The Power of Positivity at Saratoga
It seemed that almost as soon as Saratoga opened for the racing season, the excitement turned into disheartening headlines broadcasting the equine deaths at Saratoga. I’ve seen several social media posts from people who were afraid to visit the track, with the fear of seeing a horse break down. While these concerns are completely understandable, there are so many positive reasons to visit the Spa.
Saturday was Saratoga’s biggest day in racing; I’ve heard it referred to as Saratoga’s Kentucky Derby. Big names headlined the day such as Bob Baffert and Mike Smith; the horse superstars were just as well known. The Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes winners were all there to take part in the Travers Stakes. Rick Porter’s incredible filly Songbird traveled from her home base in California to race in the Personal Ensign, Gunnevera came all the way from Florida to race in the Travers, and local hero Lady Eli was going after a win in the Woodford Reserve Ballston Spa Stakes.
Behind all those big names, comes incredible stories. West Coast was dominant in the Travers Stakes; the racing scene is used to seeing the unstoppable Baffert/Smith duo win. If you’re looking for a feel good story, look no further than Gunnevera. Gunnevera was purchased for a mere $16,000, by trainer Antonio Sano. He has now won over a million dollars. That gives us all hope, right? It gives faith to the small breeders that a good horse can come from an affordable sire, and an owner looking to buy a racehorse can get lucky.
Beyond a financial standpoint, is the captivating story of trainer Antonio Sano’s kidnapping. Sano was kidnapped twice in his home country of Venezuela, where he topped the training standings. He lost almost everything he had, including money he had used to pay his ransom. He started completely from the bottom in America, and his work ethic and great eye for horse flesh have brought him to the Kentucky Derby and to the Travers Stakes in Saratoga to finish a terrific second place with Gunnevera. For those like myself, interested in training one day, Sano is very inspiring. He’s also an exceptionally kind man to be around. He was nothing but class after his runner-up finish.
Unfortunately, Rick Porter’s prized filly Songbird was defeated, but Porter had other victories to celebrate. He is now in remission after receiving treatment in June for his cancer. Songbird has been like therapy to Rick Porter during his sickness. He has always done his best to make it to her races. It gave him something to look forward to, he found strength and positivity in his extraordinary filly. Horses are therapeutic to so many of us, including myself.
The most charismatic story of the day in my opinion, was Lady Eli. The gritty, bay mare is definitely a fan favorite. She has done the unthinkable and overcame what many thought was impossible. In 2015, Lady Eli stepped on a nail and developed laminitis in her hoof. Laminitis is an inflammatory condition of the laminae tissues, and often can lead to the hoof wall dropping through the sole of the hoof, which is extremely painful and is almost always enough to take a horse off the track for good. Chad Brown’s team was very dedicated to this special filly, including Cherie DeVaux, Brown’s assistant.
When Lady Eli made her return to the track, over a year after developing laminitis, she returned in the Woodford Reserve Ballston Spa Stakes last summer, finishing a gallant second. She was able to avenge herself this year and win it. She’s never finished worse than second since her return to the track, and she has enough fight in her for ten horses. There is not a horse with more heart than Lady Eli. She is very well known for her feisty attitude and her intense focus on winning. She demands respect wherever she goes.
These are just some of the inspiring stories that can be found at the beautiful Saratoga Racecourse. I’ve spent many mornings over the years watching workouts in the morning, meeting new people and hearing stories about someone’s beloved horse. Some of the nicest, and most compassionate people I have ever met, have been at the racetrack. Trainers, grooms, exercise riders, etc. love the beautiful athletes they take care of each and every day. I am constantly finding inspiration, peace and happiness in my visits to the track. The next time you’re contemplating a trip to the track, take it. It’s always worth it.