The New York Racing

2013
saratoga
giveaway items
insider
official saratoga fan guide
5 General Information
The tradition of iconic giveaways continues with four Sunday giveaway days scheduled for the Summer 2013
meet at Saratoga Race Course. All giveaways are free with paid admission, while supplies last.
photography
Adam Coglianese, J m elario
Sunday, July 28
Saratoga Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Enjoy a day at the races in a commemorative white, short sleeve t-shirt featuring the 2013
Saratoga logo on the front and the official Saratoga 150 anniversary logo on the back.
Sunday, August 11
Fourstardave Bobblehead
Racing fans will take home their own “Sultan of Saratoga” with a commemorative bobblehead
doll in honor of legendary thoroughbred Fourstardave who won at least one race at Saratoga
each year from 1987 to 1994.
Sunday, August 18
Saratoga Baseball Cap
A popular classic, the 2013 version of the Saratoga baseball cap features the red and yellow
Saratoga 150th logo stitched into a black cap.
design & layout
150 Years of Racing History
Page 6
Wendy Soto
direction & production
Nicholas Aquilino
Jockeys to Watch
Page 11
CONTRIBUTORS
Jenny Kellner, Susie Raisher,
Eric Wing, Mark Bardack
special events
Pages 12 - 16
STAFF WRITERS
Jon Forbes, Ashley Herriman,
John Scheinman, Teresa Genaro
In the Booth with Tom Durkin
Page 22
marketing
Rodnell Workman, Donald Nelson,
Molly Brindle, James Dillon,
Kathy Locke, Audrey Howell,
Wagering 101
Page 29
Najja Thompson, Paul Segner,
Sunday, September 1
Joanne Adams, Brett Tessler,
Melissa Hirsch, Amy Fleischer
Still the King of Saratoga
Page 32
Saratoga Ceramic Beer Stein
Raise a glass to the 150th anniversary season with a ceramic beer stein emblazoned with
some of the most legendary thoroughbreds to have competed at Saratoga Race Course.
Copyright 2013 The New York Racing Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
1
Welcome to
race course
To Our Guests,
Welcome to the 150th anniversary season at Saratoga Race Course!
Since its inaugural four-day meet in August, 1863, Saratoga has served as the summer stage for many of racing’s greatest champions, including Man o’ War, Whirlaway, Kelso, Secretariat, Holy Bull, Curlin and Rachel Alexandra. Grade 1 races such
as the Whitney Invitational Handicap, the Alabama, the Forego, the Hopeful and the
Travers, which will be run for the 144th time on August 24, are part of what brings the
past to life so vividly in our historic grandstand.
Saratoga’s impact, however, stretches far beyond the racetrack.
On August 14, Saratoga will again “turn pink” for Fabulous Fillies Day, which last year raised nearly $100,000 for
the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Well-known Saratoga Springs philanthropists Marylou Whitney and her
husband, John Hendrickson, with support from several groups including the Backstretch Employee Services Team
(B.E.S.T), created the renowned Backstretch Appreciation Program in 2008 to improve the quality of life for track
workers through language, recreation and nutrition programs.
Saratoga Race Course contributes an estimated $200 million annually to the economy of the Capital Region
through overall spending, job creation, hospitality and tourism, thoroughbred breeding, real estate and tax revenue. Along with its sister tracks, Belmont Park and Aqueduct Racetrack, Saratoga forms the cornerstone of
New York State’s nearly $4.2 billion dollar equine industry, of which racing accounts for $2.1 billion in direct and
indirect economic impact, including 17,400 total jobs.
Thank you for coming to Saratoga Race Course to experience the very best of what New York racing has to offer.
All of us at The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) are committed to making your guest experience an
enjoyable one. We’re glad you’re here.
Chris Kay
CEO & President
The New York Racing Association, Inc.
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
3
Food for Thought
At Saratoga Race Course, there’s something for everyone (to eat)!
SARATOGA RA C E C O U RSE
GE N ERA L
Handicapping the races is hard work, and at Saratoga
I N F ORMATIO N
Race Course there are plenty of options for hungry and
LIVE RACING: 40 days. Friday, July 19 through Monday, September 2, Labor Day. No racing on Tuesdays.
thirsty fans during the 150th anniversary meet. From
burgers at Shake Shack to lobster rolls along Restaurant Row, world-class chowder to foot-long hot dogs
FIRST RACE POST TIME: 1 p.m. Eastern. On Travers Day, Saturday, August 24, first race post is 11:35 a.m. For
in the clubhouse, elegant dining in the Turf Terrace to
Twilight Racing, Friday August 30, first race post time is 2:30 p.m. On Labor Day, Monday, September 2, first post
cotton candy in the picnic area, there’s something for
is 12:30 p.m.
everyone at the Spa.
