Saratoga Race Course opens next week and there will be a different look and feel on the grounds. Long-time track bugler Sam Grossman will not be at the storied thoroughbred race track playing the Call To Post and the other tunes that are requested of him each and every day of the meet. “I took a routine blood test after changing insurance,” the South Florida … Continue reading Summer Of No Sam
Saratoga Springs has long been a summer playground for sports fans: the upstate New York town is home to one of the most storied racetracks in the world, and it’s been mecca for horse racing fans for hundreds of years. The racing season at Saratoga begins in less than two weeks, so if you’re planning a trip to The Spa this summer here is quick beginners guide to … Continue reading Saratoga Basics
The Racetrack at Saratoga opens for the 2022 season on Thursday, July 14th. The historic track will be without one of the most successful, albeit ostracized, trainers for the duration of its 159th edition. Last week a three-member hearing panel suspended trainer Bob Baffert from all New York Racing Association tracks for the next seven months. The panel’s decision to suspend Baffert for one years credited him with … Continue reading NYRA Says Nay To Baffert
The most talented horses, and riders, east of the Mississippi annually gather for six weeks at historic Saratoga Race Course. This year they’ll be competing for purses that speak to the level of ability they bring to The Spa. Significant increases of more than $1.6 million dollars to the purse schedule for the 2022 summer were announced by the New York Racing Association last week. … Continue reading Bigger Purses At The Spa
“From New York City you drive north for about 175 miles, turn left on Union Avenue and go back 100 years.” That quote is attributed to legendary NYC sports scribe Red Smith when he wrote on how to get to Saratoga Race Course. The town of Saratoga resides in a vacuum as it relates to horse racing. Some might consider a lack of change to … Continue reading The Magic That Is Saratoga
With the Triple Crown season in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to move on and the focus for some familiar 3-year-olds shifts to the north. More specifically, the $1.25 million dollar Travers Stakes at Saratoga on August 27th. Here then, are five horses from the Triple Crown trail who can succeed in the 1 1/4 mile Travers. MO DONEGAL. He Won the Wood Memorial in April, … Continue reading Triple Crown To Travers Stakes
The 154th Belmont Stakes developed into quite a wonderful New York story. Veteran owner Mike Repole, who proudly identifies himself as Mike from Queens, enjoyed a one-two finish with MO DONEGAL and the filly NEST, Saturday at Belmont Park– in the race he’s desired more than any other. “It’s a 40-year dream,” said an emotional Repole, 53. “Coming to this track and Aqueduct, being a kid from New York, this is … Continue reading King Of Queens & Belmont
The Triple Crown racing series has been less than compelling for most fans this year. That said, think about all the possible storylines setting up for the Grade 1 Travers Stakes in August at Saratoga. Five horses could make the Travers the race of the year. RICH STRIKE, EARLY VOTING and EPICENTER are the most important 3-year-olds who might enter, because of their big Triple Crown efforts … Continue reading Could Be A Tantalizing Travers
We’re 10 days into 2022, and anticipation is already building for what’s to come this year. There will be plenty of exciting races, memorable moments, and great times to be had this year at tracks all across the country. Everyone (even horseplayers) make New Year’s resolutions; some are more successful than others. Here are a few for racing fans that are certainly attainable. 1. PICK THE … Continue reading Racing Resolutions
For the first time in his illustrious 32-year career, Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez will ride full-time this winter at Santa Anita, beginning with the track’s opening day, Sunday, December 26th. A 50-year-old native of Puerto Rico, Johnny V as he’s affectionately known, is Thoroughbred racing’s all-time leading money Winning jockey, with career purse earnings of more than $446 million from 6,357 Wins. A … Continue reading Johnny West
