Saratoga Living "The Races!" 2022

OK, NYRA: THESE SARATOGA ICONS DESERVE THEIR OWN STAKES RACES *{saratoga’s bartenders prepare for battle}

THE C IT Y. THE C U LT U R E. THE LIFE.

JULY/ AUGUST 2022 FLIP ➛

➛

➛

FLIP ➛

Johnny V’s Wild Ride Three decades into his racing career, Hall of Fame jockey JOHN VELAZQUEZ is on the cusp of becoming the first rider to win 1,000 races at Saratoga. Can he do it?

By Brie n Bou y e a photography by Susie raisher

the races!

The 50th Anniversary of Secretariat’s historic saratoga debut

5

Horses to watch this season

saratogaliving.com | @saratogaliving

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starting gate

contents | july-august 2022 the races!

32

John Velazquez: The Ride of His Life

BY BRI EN BOU Y E A P H OTOGRAP H Y BY SU SI E RAI SH ER

40

Therapeutic horses of saratoga: Change of Course

BY C H RI ST I N E GRAF P H OTOGRAP H Y BY DORI FI TZPAT RICK

47

Five horse to watch: Place your bets

BY BRI EN BOU Y E A

50

Secretariat: Before he wore the crown

BY BRI EN BOU Y E A

54

Star Power: NYRA’s Stars at the spa

BY ABBY T EGN ELI A

56

Saratoga Bartenders: Ready for Battle

BY ABBY T EGN ELI A P H OTOGRAP H Y BY N OAH YAN DOW AN D DORI FI TZPAT RI C K

motivation monday “I have plenty of motivation because I still enjoy what I’m doing so much,” says 50-year-old jockey John Velazquez. “I don’t want to be out there unless I’m able to compete at the highest level.” p h o t o g r a p h y by

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starting gate

contents | july-august 2022

75

FROM THE CEO

63 off track

63 saratoga living’S ‘BEACH PLEASE’ SUMMER KICKOFF 64 saratoga living’S COCKTAILS & CLAIRVOYANCE

First turn 11 Chic Peek: Travers Poster 12 Exhibit: Saratoga Automobile Museum 12 Nonprofit: New York Race Track Chaplaincy of America 14 Power Player: Natalie Sillery 16 #TBT: Vanderbilts at Saratoga 16 #IYKYK: Saddle Towels 18 Legends: Stakes Race Names 20 Horse for the Course: Jackie’s Warrior 22 Hot Seat: Kiaran McLaughlin 24 Panel: Track Style

66 PLUS 8 MORE SARATOGA EVENTS

Home stretch 75 Fashion: Saratoga Saddlery 76 Food & Drink

12

66

76 al fresco: THE PORCH 78 reservation only: THE PADDOCK SUITE 78 caffeine fix: THE BROADWAY GRIND 80 rebrand new: SIRO’S 80 psa: BOCAGE 82 bar tab: THE MISFIT

84 Book Nook 86 Haute Property 93 Horseplay Crossword: Major Wager Overheard

18

saratoga living 94 Good Vibes Only

After Hours

76

(75) DORI FITZPATRICK; (18) NYRA; (68) MATT WHALEN; (76) RACHEL MCNAIR/THE CONTENT AGENCY

8

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Abby Tegnelia CEO CREATIVE DIRECTOR DIRECTOR OF CONTENT SENIOR DESIGNER SPORTS EDITOR SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

ON THE COVER

FASHION EDITOR

Jockey John Velazquez, photographed

by Susie Raisher exclusively for saratoga living. Shot on location at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY.

EDITOR AT LARGE EDITORIAL INTERN

Kathleen Gates Natalie Moore Linda Gates Brien Bouyea Francesco D’Amico Dori Fitzpatrick Hannah Kuznia Heather Thompson Susan Gates Helena Bartlett

WRITERS

Lisa Arcella, Karen Bjornland Tony Case, Christine Graf, Field Horne Benjamin Lerner, Daniel Nester Tom Pedulla, Ray Rogers PHOTOGRAPHERS

Elizabeth Haynes, Dustin Lanterman, Rachel McNair Konrad Odhiambo, Terri-Lynn Pellegri Susie Raisher, Alyssa Salerno

Annette Quarrier saratoga living is published six times a year by Empire Media Network, Inc.

