Women have played key roles in horse racing since the celebrated sport’s earliest days. Yet few women – or men for that matter – at any level of the sport created a legacy that can rival the respect and importance of Marylou Whitney. Whitney, who died July 19, 2019 at age 93, did so much more than simply race in the famed Eton blue and brown … Continue reading Marylou Is Still A Presence
The tenth and final race at Saratoga today was just a cheap Maiden claimer on an otherwise typical Wednesday card. But it’s got the racing faithful talking- specifically about DQ’s or lack there of. If you watched it you know what we’re referring to, if not find it online and have a look. The Daily Racing Blog is of the opinion that the #1 should … Continue reading Stewards’ Decisions
The Jim Dandy Stakes originated in 1964, and is for horses three years-old and older. It is raced at a mile and an eighth, on dirt, and classified as a Grade 2 race with a purse of $500,000 dollars. The track record for this race dates back to 1996 when LOUIS QUATORZE (that years Preakness Winner) blazed to a 1:47:26. The race is named in honor of … Continue reading Go Jim Dandy Go
When former NYRA track announcer Tom Durkin walks down Broadway in Saratoga Springs, it is almost as if he is stepping back in time. Fans often stop him to remind him of one of his legendary race calls and to express their appreciation for his extraordinary career. Those conversations mean the world to Durkin: “You’re walking down the street and somebody stops you and has something really nice to say to you about … Continue reading The Incomparable Tom Durkin
One of the most popular racehorses of this century has passed away. The 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes Winner FUNNY CIDE died due to complications of colic at 23 years old. The son of DISTORTED HUMOR who ran out of Sackatoga Stables Won $3,529,412 in 38 starts. The gelding retired in 2007 with a record of 11-6-8 for trainer Barclay Tagg. Undefeated as a 2-year-old, New … Continue reading A Funny (Cide) Thing Happened
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 … Continue reading The Summer Place To Be
There is no finer setting for thoroughbred racing than historic Saratoga Race Course. It was named one of the world’s top 10 sporting venues of the 20th century by Sports Illustrated. This year’s meet runs from July 13th through Labor Day. Many of the sport’s top owners, trainers, jockeys, and horses, along with hundreds of thousands of zealous and devoted fans will gather in Saratoga Springs for the premier summer Thoroughbred racing meet … Continue reading The Spa Is Open !
The beauty and pageantry of horse racing can turn into chaos and tragedy in the blink of an eye; a jockey plummets to the racetrack, trying to avoid the crushing weight of his falling mount and often rolling amidst a hellish pounding of hooves. Medics arrive in the ambulance to assess the severity of injuries and provide immediate care. The lucky riders get treatment in … Continue reading Java For Jockeys
PackHarvey Pack, a pioneer in the field of on-air racing personalities whose curmudgeonly personality and dry sense of humor made him a favorite among New York horseplayers. With the opening of Saratoga less than a week away, a tribute to Harvey seems appropriate. Mr. Pack passed away in July of 2021, he was 94. He was born and raised on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and … Continue reading Mr. Harvey Pack
The storied summer meet at Saratoga kicks off on Thursday July 13th and runs through Labor Day. If you’re making a pilgrimage to the nirvana of racing, here’s a six-pack of some things to know before you go! 1. Saratoga Race Course is the oldest sporting venue in the United States. Saratoga Race Course opened for business in 1863, making it the oldest sporting venue in the entire … Continue reading Saratoga- Not Just Horse Racing
