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Saratoga Spring racing is as well-known worldwide as its curative carbonated mineral water springs. BBOnline shows you all the racing highlights in this town.
The Saratoga Racecourse
267 Union Avenue
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
(718) 641-4700
www.saratogaracetrack.com
This is one of the "top ten sporting venues in the world" according to Sports Illustrated magazine. The historic and beautiful racecourse is the oldest operating in the country. People come here from as far away as the Middle East during the summer thoroughbred racing season.
Besides horse racing, you can also watch harness racing on a second track at this racecourse. This track hosts one of the most important horse auctions in the world.
Simulcast races are shown on the Saratoga Raceway and you can enjoy a buffet breakfast on the porch of the clubhouse while listening to an enjoyable commentary on the horses and jockeys and watching the horses go through their morning workout.
After breakfast you could take the free walking tour of the famous stables. Just hop on one of the trams leaving for the area, but get there early as the last tram departs at 9:00 a.m.
There are picnic tables available with luncheon buffet from where you can watch the race on close-circuit TV. The kids can even see the horses before the race and get autographs from the jockeys. It's an event the whole family will enjoy whether you're betting or not.
Don't forget to check out their hands-on exhibit that tells you all about racing and gives you tips on how to predict the winning horses. There's also information about the horses themselves. So get decked-out in your finest and head to the raceway from your Saratoga Bed and Breakfast.
Traver's Day
Known as the "Midsummer Derby," this major thoroughbred race attracts thousands of people who come for the thrill of watching the $1 million Travers Stakes. And if you're in Saratoga before this event, you could catch the week-long Travers Festival which heralds the race. This annual event features a variety of entertainment such as live music, food competitions and street festivals.
National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame
191 Union Avenue
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
(518) 584-0400
Toll Free: 1-800-Jockey4 or 1-800-562-5394
www.racingmuseum.org
Located just opposite the Saratoga Race Course, this museum will teach you all you need to know about horse racing and horses. For instance, in the Hall of Fame where winning horses, jockeys and trainers are featured, you can watch 'Race America,' a movie that shows the care and training of thoroughbreds right from foals to race horses. On racing days, you can catch a live simulcast of the NYRA and Saratoga races in the hall.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of horse racing in the museum - even if you miss the races for some reason. Discover the history of the sport including heart-warming stories of human and equine sacrifice via an art collection, trophies and thoroughbred memorabilia. One of the permanent exhibits features a racing simulator. Self guided tours are available. Why not educate yourself about something you're passionate about during your Saratoga Inn stay?