ADMISSION: General admission is $3; Clubhouse admission is $5. Children 12 and under are admitted free when
In additional to numerous stands offering traditional
accompanied by an adult. Admission gates open at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10:30 a.m. on weekends. On Travers
fare and full-service bars with speciality drinks, frozen
• Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
Day, Saturday, August 24, gates open at 7 a.m. Travers Day admission is $5 general admission; $10 for Clubhouse.
concoctions and delectable wines, racegoers can visit
• Boardwalk Specials
Reserved seating is sold separately.
dozens of unique food vendors throughout the grounds
• Box Frites
including a full stable of food trucks. A sampling of the
• Chowder Bar
PARKING: Trackside parking is $10 and general parking is free. Handicapped parking is available at the Clubhouse
vendors is listed:
• Doc Popcorn
and Grandstand entrances. Trackside parking opens at 6:45 a.m. for breakfast on all days except Travers Day,
• Dunkin’ Donuts
August 24, when the gates open at 7 a.m. There is also Oklahoma Preferred Parking for $5 on the corner of East
• Duo Japanese
Avenue and Union Avenue (not trackside). A free shuttle to Saratoga Race Course is also available at the Saratoga
• El Verano Taquería
Casino and Raceway, where parking is free. See page 36 for more information.
• Fourstardave Burgers
• Grasso’s Italian Ice
COOLERS: Coolers are permitted at Saratoga Race Course on the trackside apron, Top of the Stretch and the
• Hattie’s Chicken Shack
backyard area only. No coolers will be allowed anywhere inside the building. ALL GLASS CONTAINERS ARE PRO-
• Kona Ice
HIBITED. All coolers and any carry-in items are subject to inspection by NYRA Security.
• Lobster Hut
• Mac Truck
RESERVED SEATS: A limited number of Grandstand seats are on sale each morning of a race day at the Reserved
• Mike’s Hard Lemonade
Seat Sales Office at Union Avenue Gate at 9 a.m. (7 a.m. on Travers Day, Saturday, August 24). Closed Tuesdays.
• Moe’s Southwest Grill
There is a limit of four (4) seats per person. Cash, American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. For more
• Pies on Wheels
information on reserved seats, call 1-800-814-7846.
• Putnam Market
• Sabrett Hot Dogs
DINING: NYRA has simplified its restaurant reservation system with a toll-free dining reservations number:
• Shake Shack
(888) 516-NYRA. Dining options include: the Turf Terrace Dining Room, Club Terrace, and The Lower Porch.
• Shirley’s Poutine
4
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
• Siro’s
GROUP ACCOMMODATIONS: Special rates on dining packages for groups of 20 or more. Dining packages con-
• The Old Daley Inn
sist of admission, official track program, and buffet lunch (tax and gratuity included) at The Rail Pavilion, Carousel
• Wandering Dago
Restaurant and all-new Paddock Tent for 2013. For information on groups and availability, call 1-888-285-5961.
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
5
Lives On at Saratoga Race Course
century and a half of racing history
ation, Inc. (NYRA) circuit will make their annual trek
Saratoga will be the winners of this year’s Triple
Hopeful, taken last year by eventual juvenile cham-
will come alive this summer when
north for the meet, including national leaders Todd
Crown races – Kentucky Derby hero Orb, Preakness
pion Shanghai Bobby.
Saratoga Race Course opens its
Pletcher, Chad Brown – a native of nearby Mechan-
winner Oxbow and Belmont victor Palace Malice,
gates on Friday, July 19, for the 40-day meet that
icville, N.Y. – Christophe Clement, David Jacobson
who could use the Grade 2, $600,000 Jim Dandy on
Top-notch turf racing is traditional at the Spa, with
brings together the finest horses, top jockeys, and
and Linda Rice, as well as Hall of Famers Shug Mc-
July 27 and the Travers to make a case for divisional
the Grade 1, $600,000 Diana for fillies and mares on
best trainers in the country in celebration of the
Gaughey, Nick Zito and Bill Mott, the latter of whom
supremacy.
July 27 and the Grade 1, $600,000 Sword Dancer
track’s 150th anniversary.
will try to continue the tradition of winning a race on
his birthday, July 29.
Since its first thoroughbred meet in August, 1863,
Invitational on August 17 capping the multitude of
Making Saratoga their summer home as well will
daily grass race offerings. Steeplechase racing as
be 2012’s Horse of the Year Wise Dan and Breed-
well gets a chance to shine, with the top jumpers in
nearly all of racing’s legends have traversed the
Augmenting the powerful New York contingent is
ers’ Cup Classic winner Fort Larned, who on August
North America and abroad assembling for the Grade
Spa’s famous oval, from Man o’War to Kelso, Bel-
an array of the top trainers from across the country,
3 will try to become the first horse to put togeth-
1 A. P. Smithwick Memorial on August 1 and the
dame to Rachel Alexandra, Regret to Sky Beauty and
including Tom Amoss, Wayne Catalano, Eddie Ken-
er back-to-back victories in the Grade 1, $750,000
Grade 1 New York Turf Writers’ Cup on August 22.
Discovery to Easy Goer, all of whom will be recog-
neally, Charles LoPresti, Michael Matz, Graham Mo-
Whitney Invitational Handicap since Discovery, who
nized as part of the anniversary festivities.
tion, Kenny McPeek, Dale Romans, Al Stall, and Ian
won it three straight times from 1934-36.