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saratoga living 6 Butler Place Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Volume 24, No. 4 The Races 2022 Copyright © 2022 Empire Media Network, Inc. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission from Empire Media Network, Inc. All editorial queries should be directed to editorial@saratogaliving.com; or sent to 6 Butler Place, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. saratoga living assumes no responsibility for unsolicited submissions.

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⁄ THE RACES 2022

Anthony R. Ianniello CHAIR

Abby Tegnelia PRESIDENT/CEO

Tina Galante CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

FROM THE CEO

y the time you read this, Saratoga track season will have begun, the most hotly anticipated summer in recent memory in full swing. Like Saratogians all across town, here at saratoga living we are enjoying every minute of it. From our Summer Kickoff beach party we threw in June (p. 63), to hitting the Shoe with superstar National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez July 20 and taking over the Racing Museum and Hall of Fame with Miss Scarlett and fashion force Carson Kressley July 30, we are ready to celebrate!

Throw in Director of Content Natalie Moore’s to-the-minute event coverage on our new super-local Substack newsletter, and we are committed to forgoing sleep until next fall. (To subscribe, turn to page 94 and scan the QR code.) With all of these fun parties, inspiring SPAC performances and magical days at the track, we’re just fine running on adrenaline this season.

As for this issue commemorating this historic season at Saratoga Race Course, we’re celebrating Secretariat’s golden anniversary a year early (p.

50) and predicting the five horses that could make this year’s Travers an especially exciting one (p. 47). We also introduce the celebs bringing star power to the track this year (p. 54), meet an impressive program that utilizes retired Thoroughbreds in equine therapy (p. 40), and check in with the bartenders gearing up for record crowds (p. 56). But our crème de la crème is, of course, our cover story on the legacy of the aforementioned Velazquez (p. 32). Not only are his story and career remarkable, but he is he beloved here in Saratoga. I hope you’ll all come out to toast him on July 20.

Thank you, Saratoga, for your continued support. We so appreciate every single reader, event attendee and, of course, our esteemed advertisers. By working together, we can make sure that our vibrant town has the local media coverage it deserves.

This is our time to shine. See you out there, Saratoga!

ABBY TEGNELIA CEO @abbytegnelia

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⁄ THE RACES 2022

just beachy (clockwise from left) Abby Tegnelia at saratoga living’s beach party; Carson Kressley comes to Saratoga July 30 for a fashion event co-hosted by saratoga living; Tegnelia celebrating Dorinda Medley’s new bourbon with the reality star; Tegnelia with Jullie Delos and The Adelphi’s Helen Watson at saratoga living’s group medium reading with Tracy Fluty; Ashlee Rose Hartley, Tegnelia, Seana Mosher and Jacky Ross at Sip Saratoga’s first drag brunch at Ice House.

(clockwise, from left) KONRAD ODHIAMBO; MATT MONATH; MORGAN CAMPBELL; RACHEL MCNAIR/THE CONTENT AGENCY; BRIAN MILLER

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{ first turn } C H I C P EEK

Breakfast of Champions

I

f when you look at this year’s Travers poster by artist Greg Montgomery you think that the horses aren’t really the focus of the image, you’d be right. Montgomery, who has been making these posters for 37 years, did that on purpose. “We think of ourselves as doing posters that aren’t necessarily racing posters,” he said in a presentation at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in which he unveiled the 2022 poster this past June. “We like the idea that there’s a social carnival—a social scene—of which world-class racing is a part. But it’s the beautiful ladies, the handsome gents, the suits, the parties at night, the whole thing.” shadow realm “The shadows And so: breakfast are the things at the track. While that make this 2021 Travers winner particular image Essential Quality work,” says artist is clearly depicted Greg Montgomery of the trickiestdoing his morning to-illustrate piece workout, Montgomery of this year’s says the focus of Travers poster. the work is the early morning sunlight hitting the sitting woman’s hair. To create the image, Montgomery looked back at the decades of photos he and his wife, Paula, have taken at the track, pulling a character from one image, a horse from another. Sometimes, those images need a little tweaking. “That Saratoga Sunrise used to be an iPhone,” Montgomery said. “With apologies to Apple, I substituted it for something more fun.”

