Untacked

CITY GUIDE 118 J U LY/AU G U S T 2 015 UNTACKED SARATOGA RACE COURSE Drawn by the rumored healing waters of the area's natural mineral springs, wealthy Americans began flocking to Saratoga Springs and building summer homes there in the first half of the 19th century. Two such titans (and horsemen), John Hunter and William R. Travers, founded the Saratoga Race Course in 1863, making it one of the oldest sporting venues in the country. More than 150 years later, not much has changed. Graceful Thoroughbreds still run around its hallowed oval beneath distinctive red and white awnings and bed down in the pine green shedrows on the backside. Adorned with enormous hanging flowering baskets, these barns rival the beauty of the track's wood-floored clubhouse, where squeaky screen doors mark entrances to bathrooms and ceiling fans lazily circulate warm summer air. "Every single day at the track has a special atmosphere you don't find anywhere else," says Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard. "It's an experience unlike most horse racing, which to me is a little bit cold and a way to play the numbers. Here people are there both to watch quality racing and to have a good time—they plan their vacations around it. They get there early, spread out their blankets in the paddock area, meet friends, family, bring their kids. "As a trainer, I get to see a lot of people from the horse business I don't get to see the rest of the year," he continues. "I really enjoy that the owners stop by the barns and spend a little time with their horses. It makes it more special." The summer meet, which offers both flat and steeplechase racing, runs July 24- Sept. 7 this year. 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs. (518) 584-6200. SaratogaRacetrack.com. TOD MARKS PHOTO TOD MARKS PHOTO ADAM COGLIANESE PHOTO

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