Nothing is more Saratoga than spending an afternoon at the track. The sights, the sounds and the smells that make you remember what’s great about this town. Driving by the track and even downtown you notice out of state plates which make you realize just how much the track means to Saratoga Springs.
Walking through the gate after paying the $3 admission you come across all kinds of people. The well dressed and the not so well dressed reading over racing forms and talking on their cell phones, families with kids in tow and older folks with hats, canes and portable chairs. Not to mention the people — the die hards– who come early in the morning find a prime picnic table and spend all day.
In my opinion the atmosphere at the track is one of excitement especially the closer you get to the rail. My suggestion is pay the $3 and head right for the benches near the rail. Once you make your way through the crowds here you will find people who are there just for the races. Who enjoy the thundering of the horses as they race past and the exuberant yells of winning and the disappointment of losing. Here you see it all.
Right before the start of a race the horses parade past ridden by the jockey, while the announcers give their comments the whole time. People line the fence to get a good look and to make their final decisions. Moms and dads hold up their children so that can have a close look as the majestic creatures trot by. Crowded as the grounds become there is still time to make your way to the rail and watch the numbers on the tote board climb as the bets are being placed. People all around try to make their final decisions as to which number to pick. Then the trumpet blares and they’re off! The announcer’s words fly almost as fast as the horses as he describes the action that is nearly in front of you. The tension builds as the horses come around the track closer and closer to where you are standing. You can feel the excitment as almost everyone lets out a collective breath as they come to the finish.
You can definitely tell the winners from the losers as the horses cross the finish line. Another race is over. So then its over to the winner’s circle to try to catch a glimpse of the creature that either made you a prince or a pauper, and if you were lucky enough to be the first and not the second you might get a photo of the creature plus a big payoff.
But if you are looking for a more civilized, less frantic atmosphere try the Carousel Restaurant and Lounge. Here they have tables covered in white tablecloths, silverware, and cloth napkins. Its a sit down restaurant with lunch specials and a full bar. Its still open air so to speak but much more relaxed. Around the carousel shaped bar are plenty of screens that broadcast the races so you won’t miss a thing and betting windows are a short walk away. If you decide this is the place you would like to spend a few races there is a $3.50 a person sitting charge that will be added to your bill. However you can order food to go and take it to one of the picnic tables on the grounds.
There are food stands all over the grounds that offer everything from pretzels and lemonade to fried chicken and sandwiches and everything in between, there’s no shortage of choices. You can smell the sausages and hot dogs wafting through the air as you make your way around. Tables might be hard to come by but if you look around and don’t mind standing at a table you might come across one where you can eat.
As we were walking the grounds we saw not one but two live bands, one oldies, the other dixieland. People taking a break from their racing forms lined up to swing and sway to the music.
The race track seems to try to appeal to a wide range of people. Whether you’re a big spender or are looking for an outing to do with the kids or family visiting from out of town or even a group from work there is something at the track for just about everyone.
