Another first time Spa...Incredible Experience - Horse Racing Forum - PaceAdvantage.Com

Laminarman · 08-16-2015, 07:21 PM

I got up to Saratoga yesterday. My wife has a connection and we had a table given to us at the finish line on the Porch Terrace. Got to park right up front with the "important people" inside the fence. Got a paddock pass, a golf cart and back stretch pass to watch from the back side. Tour the stables, workers areas..etc. To top it off last night went to the Fassig Tipton auction and saw some well known trainers, met a few jockeys. Our host was so generous and now I see some of this horse racing thing is about the people you meet and become friends with. The back side with the workers and staff and owners is a world different than the commercial side. It was the most incredible experience. It makes you want to own a damn horse is what it does. He promised me next year we could spend the day with him on the back side having picnics and if we wanted get to the other side via the paddock. Saratoga is an amazing place. I'm 3 hours away and will now make going up there an annual event. Our host was a distant relative of my wife and has invited us up anytime but my biggest challenge will be to avoid taking advantage of a great situation. He would accept nothing from us so I'm going to donate some money the retired thoroughbred charity in his name as that's something he's passionate about.

Dave Schwartz · 08-16-2015, 07:26 PM

I've never had anything but a great experience at Saratoga.

Having friends there helps, of course.

BELMONT 6-6-09 · 08-16-2015, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laminarman

I got up to Saratoga yesterday. My wife has a connection and we had a table given to us at the finish line on the Porch Terrace. Got to park right up front with the "important people" inside the fence. Got a paddock pass, a golf cart and back stretch pass to watch from the back side. Tour the stables, workers areas..etc. To top it off last night went to the Fassig Tipton auction and saw some well known trainers, met a few jockeys. Our host was so generous and now I see some of this horse racing thing is about the people you meet and become friends with. The back side with the workers and staff and owners is a world different than the commercial side. It was the most incredible experience. It makes you want to own a damn horse is what it does. He promised me next year we could spend the day with him on the back side having picnics and if we wanted get to the other side via the paddock. Saratoga is an amazing place. I'm 3 hours away and will now make going up there an annual event. Our host was a distant relative of my wife and has invited us up anytime but my biggest challenge will be to avoid taking advantage of a great situation. He would accept nothing from us so I'm going to donate some money the retired thoroughbred charity in his name as that's something he's passionate about.

Good for you with the worthy donation!

thespaah · 08-16-2015, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laminarman

I got up to Saratoga yesterday. My wife has a connection and we had a table given to us at the finish line on the Porch Terrace. Got to park right up front with the "important people" inside the fence. Got a paddock pass, a golf cart and back stretch pass to watch from the back side. Tour the stables, workers areas..etc. To top it off last night went to the Fassig Tipton auction and saw some well known trainers, met a few jockeys. Our host was so generous and now I see some of this horse racing thing is about the people you meet and become friends with. The back side with the workers and staff and owners is a world different than the commercial side. It was the most incredible experience. It makes you want to own a damn horse is what it does. He promised me next year we could spend the day with him on the back side having picnics and if we wanted get to the other side via the paddock. Saratoga is an amazing place. I'm 3 hours away and will now make going up there an annual event. Our host was a distant relative of my wife and has invited us up anytime but my biggest challenge will be to avoid taking advantage of a great situation. He would accept nothing from us so I'm going to donate some money the retired thoroughbred charity in his name as that's something he's passionate about.

Wow..THat's quite an experience you had.

Laminarman · 08-16-2015, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thespaah

Wow..THat's quite an experience you had.

It was incredible. I got seriously spoiled.

OTM Al · 08-16-2015, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laminarman

I got up to Saratoga yesterday. My wife has a connection and we had a table given to us at the finish line on the Porch Terrace. Got to park right up front with the "important people" inside the fence. Got a paddock pass, a golf cart and back stretch pass to watch from the back side. Tour the stables, workers areas..etc. To top it off last night went to the Fassig Tipton auction and saw some well known trainers, met a few jockeys. Our host was so generous and now I see some of this horse racing thing is about the people you meet and become friends with. The back side with the workers and staff and owners is a world different than the commercial side. It was the most incredible experience. It makes you want to own a damn horse is what it does. He promised me next year we could spend the day with him on the back side having picnics and if we wanted get to the other side via the paddock. Saratoga is an amazing place. I'm 3 hours away and will now make going up there an annual event. Our host was a distant relative of my wife and has invited us up anytime but my biggest challenge will be to avoid taking advantage of a great situation. He would accept nothing from us so I'm going to donate some money the retired thoroughbred charity in his name as that's something he's passionate about.

It is also a great town to visit off season as well if you get the chance. Sounds like you had a great time. Always tell people it is so much more than just the races.

Grits · 08-16-2015, 11:24 PM

Glad you had such a fine time!! Its a lovely town... And a wonderful old racecourse that keeps us coming back year after year.

Zaf · 08-17-2015, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grits

Glad you had such a fine time!! Its a lovely town... And a wonderful old racecourse that keeps us coming back year after year.

Ditto ! I am lucky like you Laminarman, i am 3 hours away as well and will be making my third trip down there this year Thursday. Magical place

Z

pandy · 08-17-2015, 07:47 AM

There's something about being there that transports you back in time.

onefast99 · 08-17-2015, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pandy

There's something about being there that transports you back in time.

Well said! Great little town good food good people and for 8 weeks great racing.

alhattab · 08-17-2015, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pandy

There's something about being there that transports you back in time.

I just got back from a 3 day weekend myself. Fantastic time. Got to spend some time on the backstretch which is a real treat. Saratoga is one of the few places where you can go for a few nights and have stories that last a lifetime. Caroline St was crazy both Friday and Saturday nights. Ton of energy. Cabbies were saying they have been really busy.