Saratoga Race Course in Full Stride
by Dick Healy

Since thoroughbred racing opened on July 23, Saratoga Race Course has hosted several high profile Grade 1 stakes races, however, the big race day is Saturday, August 28 when the 141st Travers Stakes takes place.

If you plan on vacationing in or near Saratoga Springs during Travers week, be prepared to enjoy a variety of on and off track special activities and leave yourself enough time to sample a few of Saratoga’s dining sports. I suggest you try One Caroline Street Bistro just Off-Broadway in center downtown. A few steps further down Caroline Street the Saratoga City Tavern, noted for its pizza selection is a wise choice. Mix with the post race crowd at Siro’s for cocktails, and make at least one date to dine at Siro’s where the rich and famous of the horse world often wile away the evening hours. Incidentally Siro’s, located on Lincoln Avenue, changed hands this year, and his now owned by a group of investors, among them Kevin Connolly and Kevin Dillon affiliated with the HOB show “Entourage.”

Watching early morning workouts at the Race Course while also enjoying breakfast is all part of the Saratoga tradition.
What many fans have come to realize, is that The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has expanded its venues to all visitors. Several music groups roam about the groups providing entertainment between races, and food services within the facility is varied and reasonable.

New to the Race Course this season is NYRA’s partnership with Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group that has operated restaurants in New York City now has a food service business close by the paddock area. You can enjoy spareribs at Blue Smoke, Shack Burgers, or feed on hot dogs and frozen custard at Shake Shack. While having a drink at the newly built outside oval bar track-goers can watch the horses being saddled up in the paddock for the next race. Shake Shack an all new look and added connivance that’s really caught on. After track music is provided too, so visitors can take their time departing the Race Course until early post-race traffic has had a chance to clear out.