The number one question Montgomery gets asked about the image, understandably, is where all the people are. “Why are there three empty chairs?” he asked the small crowd at the Museum. “The answer to that is: Those are for you!”

— N ATA L I E M O O R E

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saratogaliving.com 11

{ first turn }

I

EXH IBIT

Horse Power

A O NE -O F-ITS -KIND ’ 90S SUPERCAR HE A DLIN E S THE SARATOGA AUTOMOBI LE M U SE U M ’S N E W RADWOOD EXH I BI T.

f stacks of fluorescent da bomb A new bracelets or hair metal exhibit on bodacious bands make you swoon cars from the ’80s and ’90s includes a one-ofnostalgic, the Saratoga a-kind Commendatore Automobile Museum is Isdera 112i and (inset) ready for you. Its new RADwood a splashy red Ferrari Saratoga exhibit, open now Testarossa. Booyah! until November 1, celebrates the cars and culture of the ’80s and ’90s, from American muscle royalty to JDM (Japanese domestic market) legends.

“The ’80s and ’90s were known for big hair, boisterous music, bright clothing and good times,” says the museum’s executive director, Carly Connors. “The cars produced during that period reflect that.”

One stand-out is the Isdera Commendatore 112i, a ’90s supercar created only once by the company. It uses parts from Porsche and is powered by a Mercedes v12, the same one found in the Pagani Zonda. It was featured in many racing games, most notably Need for Speed 2 on PlayStation, which plays on a loop at the exhibit. “As far as rare cars go, this one takes the cake,” Connors says. “This car would fetch millions at auction.” There’s also a Calloway Corvette built and previously owned by legendary director James Cameron, and a 959 Porsche, one of the most important Porsches in the history of the company. “This car, when it was first produced, was miles ahead of its competitors at the time in terms of tech and engineering,” Connors says. Less than 300 were made and can be found at auction today for nearly $2 million.

“Some of these cars are so rare,“ Connors says of the exhibit, “that many car enthusiasts go a lifetime without seeing one.”

— A B BY T E G N E L I A

NO N P R O FITS

New HQ

THE HE A RT A N D SOUL O F THE BACK STRETCH G ETS A FACE LIFT.

S

ince 1986, the New York Race Track Chaplaincy of America (NYRTCA) has prided itself on ministering to the heart and soul of NYRA’s backstretch community—3,500 workers who make racing at Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct possible—by way of social, educational,

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12 saratoga living

recreational and religious services. And all of that has been done from modest Long Island headquarters consisting of two connected trailers on Belmont’s backstretch. Until now.

This spring, construction began on a new 3,500square-foot NYRTCA center, which, designed by Saratoga-based Frost Hurff Architects, will double the organization’s current space.

“While we are grateful for the trailers at Belmont,” Chaplain Rev. Humberto Chavez says, “we have long outgrown the space, which limits our ability to serve the

⁄ THE RACES 2022

center stage Belmont’s new NYRTCA center is made possible by private donations, including one by the late Marylou Whitney.

members of the backstretch community as well as their families.” The new building will have a classroom and chapel, in addition to NYRTCA offices. It’s expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

“The existing trailers will be converted to a

food pantry and clothing distribution site,” Rev. Chavez says. “Currently these services are conducted outdoors, year-round, in all weather. This indoor facility will allow us to serve the members of the backstretch with dignity and comfort.”

— N ATA L I E M O O R E

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{ first turn } cause and affect Longtime fashion show producer Natalie Sillery is teaming up with local nonprofits Living Resources and Building on Love to host a show at the 1863 Club on August 21.

P OW E R PL AY E R

Show Girl

SA R ATO GA TRU NK OWNER NATAL I E SILL E RY H AS B E E N P UTTIN G O N FASH I ON SH OWS TO RAISE MO N E Y F O R LO CA L N O N P R OFITS S INCE TH E 1990S—AND H ER P O ST-C OV I D C O ME BACK S HOW MAY BE TH E BEST ONE YE T.

BY N ATA LIE M OORE

W

n

p h otograp h y by F R A N C E SC O D’A M I C O

hen it comes to putting on a fashion show, no one in Saratoga does it better than Natalie Sillery, a Rensselaer native who spent years in Boston, Atlanta and New York City before moving back to the Capital Region to care for her aging parents.

