Saratoga Springs Horse Racing

After missing Saratoga Racing for the first time in more than a decade in 2020, I was eager to travel there for the opening day in July 2021. For several years, a friend had arranged for backstretch passes for me and my grandson. Last year Joel retired himself from horse ownership. So, I had no means to obtain access to the backstretch, which is one of the primary reasons I go. “To Photograph”.

I decided I would join a horse racing partnership which would then allow me NYRA Credentials, thus backstretch and in general access to most of NY track areas. That I did by joining Drawing Away Stables partners and claiming a small piece of two different thoroughbreds. Darn if I didn’t make some good choices as purse returns became regular, especially with one partnership. Unfortunately, and I do not know the specific details, the managing partners became ill and passed on.

For a few months, nothing happened. No information came my way until, first, one of my horses was claimed. Then another was sold outright, after which I realized that that racing partnership was dissolving. I searched for another; this time very aware that I wanted a racing partnership where communication was not “lacking”. I came across Zilla racing and they graciously put me into their mail groups and allowed me to follow how this group operated, and more importantly how well they communicated.

The short of this story is that now I am part owner of three thoroughbreds. One two-year-old in training, and two other claiming runners. The managing partner there, Mike Piazza, was very helpful in obtaining NYRA Credentials, which facilitated backstretch access for the above trip.

As I write, I just finished packing for a return trip this week through Friday while hoping there is a cancellation in the hotel where I am staying so I can stay for Saturday’s Travers Stakes.

I am posting some of the images that I took in July. One of my giddy-ups Happy Farm is entered to run in Thursday’s tenth race however he is entered as MTO or Main Track Only. That race is on the turf. So, I’m hoping for a thunderstorm right about time to take that race off the turf. “Hoping!” “Fingers crossed!”