Wilkes. Hall of Famers Bob Baffert, D. Wayne Lukas
Competition for the Angel Cordero, Jr. riding title is
expected to be fierce, as the always-tough New York
With the Grade 1, $1 million Travers on August 24
and Jonathan Sheppard maintain strings at the Spa,
For 2-year-olds, Saratoga is indeed the summer
jockey colony looks to fill the shoes of the retired
as its centerpiece, the 2013 meet offers 53 listed
with John Shireffs, newly relocated to New York,
place to be. Orb, Oxbow and Palace Malice all ran at
Ramon Dominguez, who won last year’s title with a
and graded stakes races worth $14.95 million. Sup-
stabled there for the first time this year.
the Spa last summer, and this summer will see the
record 68 winners. Among them are Hall of Famer
usual plethora of classy juvenile races including the
John Velazquez, a five-time winner who is poised to
porting the “Mid-Summer Derby” are 15 additional
Grade 1 races, beginning with the $300,000 TVG
All will be vying for the H. Allen Jerkens training
traditional six-pack of graded stakes: the Grade 3,
surpass Jerry Bailey as the all-time leading jockey
Coaching Club American Oaks for 3-year-old fillies on
title, taken for the third straight time last year by
$150,000 Schuylerville (July 19), Grade 2, $200,000
(1976-2012) at Saratoga; Javier Castellano, who has
July 20 and concluding with the $300,000 Hopeful
Pletcher. The title’s namesake will also be back with
Adirondack (August 11) and Grade 1, $300,000 Spi-
been runner-up the past three years; Derby-winning
for juveniles on closing day, Monday, September 2.
his own string of horses.
naway (September 1) for fillies along with the Grade
rider Joel Rosario; brothers Irad Ortiz, Jr. and Jose
2, $200,00 Sanford (July 21), Grade 2, $200,000
Ortiz, and Rosie Napravnik, who will rejoin the New
Saratoga Special (August 11) and aforementioned
York colony for the summer.
The leading trainers on The New York Racing Associ-
6
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
Accompanying McGaughey, Lukas and Pletcher to
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
7
2013 Stakes Schedule
The 2013 Saratoga Race Course stakes schedule, highlighted by the 144th running of the Grade 1, $1 million
Travers on August 24, will feature a record $14.95 million in purses. NYRA and the NBC Sports Group are
partnering for a third consecutive year to present the “Summer at Saratoga” series, with seven live broadcasts from Saratoga Race Course, starting on Saturday, July 27th and concluding on Saturday August 31st.
DateRace
Fri., Jul. 19
James Marvin
Fri., Jul. 19
Schuylerville
Sat., Jul. 20
Shuvee Handicap
Sat., Jul. 20
TVG Coaching Club American Oaks
Sun., Jul. 21
Sanford
Mon., Jul. 22
Evan Shipman (NYB)
Wed., Jul. 24
Lake George
Thu., Jul. 25
Quick Call
Fri., Jul. 26
Curlin
Sat., Jul. 27
Diana
Sat., Jul. 27
Jim Dandy
Sat., Jul. 27
Prioress
Sun., Jul. 28
Amsterdam
Mon., Jul. 29
Honorable Miss Handicap
Wed., Jul. 31
John’s Call
Presented by Sportech
Thu., Aug. 1
A. P. Smithwick
Memorial (Steeplechase)
Thu., Aug. 1
John Morrissey (NYB)
Fri., Aug. 2
Caress
Sat., Aug. 3
De La Rose
Sat., Aug. 3
Whitney Invitational Handicap
Sun., Aug. 4
Alfred G. Vanderbilt
Handicap
Mon., Aug. 5
Waya
Wed., Aug. 7
NYSS Cab Calloway Division
Thu., Aug. 8
NYSS Statue of
Liberty Division
Fri., Aug. 9
National Museum of
Racing Hall Of Fame
Sat., Aug. 10
Fourstardave
Handicap
DateRace
Sun., Aug. 11
Adirondack
Sun., Aug. 11
Saratoga Special
Mon., Aug. 12
Coronation Cup
Wed., Aug. 14
Troy
Thu., Aug. 15
West Point (NYB) Presented by Trustco Bank
Fri., Aug. 16
Yaddo (NYB)
Sat., Aug. 17
Sword Dancer
Invitational
Sat., Aug. 17
Alabama
Sun., Aug. 18
Woodford Reserve Lake Placid
Mon., Aug. 19
Union Avenue (NYB)
Wed., Aug. 21
Albany (NYB)
Thu., Aug. 22
NY Turf Writers Cup
(steeplechase)
Fri., Aug. 23
Ballerina
Sat., Aug. 24
Ballston Spa
Sat., Aug. 24
Test
Sat., Aug. 24
Foxwoods
King’s Bishop
Sat., Aug. 24
Travers Stakes
Sun., Aug. 25
Personal Ensign
Invitational
Mon., Aug. 26
Saratoga Dew (NYB)
Wed., Aug. 28
P. G. Johnson
Thu., Aug. 29
With Anticipation
Fri., Aug. 30
Riskaverse
Sat., Aug. 31
Bernard Baruch
Handicap
Sat., Aug. 31
Forego
Sat., Aug. 31
Woodward
Sun., Sep. 1
Spinaway
Sun., Sep. 1
Saranac
Mon., Sep. 2
Hopeful
Mon., Sep. 2
Glens Falls
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
9
TOP 25
JOCKEYS at SARAT0GA
FROm 1976-2012
Cornelio Velasquez
NAmESTARTS WINSSECONDS
THIRDs EARNINGS
JERRY D. BAILEY 3,381 693 488 445 $37,999,970
JOHN R. VELAZQUEZ* 4,168 685 556 515 $44,658,648
ANGEL CORDERO, JR. 2,421 459 391 308 $14,313,710
EDGAR S. PRADO* 2,801 433 420 372 $28,332,972
PAT DAY 2,533 399 384 351 $25,714,199
JOSE A. SANTOS 2,581 382 353 377 $19,962,346
RICHARD MIGLIORE 2,845 369 327 330 $15,623,023
JAVIER CASTELLANO* 2,359 350 329 313 $24,665,266
MIKE E. SMITH* 2,065 334 317 251 $17,142,784
