It was August 3rd, 1863 when gambler, casino owner, ex-boxer, and future congressman John Morrissey organized the first thoroughbred horse racing meet in Saratoga. 

It was one month after the Battle of Gettysburg, and the meet spanned out over four days at the old dirt track on Union Avenue. 

Over 5,000 people attended to watch, and wager on eight races.

After the success of this meet Morrissey was inspired to expand further with this new gambling venture. 

With the help of some wealthy friends, including Leonard Jerome, and William Travers, they formed the Saratoga Racing Association. 

This newly formed group quickly purchased 125 acres of land on the other side of Union Avenue, and built a new grandstand.  Saratoga Race Course had been sired.

Saratoga is quintessentially American, it has survived both World Wars and legislation to outlaw gambling. 

It is considered the second longest- running race track in the United States, (Fairgrounds in New Orleans being first) but is considered to be the oldest organized sporting venue of any kind in the country.

Saratoga is known throughout the world.  The name evokes so many images: the elegance, and pageantry of the worlds oldest sport, the regally-bred horses (and owners)- the untold riches of royals, captains of industry, and rock stars who participate as owners, breeders and fans.

The real stars, of course, are the animals.  Only the best horses in their respective divisions dare to come compete at the historic race course and test their mettle at The Spa.

It was back in January of 2018 when the New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced that beginning in 2019 the meet would be eight weeks long instead of its typical seven, with the track going dark on Monday as well as Tuesday.

The track still maintains 40 days worth of racing, which this year includes 71 Stakes races worth over $20.8 million dollars in total purses.

Saratoga– the summer place to be.