Saratoga Race Course event causing a stir as 20th July inches closer
Saratoga Race Course is the venue where some of the most exciting horse races are held. It is located in Saratoga Springs, in New York, in the United States.
This is one of oldest locations for organized sporting events in the United States. It opened on 3rd August, 1863. The racing season usually starts in late July and ends till September.
The original track was built by John Hunter, who later became the first chairman of the Jockey Club.
Since the construction of this track in 1864, it is the home of Travers Stakes. This Grade 1 race is one of the oldest thoroughbred horse race that takes place in the United States.
The event at Saratoga was originally scheduled as a four day affair. The duration of it increased and for many years, this event took place over a period of 4 weeks. It was lengthened to 5 weeks in the 1990s.
The New York Racing Association extended the 2010 race event by 4 days to a total of 40 days, and since then it has been this way, and now the race is a six-week meet which ends on Labor Day.
This famous race course is sometimes known as The Spa, based on its location. It also known as Graveyard Of Champions because Saratoga is the venue for some the biggest race upsets.
There are three tracks in the main course at Saratoga. The main dirt track is 1 1/8 miles. The turf track, more commonly known as the Mellon Turf Course is 1 mile and 98 feet. The track is named after Paul Mellon, who was a renowned Thoroughbred owner and
breeder.
The third inner turf track covers a distance of 7 ½ furlongs.
This historic event is attended by enthusiasts of this sport from all around the world. The Saratoga Race Meeting 2012 will begin on 20th July, and the special events in the meet consist of the Opening Day, the Fabulous Fillies Day, Travers Stakes
and the Labor Day BBQ.
On the opening day, the gate opens at 11:00 hours and the first race begins at 1 p.m. The Fabulous Fillies’ Day is scheduled to take place on 17th August, 2012. This day is meant to be enjoyable for all the guests as it is a day of fashion and
glamour.
The Travers Stakes are scheduled to take place on 25th August, 2012. It will be the 143rd running of the oldest racing event in America. This is a week-long festival that has some of the most competitive races along with family events.
Stay Thirsty emerged as the victor in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes last year. He defeated all competition and claimed the prize on 27th August, 2011.
The son of Bernardini, out of Marozia, defeated Rattlesnake Bridge narrowly by 1 ¼ lengths, and won the prize of £384,615.38.
The meet at Saratoga closes on 3rd September, 2012, which consists of a traditional Labor Day BBQ.
Saratoga Race Course is a location that is well known by all factions of horse-racing enthusiasts. The races are a source of adrenaline rush for the runners, trainers, jockeys, owners, bookmakers, punters and spectators.
It is scheduled at this time of the year as part of a historic tradition, but the recent changes made to the schedule are likely to stay.
According to Charlie Hayward, the president and the CEO of the New York Racing Association, the racing event will remain at 40 days this year as well but it will not extend any further than this.
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