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Saratoga Springs, New York
Playing the ponies at the track.
From the March 24, 2003 Issue of New York
 Saratoga is about three things: horses, horses, and
horses. The Thoroughbred meet at the famed Saratoga
Race Course is one of the sport’s premier events
(not to mention a first-rate human spectacle), made
all the more special by its brevity—it runs for
just six weeks, from July 23 to September 1 this year.
Wealthy socialites turn out in floral sundresses and
seersucker suits to sip mimosas in private boxes. The
unwashed masses crowd the rail, downing Bud drafts in
tube tops and wife-beaters. Pretty much everyone
curses like an Osbourne when, invariably, his horse
doesn’t come in. Stay at the Georgian-style
Gideon Putnam, set in grassy Saratoga Spa State Park,
for a taste of grand, turn-of-the-last-century hotel
tradition. Book a table at Brindisi’s, a
thirties-style Italian bistro with worn prints of
Manhattan landmarks and the best Cosmos in town. Still
think you can pick a winner? From May to October,
Saratoga’s harness-racing track is open at
night.
— Aaron Rasmussen
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Details
Amtrak (800-USA-RAIL) runs from Penn Station
to Saratoga Springs (a three-and-half-hour ride);
Gideon Putnam Hotel (from $190 May 1–July 22;
from $335 July 23–August 31; 800-732-1560);
Saratoga Race Course (518-584-6200); Brindisi’s
(518-587-6262).
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| Photograph: Corbis |
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