JORGE F. CHAVEZ 2,815 327 352 308 $17,680,673
RAMON A. DOMINGUEZ
1,769 298 268 252 $18,712,171
ROBBIE G. DAVIS 2,229 277 284 299 $10,905,173
EDDIE MAPLE 2,063 255 252 266 $8,370,714
CORNELIO H. VELASQUEZ*
2,049 241 281
261 $14,817,056
JEAN-LUC SAMYN 2,473 239 235 282 $9,934,952
JORGE VELASQUEZ 1,755 236 226 265 $6,472,866
JULIEN R. LEPAROUX* 1,302 172 162 152 $12,078,348
SHANE J. SELLERS* 1,181 165 143 140 $9,465,204
JEAN CRUGUET 1,341 165 175 169 $4,923,979
EIBAR COA 1,191 150 149 144 $8,828,760
CHRIS W. ANTLEY 1,043 148 145 131 $5,905,374
ALAN GARCIA* 884 145 93 114 $10,009,311
JULIE A. KRONE 956 144 154 115 $5,778,115
KENT J. DESORMEAUX* 916 143 120 122 $9,504,477
JACINTO VASQUEZ 1,093 135 131 126 $3,362,509
jockeys to watch
Javier Castellano
John Velazquez
Joel Rosario
Jose Lezcano
Junior Alvarado
Versatile rider has
challenged Velazquez
in recent years
Hall of Famer seeks
his sixth Saratoga
riding title
In the midst of a career
year, Rosario is riding
his second season at
Saratoga
Patient rider excels on
the turf
Like Lezcano, known for
coming off the pace
Rosie Napravnik
Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Rajiv Maragh
Cornelio Velasquez
Jose Ortiz
Only female rider to
win two Grade 1 races
on a single card
Young gun won three
Grade 1 races at
Saratoga in 2012
Strong finisher is
effective long or short
and on both surfaces
Veteran won the 2007 Great potential for this
Saratoga riding title
recent apprenticeturned-journeyman
* active
10
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
11
2013 Special Events
The 150th anniversary season will kick off when gates open at 11 a.m. followed
JOCKEY BREAKFAST AT
SARATOGA RACE COURSE:
Thursday, July 25 &
Thursday, August 15
by first race post-time at 1 p.m.
Track patrons will be invited to meet their favorite jockeys and get autographs at
OPENING DAY AT SARATOGA:
Friday, July 19
the traditional trackside breakfast on select Thursdays.
HATS OFF TO SARATOGA:
Friday, July 19 - Sunday, July 21
5TH ANNUAL COLLEGE DAY:
Thursday, July 25
Saratoga Race Course will welcome college students back to their favorite course
This three-day festival celebrates opening weekend at Saratoga Race Course and
with the fifth annual College Day. All college students will receive free grandstand
includes world-class racing, family fun, live music downtown and at the track, and
admission with valid college ID and will be invited to register to win a $1,000
millinery mayhem to mark the start of the racing season.
scholarship after each race. The first 1,000 college students to register on-track
will receive a free commemorative College Day T-shirt.
FAMILY FRIDAYS:
Beginning Friday, July 19
Fridays are all about families with the return of weekly family-friendly festivals
150TH ANNIVERSARY OF
RACING AT SARATOGA:
Saturday, August 3
featuring games, attractions and educational activities each Friday of the meet
The 2013 meet will come to a climax when it marks the racetrack’s official birthday
from noon to 4 p.m. in the event tent, near the Carousel, inside the entrance to the
with a specially designed birthday cake from the Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro.The
Reserved Seats Box Office on Union Avenue.
day will be highlighted by the first in a series of five $15,000 win-wager opportunities, courtesy of Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson.
22ND ANNUAL HAT CONTEST:
Sunday, July 21
The “crowning” achievement of opening weekend – visitors will go head-to-head
EQUINE RETIREMENT DAY SALUTE TO FUNNY CIDE:
Sunday, August 4
in the annual Hat Contest at the track for prizes worth hundreds of dollars. This
In honor of the 10th anniversary of Funny Cide’s quest for the Triple Crown, Sarato-
year’s contest will incorporate a Victorian theme in all three categories to mark the
ga will pay homage to the only New York-bred to win the Kentucky Derby. The day
150th anniversary at Saratoga Race Course.
will include a meet and greet in the paddock with Funny Cide while Funny Cide’s
jockeys, Jose Santos and Richard Migliore, will sign autographs to benefit PDJF.
12
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
13
2013 Special Events
BATTLE OF SARATOGA
HANDICAPPING CHALLENGE:
Wed, Aug. 7 & Thurs, Aug. 8
STEWART’S ICE CREAM
EATING CONTEST:
Wednesday, August 21
Approximately 200 horseplayers will vie for $200,000 in prize money during the
Racing fans will compete in the ultimate in chilly contests at the annual
fourth annual Battle of Saratoga Handicapping Challenge, presented by NYRA
Stewart’s Ice Cream Eating Contest. Contestants will be divided into three
Rewards. The tournament will offer four berths into the 2014 Daily Racing Form/
age groups – kids, teens and adults – as they battle to see who can eat a pint
NTRA Las Vegas National Handicapping Tournament.
of ice cream the fastest.
