Saratoga Raceway
Saratoga Raceway is a 350 acre-horse racing track in Saratoga Springs, New York. Saratoga Raceway is the oldest continuously operating racetrack in America and is acknowledged as one of New York's most important tracks.
A testament to its lofty status has been its yearly hosting of several prestigious stakes races. Among these are the New York Stallion Series, the Travers Stakes, the Ballerina, the Saratoga Breeders Cup, the Ballston Spa Breeders Cup, the Amsterdam, the Whitney Handicap, and the Diana Handicap.
Saratoga Raceway Facts
- Main Course: 1 1/8 miles
- Turf Course: 1 mile
- Steeplechase/Inner Turf Course: 7/8 mile
- Attendance Capacity: 40,000
- Total Seating Capacity: 17,000
History
The first thoroughbred race in America was held in Saratoga Springs in 1847, while the first national thoroughbred race took place during a four-day experimental meet at Saratoga Raceway, which opened on August 3, 1863.
The meet was the result of the efforts of John Morrisey, a State Senator, gambler and successful prize fighter in his day. Morrisey, John Hunter (later the first Chairman of the Jockey Club), William Travers (owner of the horse that won the first Travers stakes), and Leonard Jerome (the founder of the old Jerome racetrack in the Bronx) presided over the inaugural meet. It turned out to be a big success, and they decided to expand it the next year. The meet was moved across the street to its present location in order to accommodate the large crowds and enlarge the track.
Saratoga Raceway flourished in the succeeding years. Saratoga Raceway even earned the moniker "Graveyard of the Favorites" as legendary horses Man O' War, Gallant Fox and Secretariat were defeated by largely unheralded opponents when they participated in major meets at the track.
Big races have been held at the track since its establishment more than a century ago, a testament to Saratoga Raceway's grand stature and staying power in the industry.
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