When I was 13-14 years of age she thought I was cute. From 15-18 I vied hard for her attention, only to be spurned for my lack of knowledge and experience. I vowed to get better. As I grew older and wiser my skills did improve and I thought I had what it took to win her over. Back then she would occasionally humor me, … Continue reading Infatuation

It was August 3rd, 1863 when gambler, casino owner, ex-boxer, and future congressman John Morrissey organized the first thoroughbred meet in Saratoga.  It was one month after the Battle of Gettysburg, and was held 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 Spa

This race 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 stakes race with a purse of $600,000 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 3 … Continue reading The Jim Dandy Stakes

This is DRB‘s final installment of the colorful language heard, and used at tracks here and around the world.  Speaking of which, I was visiting London not long ago and saw what amounted to a betting parlor of some sort.  Akin to Off Track Betting offices here in the states.  I walked in looked around and saw mostly men watching and shouting at multiple television monitors showing various races … Continue reading Track Terminology

As routine viewers of DRB should be aware, The Racetrack At Saratoga opens up next Friday July 20th.  What might be news to some, is that this year there will be 69 stakes races worth 18.8 million dollars in prize money.  And while there is a feature race (or two) every day of competition, it is the weekend (especially Saturday) that draws the best talent, vying for … Continue reading The Diana

We are two weeks removed from opening day of the greatest track in America.  So we at DRB will continue with some of the basic definitions in the world of horse racing.  It does not matter how long you have been in the thoroughbred game, you can never stop learning.  Absorb all the knowledge you can.  What may seem meaningless now, will hopefully lodge somewhere in … Continue reading Saratoga Speak

DRB is based out of New York state, so while the acronym NYRA is common to us, there may be others who aren’t so familiar with the organization.  For the uninitiated we offer this brief profile as an introduction. The New York Racing Association was founded in 1955, and is headquartered in Jamaica, NY.  It is a not-for-profit that operates the three largest thoroughbred horse racing … Continue reading New York Racing Association

The race course at Saratoga is referred to as “The Graveyard of Favorites”.  But a more apt name might be “The Graveyard of Champions”.  Throughout the history of horse racing, some of the worlds most amazing thoroughbreds have humbly learned how the track earned that sobriquet. One of the earliest unforeseen victories took place in August 1919 when MAN O’ WAR raced as the heavy favorite … Continue reading The Graveyard Of Favorites

There are many so-called rivalries in sports.  But there are few whose status lives on and can stand up to the test of time.  It is one small three letter word that is the barometer for these athletic battles that grow more legendary with each passing generation.  That word?  And.  It’s just that simple.  Whenever you cannot name one participant without the reflexive action of … Continue reading Affirmed & Alydar

The jargon used in or around the horse track can seem like a foreign language to those new to the game or the atmosphere that surrounds it.  But given some time, and due diligence you too can some day talk the talk.  You will overhear someone say;  “I like his chances.  He had a bullet workout here last week, and he’s got the bug-boy riding … Continue reading Race Track Rhetoric Cont…