INTERNATIONAL DAY:
Thursday, August 8
TRAVERS CELEBRATION:
Thursday, August 22
A new event for the 2013 meet, International Day will celebrate a variety of
The premier evening affair at Saratoga Race Course will return once again to cele-
cultures with special entertainment, performances, music and activities as well as
brate the arrival of the 144th edition of the Mid-Summer Derby. The official party of
food and drink for track patrons. As many as 10 cultures will be represented and
the $1 million Travers, the Travers Celebration supports the Backstretch Employee
celebrated on track.
Service Team, the Times Union Hope Fund and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys
Fund.
FABULOUS FILLIES DAY:
Wednesday, August 14
BATTLE OF THE BREWS:
friday, August 23
Saratoga Race Course will celebrate women and their contributions to the
Saratoga Race Course will play host to the area’s best brews as adults enjoy the
thoroughbred industry while raising funds to support The Breast Cancer Research
ultimate in beer tasting during the 16th annual Battle of the Brews. All proceeds
Foundation on Fabulous Fillies Day. All fans who wear pink will receive free
benefit the American Red Cross Adirondack Saratoga Chapter. The traditional
grandstand admission. Accomplished women in New York history will be honored
Brew Battle will take place in the event tent, near the Carousel, inside the
in a special showcase.
entrance to the Reserved Seats Box Office on Union Avenue.
TRAVERS 1864 RESTAURANT WEEK:
Sun, Aug 18 – Thurs, Aug 22
THE $1 MILLION TRAVERS:
saturday, August 24
A number of restaurants and eateries throughout the greater Capital Region will
Saratoga’s most anticipated race, the Grade 1, $1 million Travers, will return for
offer special pricing and menus in celebration of the Travers during the fourth
its 144th running. First post-time is 11:35 a.m. and gates open at 7 a.m.
annual “Travers 1864 Restaurant Week.”
14
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
15
2013 Special Events
VETERANS DAY:
Wednesday, August 28
Saratoga Race Course will pay tribute to those who have served the country with
a special pre-racing ceremony to honor veterans. All veterans and active duty
military will receive free grandstand admission with military ID.
1863 - 2013
CELEBRATE 150 YEARS OF
SARATOGA RACE COURSE
FIVE
$15,000
SURE BETS
CLOSING CEREMONIES: TWILIGHT
RACING AT SARATOGA:
Friday, August 30
The Spa will reflect upon the 150th anniversary season with a special presentation
and ceremony to pay homage to the race course’s past while looking ahead to the
future. The final Friday of the meet marks the sole Twilight Racing card with first
post time scheduled for 2:30 p.m.
S a r a t o g a 15 0 i s l o o k i n g
for
individuals to
direct a F R E E $15,000
wager on five Satur days
of the Saratoga Race meet.
the contest is courtesy of honorary chairs
FINAL STRETCH FESTIVAL:
Fri, Aug. 30 – Mon, Sept. 2
MARYLOU WHITNEY & JOHN HENDRICKSON
RE GISTE R AT
W WW.SARATOGA 15 0.COM
The four-day festival will mark the culmination of the Saratoga racing season with
live music downtown and at the track, plus plenty of family fun to mark the final
days of the 150th anniversary season.
WHILE AT THE SITE,VISIT THE CALENDAR OF OVER 200 EVENTS
You must be at least 21 years of age and a legal U.S. citizen. Only one registration per
person and no more then three from a single computer. See website for full contest rules.
FAMILY FUN FEST:
Sun, Sept. 1 – Mon, Sept. 2
TM
Families will enjoy an afternoon of kid-friendly activities in the backyard at the Family
Fun Fest, which benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region.
Post time on Monday, September 2 is 12:30 p.m.
JOHN HENDRICKSON
& MARYLOU WHITNEY
MAUREEN
& ED LEWI
Michele &
Ron Riggi
16
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
A
G
O
T
A
SAR
OW
N
&
N
THE
BREAKFAST AT saratoga
I S A LO N G - STA N D I N G T R A D I T I O N
Take a Guided Walking Tour
of Saratoga Race Course
For most of the year, racehorses go about their
And, afterwards, fans line up for the popular free tram
morning routines in relative solitude. But mornings
tour of the barn area, where they get a narrated, up-
Visitors to Saratoga Race Course can now take an
Tours will be held in the morning at 9:30, 10:30 and
at Saratoga Race Course during racing season are a
close-and-personal look at the stables and a behind-
in-depth, guided 45-minute tour of the historic facility
11:30 a.m. and in the afternoon at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30
different story as horses routinely train before a large
the-scenes walking tour of the grounds, including a
that showcases much of the track’s unique architec-
p.m. The tours will depart from the Guest Services In-
and enthusiastic crowd as part of the “Breakfast at
starting gate demonstration.
ture and landscaping along with featuring many of its
formation Booth located on the first floor of the grand-
long-standing traditions.
stand. No tours will be offered when the track is dark
Saratoga” experience.
Admission to the track for breakfast is free (except on
on Tuesdays.
