Red, White, and Renew - by Kevin Lay

Steve Viuker — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:51:49 GMT

Regarding the quote "Saratoga Race Course is often referred to as “America’s Great Race Place", I believe a 'google' check of the Santa Anita wesbsite will reveal the following: The best Horse Racing in America from the Great Race Place

re: Red, White, and Renew - by Kevin Lay

D4BROWN — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:33:31 GMT

I've been going to Saratoga since I was a wee tiny girl - 1946 to be exact.  We're heading there next Tuesday and will stay 'til Oct. 1st.  There's something that calls me back every year.  It's a magical place - perhaps a place I lived in a former life.  It's not just the track - it's Saratoga.  A magical place with magical horses and people.  The hair stands up the back of my neck, looking at the track and envisioning all the famous, magnificent steeds and their pilots that ran around that hallowed ground.  If you've never been, do try to get there. Breakfast at the track and a tour of the backside is a great experience followed by a trip to the Museum across the street.

re: Red, White, and Renew - by Kevin Lay

Van Cushny — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:14:35 GMT

With regard to your comment that "The dirt ovals that surround the tall pines in the saddling paddock remind one of how it must have been done a century ago" - actually, up until about 25 years ago, the horses were saddled under the trees in what is now the picnic area, and handicappers could get much closer to the horses than they can now. After the horses were saddled they would then walk from what is now the picnic area to the paddock, which was in the same area as the current paddock, but the old paddock was much smaller.