16 Jul Saratoga Race Course Opening Day 2020

Today marks The Opening Day 2020 at the Saratoga Race Course. Like most things since the Corona virus, Saratoga Racing will be very different this year.  The major change – NO FANS – According to Pat McKenna, spokesman for NYRA, there are a lot of emotions swirling around the running of the horses without the fans who create Saratoga’s festive energy and atmosphere.

“When I think of opening day, I think of a tremendous celebration of all that Saratoga means to so many people throughout the Capital Region and upstate New York,” McKenna said. “Opening day raises the curtain on one of the greatest sporting events that this country has ever seen; 40 days of racing in America with the finest horses, the most skilled jockeys, owners and trainers. This will be unusual to say the least.”

He said NYRA already experienced an abnormal sensation during the Belmont Stakes, which this year, became the first leg of the Triple Crown. It’s usually the third. It too was run without spectators.

“It’s reflective of a world turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic,” he said. “This is something we hope to never repeat and encouraging folks to social distance, wear their masks and hopefully we will be right back here in 2021 celebrating the greatest opening day in the history of Saratoga.”

In the meantime, we can still celebrate Saratoga!!! Below are some fun facts regarding Saratoga Race Course. Stay safe everyone!

5 Fun facts about the Saratoga Race Course

If you’re headed to Saratoga on business or just hanging out with family and friends, here are 5 fun facts to consider:

• Saratoga Race Course is not only the oldest track in the U.S., but by many accounts the oldest active sporting venue in the U.S.
• A new era was born – in 1913, the great Man O’War entered the Sanford Stakes as the heavy favorite, having won 21 consecutive races. To most everyone’s dismay, he was defeated. The winner? A horse named Upset – now a household name for an unexpected win.
• Saratoga is referred to as the Graveyard of Champions. In addition to the loss by Man O’ War, Triple Crown winner Gallant Fox lost to a 100-1 shot, none other than Jim Dandy!
• The Midsummer Derby, AKA The Travers Stakes, is named after Saratoga Race Course co-creator William R. Travers (his first meet was 4 days long).
• Saratoga Race Course made Sports Illustrated list of top 10 sports venues of the 20th Century!