Breakfast at the track has been a tradition at Saratoga
Travers Day when the gates open at 7 a.m.), and ve-
The tours, available for $3 per person or $10 for a
since the post-Civil War era and is served almost ev-
hicles leaving the grounds before 10:00 a.m. receive a
group of four, were made available in celebration of
Reservations for tours are not required but are avail-
ery racing day from 7:00 to 9:30 a.m. on The Porch of
full parking refund of $10.
Saratoga’s 150th anniversary season, which commem-
able by calling customer service at (518) 584-6200 ext.
orates the first organized thoroughbred meet in Sara-
4433 or in-person at the Guest Services Information
toga Springs in 1863.
Booth in the paddock, grandstand or clubhouse.
the Clubhouse beginning Opening Day, Friday, July 19.
In addition to fine fare, fans gain insight into the sport
through the commentary of longtime racing analyst
The walking tours will be held each racing day of the
Mary Ryan. She points out top horses, star jockeys
meet beginning Friday, July 19, with the exception of
and interesting facts that enlighten both the neophyte
Travers Day, Saturday, August 24.
and serious fan.
20
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
21
21
In the
booth
with
Tom Durkin
feet in the air. So there are some technical things I do
I’d walk down the street, and people wouldn’t say
to prevent losing track of where the horses are.
hello, they’d say “ARRRRR!” I wouldn’t do “Arrrrr” at
Aqueduct, but I would do it at Saratoga because it’s
But, that’s its charm, with everything being close. You
festive and people are there to have fun. It is horse
know, having that visceral feel for the fans is great.
racing and you have to treat it with great respect,
When those horses are walking through the paddock,
which I do, but there are times when, you know, let’s
you can hear the snap of the leather and you can smell
just yuk it up. You have to be very judicious about
the ointments and even the manure! And you’re right
picking those times because people are betting, and
up next to those horses and you can see the sinew and
there’s money involved. You can get cute every once
the muscles and the attitude which you can’t get at a
in awhile, but too cute doesn’t work.
lot of places because the horses are just too far away.
So, it’s that intimacy at Saratoga that sets it apart.
Tom Durkin has been bringing his special brand of
up and saw this little guy with this incredible, au-
excitement to race fans at Saratoga since 1991. A
dible voice over the public address system. He was
native of Chicago, Durkin studied theatre at St. Nor-
very distinct and very clear and unique, which is
Holy Bull’s Travers in 1994. You know, Holy Bull lost
bert College and began calling races at county fairs in
what I really admired.
the [Kentucky] Derby and people didn’t think he was a
Wisconsin in the early 1970’s. Including the Breeders’
Cup and the Triple Crown, he has called races at more
So, fast forward 21 years …
What is your favorite race to have called?
1 ¼-mile horse. So you had Commanche Trail pushing
One of the things you do to give back to racing
him through a quarter in :22 4/5 and a half in :46 1/5,
at Saratoga is the “Third Race Call with Tom
and Holy Bull is humming right along and opens up a
Durkin,” where a fan, or fans, can be in the
My first day at Saratoga was the opening day of 1991.
big lead after that bruising first quarter and half. He
booth with you as you call the third race by mak-
Right before the third race, a horse got stuck under
had no right to be around at the end and he had ab-
ing a $100 donation to the Backstretch Employee
the starting gate. The vet did a super job and sedated
solutely no right to hold off a horse like Concern, who
Assistance Team.
I believe it was 1970. I was still in college and five of
the horse just enough so they could move the starting
went on to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic. That’s just
us – Anthony, Lonnie, Spike, Roger, and I – decided to
gate off him without having him thrashing around.
one of many, many great races at the Spa.
go to the Travers. The problem was we were in Chi-
There was this very long two minutes where we were
the charity. People really, really enjoy it because
cago. I asked my mom if I could use her car and told
hoping that that horse was just going to get up and
they get special access, and I enjoy it, too. I mean,
her we were going fishing in Indiana, about 90 miles
stand. When he did, I announced: “Lost Link has ris-
basically in an 8 x 10 room all day long, and I can’t
away. Terrible lie. When we got back, my mom asked
en,” and that was probably the biggest cheer I have
have people up there all the time because I have to
me, “How was fishing?” and I literally made up a fish
ever heard at Saratoga until Rachel Alexandra won
concentrate. But, for the third race I do all my prep
story. “Oh, really?” she said, and produced a Travers
the Woodward.
work ahead of time.
“They had good fish in Saratoga?” So, I was really in
What are the quirks of calling the races at
You own a home in Saratoga, and you’ve be-
the dog house for a long time.
Saratoga?
than 50 tracks in six countries.
What was your first experience with Saratoga?
Over the years, we’ve raised well over $100,000 for
program that was found on the backseat of the car.
come a very recognizable figure around town.
1994 Travers
What struck you most about the experience?
It’s hard because the sightlines are difficult. The peo-
My car has a very visible license plate “SPAAAAAA,”
ple in the grandstand can see the horses better than
That was also one of your memorable calls,
so it’s really hard to hide. But I really enjoy the celeb-
I just remember Fred Capossela’s voice. I had heard
me because they can look underneath the trees. Not
“There is cause for Concern …” What about
rity; people have such nice things to say – people you
it before [but] it was really something hearing that
that I want them to get rid of the trees! I’m only 35
another one of your best-known race calls –
don’t even know have such nice things to say. It’s just
voice in person. I went down to the apron and looked
feet in the air, as opposed to Belmont, where I’m 94
Arrrrr?
great having people saying nice things to you.
