My First Trip to Saratoga: A Photo Essay

Every racing enthusiast has a list of racetracks they hope to make it to someday. As far as North American tracks go, there is one track in particular that likely frequents these lists more so than others: Saratoga Race Course.

This certainly applied to me. I can name off a multitude of other tracks I would love to attend, but Saratoga seems to be one of the tracks that has eluded me. Since 1863, Saratoga has contributed some of racing's most colorful stories to the history books of the Thoroughbred. Year after year, it is the meet that attracts the attention of everyone in the industry, hosting some of the nation's most successful and promising racehorses.

But I thought it would be years before I ever made it to Saratoga. However, something fell together this summer for me to be able to make my first trip to Saratoga Springs, New York. In large part thanks to Horse Racing Nation's own Brian Zipse, I was invited to join the Young Racing Photographers Panel at Equestricon - the first-ever horse racing convention, held this summer in Saratoga Springs. In a whirlwind of events, I found myself in upstate New York to attend not only racing's most illustrious track, but its very first celebration and fan festival.

While Equestricon took up most of my time since I was only there for a few days, I was certain to spend some time at the track in the mornings and of course go to the races.

Upon my first morning visit to the track, I was instantly blown away by the size and beauty of Saratoga, as well as the mass of people there - even in the morning. It was clear that horse racing is the culture in Saratoga Springs. In awe, I watched morning training with my camera in hand to catch the scenes. After all, it had not sunk in that I was actually at Saratoga; I would need these photos to capture the memories.

It did not take long for me to discover my favorite part of Saratoga: Clare Court. A small, half-mile training track located just behind the seven-furlong chute of the main track, this oval holds more history than one could even imagine. Not only have all-time greats trained over this track, but some of them are buried there - including Fourstardave, "The Sultan of Saratoga." Combined with this overwhelming history, Clare Court is as beautiful and peaceful as a training track can be. Shaded with trees both around the track and within in it, it was the perfect place to take photos.

Of course, the mornings were quite star-studded. With some of the best horses in training stabled at Saratoga, it is almost a guarantee to catch sight of some racing stars.

After exploring the festive and beautiful downtown Saratoga Springs, it was time to head to the races. As soon as I entered the gates, I understood what the rave of Saratoga was all about beyond the history and quality of racing. The first description that came to my mind as I walked through the crowd of people was that it felt like I was at a carnival at the racetrack. Saratoga's iconic red and white awnings and the electric atmosphere only added to this scene.

It wasn't long before I found myself in the paddock and, ultimately, trackside to experience the highest quality racing America has to offer. Between promising two-year-olds and fields full of horses with back class, it is difficult to beat a Saratoga race card.

Not surprisingly considering the caliber of Saratoga racing, despite my short time at the races, I was able to catch a graded stake: the Saratoga Special Stakes (gr. II). A race that has produced a number of Triple Crown race winners - including Exaggerator and Union Rags in recent years - the Special proved to be a chance at redemption for Steve Asmussen's Copper Bullet, who finished second last out in the Bashford Manor Stakes (gr. III) at Churchill Downs.

Despite acting up in the paddock, Copper Bullet was all business once he stepped foot on the track. From there, he never looked back and coasted to a 4-length victory, looking like a real racehorse in the process.

While my time spent at the racetrack during my stay in Saratoga Springs was short, it was unforgettable. Ever since I have been a racing fan, people have asked if I have been to Saratoga. Each time I have been asked that question, I have had to regretfully respond, "No. . ." But at last, I have crossed it off my list, with hopes of a future return written in parentheses. 

As an aside, I would like to thank the Equestricon team and everyone involved with the event for even granting me with the opportunity to visit Saratoga! What a pleasure it was to attend what is often revered as America's best racetrack, for an event that celebrates horse racing.