Saratoga Springs in Saratoga County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Horse Racing
A Walk Back in Time
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, February 18, 2023
1. Horse Racing Marker
One month after the Battle of Gettysburg on August 3, 1863, thoroughbred horse races were formally run in Saratoga Springs for the first time. The organizer of this four-day meet was John Morrissey. Over 5,000 people showed up to watch the races. This first meet was held in an area known as Horse Haven, located near the Oklahoma track.
A year later, Morrissey along with William Travers, leonard Jerome and William Hunter purchased 125 acres of land across Union Avenue to establish the Saratoga Race Course. This new track opened on August 2, 1864 and the first race was the Travers won by avery talented horse named Kentucky.
Today, the New York Racing Association operates the Saratoga Race Course as it continues to produce great racing and great champions.
Harness racing also has a long history in Saratoga Springs dating back to the New York State Fair of 1847. A match race pitted Moscow against Lady Suffolk (known in the song as the old gray mare). In the 20th century the Saratoga Raceway opened in 1941. Over the years the name has changed (today known as Saratoga Casino Hotel) but continues to thrive.
Quick Facts
- Saratoga Race Course in known as the "Graveyard of Champions". Among the great horses to lose at Saratoga have been Man O'War (lost to Upset), Secretariat (lost to Onion),
this page online
- Sports columnist Red Smith once described the trip to Saratoga Race Course this way; "From New York City you drive north about 175 miles, turn left on Union Avenue, and go back 100 years"
For more information, please visit the following links:
Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center
Saratoga Springs History Museum
Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Assoc.
Saratoga Convention & Tourism
Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is August 3, 1863.
Location. 43° 4.931′ N, 73° 47.105′ W. Marker is in Saratoga Springs, New York, in Saratoga County. Marker is at the intersection of Broadway and Caroline Street, on the right when traveling north on Broadway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 436 Broadway, Saratoga Springs NY 12866, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mineral Springs (a few steps from this marker); New York State County Highway Superintendents Association (within shouting distance of this marker); Health (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Standard Time (about 500 feet away); “The D&H” (about 600 feet away); “The Gut” or “The Valley” (about
Photographed By Steve Stoessel, February 18, 2023
2. Horse Racing Marker
Also see . . .
1. Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center. (Submitted on February 20, 2023, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)
2. Saratoga Springs History Museum. (Submitted on February 20, 2023, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)
3. Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Assoc. (Submitted on February 20, 2023, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)
4. Saratoga Springs Convention and Tourism Bureau. (Submitted on February 20, 2023, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)
5. Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. (Submitted on February 20, 2023, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2023, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 18, 2023, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
