“I could never, in a hundred summers, get tired of this.”

-Susan Branch

The fan package included a delicious buffet breakfast at the Saratoga Race Course. It was fun to walk in before the day’s card began. I was seated near the rail and got to watch the world-class Thoroughbreds warm-up while enjoying the hot-and-cold offerings. Think piping hot scrambled eggs, savory French toast, fresh seasonal fruit, cereals, assorted muffins, Danish, yummy bacon, sausage, plus coffee, tea, and juices. (I had a mimosa at an extra charge.) I mean, why not, right? When the time came, I met others at the pickup spot out in front of the Clubhouse, and we were ready for an adventure!

We boarded an open-air trolley and took a long, leisurely ride to the James Bond Racing Stables, our guide pointing out interesting things along the way. We were excited to experience a behind-the-scenes look. Even though most of us were strangers on the trolley, we chatted as if we’d known each other for years. Some of the folks had been on the tour before, but to a different farm, while others, like me, were part of it for the first time.

I was interested in seeing where the work with horses begins, and the guide talked about this breeding farm, particularly the mystery of 007. “I read that all of the horses going to the track have a '007' saddle cloth, but that’s the extent of a connection to the actors or the movies of the same name,” one attendee said. You could hear chuckles at that. The 90-minute tour was sure to be educational, and we suspected it would be entertaining, too. 

It was obvious that everything had been done with the horse’s level of comfort in mind. From the expansive meadows where the horses run free, to the barns, where the stalls are designed for cross-ventilation to promote horse health. We were led by two women who walked and talked with us, educating the group about their breeding practices. The event was something to write home about – and certainly let us see how Thoroughbred racing supports many varied sectors of our local economy. It gave us a fantastic chance to watch remarkable animals in their earliest stages of life, there on the farm. 

We even got to meet Mr. Bond, who spoke for a few minutes in one of the barns, sharing what he looks for when purchasing a Thoroughbred, which I found quite fascinating. I go to the races every year, and I enjoy betting on one here and there. I never really took into account all the work – research, studying the bloodline, making sure the horses have no injuries or health issues, watching the habits of foals in the paddock to see which is aggressive, or submissive – a personality trait that can determine how the horse might compete on the track when the time comes. Mr. Bond shared how his dad, an extremely successful horseman, was the first and biggest influence in his life. “By 11, I was galloping horses, and I got my trainer’s license when I was 16.” Talk about a youngster with purpose and a high work ethic! It has certainly paid off! 

Taking part in one of these tours opens what used to be “behind closed doors,” offering a range of experiences to many people who love the sport and want to learn more about the horse-racing world. It allowed me to see firsthand some of the care and preparation, as well as the agricultural and economic impacts that the industry has on the local community and the state of New York.

I left with a deeper appreciation, for sure. I hope you buy a ticket and enjoy one of your weekdays in a refreshingly unique way this season! Eventually, when you get dropped off back at the track, your ticket allows same-day entrance into the Saratoga Race Course – maybe you’ll win a few bucks like I did.

It truly was a great way to soak in the charm of Saratoga.