22
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
23
SAR ATOG A R ACE COUR SE
Uniquely NY Marketplace
Every Sunday 10:30 am to 5 pm
lEADING JOCKEYS & TRAINERS
since 1990
Shop food vendors and artisans
featuring products made
exclusively in New York State.
From jams, jellies and spices to
soaps, lotions, candles, hand knit
items and more – it’s a one of
a kind attraction (every Sunday)
at Saratoga Race Course
Event schedule subject to change
www.nyra.com/saratoga/information/events
YEAR
JOCKEY
2012
2011
WINS
YEAR
trainer
WINS
Ramon Dominguez 68*
2012 Todd Pletcher 36
John Velazquez
54
2011 Todd Pletcher 38*
2010
John Velazquez
57
2010 Todd Pletcher 36
2009
Ramon Dominguez 45
2009 Linda Rice 20
2008
Alan Garcia
39
2008 Kiaran McLaughlin 17
2007 Cornelio Velasquez 44
2007 Bill Mott 27
2006Edgar Prado 46
2006 Todd Pletcher 24
2005 Edgar Prado 44
2005 Todd Pletcher 22
2004
John Velazquez
65
2004 Todd Pletcher 35
2003 John Velazquez 61
2003 Todd Pletcher 35
2002 Edgar Prado 54
2002
Todd Pletcher 19
2001 Jerry Bailey 55
2001 Bill Mott 22
2000 Jerry Bailey 50
2000 Bill Mott 17
1999 Jerry Bailey 47
1999 Bill Mott 16
1998 John Velazquez 31
1998 Todd Pletcher 20
1997 Jerry Bailey 48
1997 John Kimmel 15
1996 Jerry Bailey 45
Bill Mott 15
1995 Jerry Bailey 47
1996 Bill Mott 20
1994 Jerry Bailey 38
1995 Bill Mott 18
1993Mike Smith 40
1994 Shug McGaughey 15
1992 Mike Smith 38
1993 Bill Mott 12
1991 Mike Smith 33
1992 D. Wayne Lukas 14
1990 28
Bill Mott 14
1991 D. Wayne Lukas 16
1990 D. Wayne Lukas 10
* records
Chris Antley Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
25
include Triple Tiara and Alabama winner Sky Beauty;
Society Selection and November Snow, who both captured the Test and the Alabama; and Classy Mirage,
winner of the Ballerina and the Honorable Miss.
His “best day ever” came the day Sky Beauty won the
Alabama in 1993.
The Blushing Groom filly had swept the Triple Tiara–
the Acorn, the Mother Goose, and the Coaching Club
American Oaks – and a win in the Alabama would put
her in elite company, as one of only four fillies to win
all four races.
“Everything went her way that day,” he recalled. “After she won, we went back to that room at Saratoga
– you know, where they give you the champagne. …
and then we went back to the barn… and they all
Hail Chief
applauded.”
Today, his voice is as humble, as awed, as if it had
just happened.
Ask most trainers which race they’d most like to win,
and they’ll likely tell you that it’s the Kentucky Derby.
While Sky Beauty might have provided the Chief with
For venerable trainer H. Allen Jerkens, the answer
his most memorable day at Saratoga, it was another
might not be so easy.
of his horses that created lifetime memories for legions of racing fans. That horse was Onion, who upset
“Winning the Travers,” says Jerkens, for whom the
Secretariat in the 1973 Whitney.
coveted training title at Saratoga Race Course is
named, “would be as good as winning the Derby.”
Jerkens recalls that Onion shipped in to Saratoga
and won a 6 1/2 furlong race that Tuesday, four days
While still hoping for his first victory in the Mid-Sum-
before the Whitney. The horse worked later in the
mer Derby – his best finish from five starters was
week, and the Chief admits that he didn’t expect to
a second by Devil His Due in 1992 – Jerkens is no
win on Saturday.
stranger to the Spa’s winner’s circle.
“We knew that Secretariat wasn’t at his best, but he’d
The Hall of Fame trainer, 84, has won 27 graded stakes
scared everyone off and I thought that we could get
races that are currently being run here, and 21 of
a piece.” With typical humility, he adds, “Yes, I was
them have been with fillies and mares, most recently
surprised that he won – but winning any stake is a
Emma’s Encore in last year’s Grade 1 Prioress. Others
surprise to me.”
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
27
Wagering 101
1. How to Pick Your Horse
Interpret the Data - Purchase a Post Parade Program on-track for a full background of every horse’s 10
most recent races.
Know the Stars – Did you know many current Hall of Fame riders and trainers compete at Saratoga every
year? Trainers and jockeys have a huge influence on a horse’s performance so sometimes picking a winner can
be as easy as choosing the horse with the most successful human connections.
See What the Experts Think - Some of the best public handicappers such as Andy Serling, Jason Blewitt
and Eric Donovan work in New York and their selections are available in the Post Parade program, everyday on
the Talking Horses show, and at NYRA.com.
2. How to Pick Your Bet Type
Here are a few of the many different bet types. Just choose the one that will fit you the best!
Easy
• Win – Your horse must win.
• Place – Your horse must finish first or second.
• Show – Your horse must finish first, second, or third.
Medium
• Exacta – Pick the first two horses in the correct order.
• Trifecta – Pick the first three horses in the correct order.
• Daily Double – Pick the winners of two consecutive races.
Hard
• Superfecta – Pick the first four horses in the correct order.
• Pick 4 – Pick the winners of four consecutive races.
Note: “Boxing” your choices in exacta, trifecta, and superfecta bets makes your wager more expensive but allows
you to win if your selected horses finish in any order!
3. How to Place your Bet
No matter what kind of bet you’re making, the format for wagering is the same at a betting window.
Provide your teller with the following information, in order:
1. Track Name
2. Race
3. Amount
4. Bet Type
5. Horse Number
Example 1 – Win Bet
Saratoga, race one, two dollars to win on the five.
Please note that NYRA can only pay off on winning wagers in accordance with the revelant complete wager rules of the
New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) codified at 9(e) NYCRR.
TRAVERS
TRADITIONS
The Canoe
Perhaps the most famous Travers tradition is the canoe in the infield lake.
Each year it is painted in the colors of the winner of the Travers. The first
mention of the canoe was made in The Saratogian on opening day at Saratoga Race Course in 1926.
“Visitors thronged round the grounds and emanated gasps of surprise when
their eyes first met the beauty of the center field. The artificial lake with its
enhancing foliage and shrubs, the graceful movements of the swans in the
water, and its personal touch with two brightly colored canoes …”
No mention of the canoes is made for some years, and it has been speculated
that they disappeared to make more room for the swans. The birds, however,
were ruled off in the 1930s for fear they might attack picnickers in the infield.
In 1961, it was decided that the single remaining canoe be painted in the
colors of the Travers winner. This year, however, fans will see two canoes in
recognition of the historic dead heat between Alpha and Golden Ticket until
the 144th running on August 24.
The Travers Trophy
The original Travers trophy is the gold “George III” Man o’ War Cup, crafted
by Tiffany & Co. It is nine inches high and 12½ inches in diameter.
The Cup was won by Mrs. Samuel D. Riddle when her great racehorse Man
o’ War defeated the first Triple Crown winner Sir Barton in their 1920 match
race in Canada. It was donated to the Saratoga Association by Mrs. Riddle to
be used as a permanent trophy for the Travers on the condition that a member
of the Riddle family make the presentation each year.
The names of the winners of the 143 previous runnings of the Travers Stakes have been inscribed
on the Man o’ War Cup. A gold-plated replica is
presented every year to the winning owner.
Still the
of Saratoga
Angel Cordero, Jr. won his only
Travers in 1985
first Spa riding title in 1967 and didn’t take his next
has not made many concessions to time. In fact,
until 1976. Of course, he led all riders the following
he and his body pretty much ignore — maybe even
ten years — interrupted only by the upstart Jose
defy — its ravaging ways. Up each morning, same as
Santos in 1987 — and then came back to reclaim
when he was the jockey known as “the King of Sara-
his crown for two more seasons.
toga,” Cordero books mounts as agent for fellow Hall
of Fame jockey John Velazquez. He looks ready to take
But the losses in the Travers ate at Cordero, who first
nine mounts in the afternoon himself, if only someone
rode in the race in 1965, finishing seventh aboard
would offer. So, the truth seems almost implausible: it
21-1 shot Dilly Bean behind winner Hail to All. He
was 28 years ago that the most dominant rider in the
was third aboard Plymouth in 1970, third with Good
history of Saratoga Race Course won his only Travers
Counsel in 1971, and finished second four times in a
Stakes aboard Chief’s Crown.
row, on First Albert (1980), champion Pleasant Col-
SAR ATOG A R ACE COUR SE
Family Fridays
Beginning July 19 – Opening Day
Visit us every Friday at the event tent
from Noon to 4 p.m. for bounce inflatables,
arts & crafts and more!
ony (1981), Preakness winner Aloma’s Ruler (1982)
“It seems like it was yesterday,” said Cordero, for
and eventual Hall of Famer Slew o’ Gold in 1983.
whom the prized riding title at the Spa is named. “I
After finishing fourth in 1984 with favored Track Bar-
lose track of time in Saratoga. I remember a lot of
ron, 1985 turned out to be Cordero’s year.
horses, but the years?”
Before the Travers, the pressure grew intense. Chief’s
Every jockey wants to win, but Cordero always
Crown, the previous year’s top 2-year-old, had been
seemed to want to win more.
favored to win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and
Belmont Stakes and lost all three. The newspapers
His Hall of Fame record tells only part of the story:
unspooled the tale of underachievement: Chief’s
Cordero rode from 1960 until he went down in a spill
Crown, the champion who couldn’t win the big one,
and suffered career-ending injuries in 1992. He won
and Cordero, the ten-time Saratoga riding champ
7,057 races from 38,646 mounts. He won three Ken-
who couldn’t win the track’s biggest race, but they
tucky Derbys, two Preaknesses, one Belmont, three
laid the stories to rest in just over two minutes. With
Jockey Club Gold Cups, five Suburbans, and three
Cordero following trainer Roger Laurin’s instructions
Breeders’ Cup races.
perfectly, Chief’s Crown ran off to a two-length victory before 45,623 fans. The King of Saratoga finally
Yet, Saratoga was Cordero’s kingdom. He won his
32
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
had his crown.
Event schedule subject to change
www.nyra.com/saratoga/information/events
34
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing
35
36
Celebrating 150 Years of Racing