It was then that she opened Saratoga Trunk, a womenswear store currently in its 28th year in business that carries

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14 saratoga living

elegant dresses, accessories and, yes, hats. “Let’s go back,” Sillery said on a recent Friday afternoon. “It was a day in 1995. There were women horse owners. They’d come in, they’d buy nine hats. I’d take the hats out to the chauffeured car. They’d buy three outfits: one for the morning, one for the winner’s circle, and one for later when they went out to dinner at The Wishing Well. People dressed. It was a field day.”

⁄ THE RACES 2022

It was in that era that Sillery began showcasing her wares—looks from Kay Unger, Nicole Miller and Don O’Neill of Theia Couture—in fashion shows around the Capital Region, most notably, of course, at Saratoga Race Course. She put on 22 track-side shows between 1998-2019 to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities, featuring “real” women—not necessarily models—from the local community.

After two years off from COVID, though, a new idea emerged: a fashion show to benefit not one but two charities doing amazing work right here in Saratoga Springs. The charities?

Living Resources, an Albany-based nonprofit that provides supportive services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and Building on Love, an organization based in Cohoes that helps families facing life-altering medical conditions by way of financial support with essential living expenses such as mortgage and car payments. “These are two nonprofits that I think the world of,” says Sillery, who points out that many of the individuals and families served by the organizations live in Saratoga. “I just love them both and think they’re worthy of exposure.”

So, in a first-of-its-kind fashion show fundraiser to benefit two charities with disparate missions, Sillery, Living Resources and Building on Love will present “A Tribute to Transforming Lives: A Day at the 1863 Club” on Sunday, August 21 at 11am. “It’s going to be a great day,” Sillery says of the show that will feature looks from Saratoga Trunk, Lifestyles of Saratoga and Union Hall Supply Co., as well as styles by designer Emily Shalant. “It’s worldclass racing and world-class fashion for world-class causes.”

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{ first turn } # I Y KY K

Towel Talk

W

I

’Bilt to Win

f Saratoga Race Course’s moniker of “the playground of the rich and famous” was a photo, this would be that photo. Taken in 1946, it depicts two members of the Vanderbilt dynasty—cousins Alfred G. Vanderbilt, Jr. and Gloria Vanderbilt, who made names for themselves in their own right—in their box at the track. While Gloria lived largely outside the world of racing—she was the center of a very public custody case as a child and in adulthood received acclaim as a socialite, fashion designer and artist—for Alfred, racing was his world.

“Since the first time I went to the races at Pimlico at the age of 9,” Alfred once said (The New York Times included the quote in his 1999 obituary), “I have had this wonderful feeling about racing.” That early passion launched a lifelong career in the sport; the young man went on to become the president of both Pimlico and the Westchester Racing Association (which operated Belmont Park before NYRA was sonny’s side created), as well as the chairman of the board Cousins Alfred and Gloria Vanderbilt have another of NYRA and chief executive of its three tracks. cousin with whom you may Outside of his executive duties, Alfred was be familiar: Cornelius “Sonny” a wildly successful horse owner, operating Vanderbilt Whitney, Marylou the Sagamore breeding farm in Maryland. His Whitney’s first husband. first star was Discovery, a horse that thrived in the handicap ranks in the 1930s, and his most notable was Native Dancer—a foal by Geisha, a daughter of Discovery, that won 21 of 22 starts and was named 1954’s Horse of the Year. Both Alfred and his prized Thoroughbred have been enshrined in Saratoga: the former with the Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap, which this year runs on July 30, and the latter with an iconic statue that welcomes each and every visitor coming from the track into historic Downtown Saratoga Springs.

— N ATA L I E M O O R E

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⁄ THE RACES 2022

saddle stitches Saratoga saddle towels belonging to trainers (clockwise from top left) H. James Bond; Chad Brown; D. Wayne Lukas; Barclay Tagg; Terri Pompay; Todd Pletcher; H. Graham Motion; and Eric Reed.

(Vanderbilts) THE GEORGE S. BOLSTER COLLECTION; (towels) THOROFAN

# T BT

hile jockey silks indicate a Thoroughbred’s owner in a race, saddle towels indicate a Thoroughbred’s trainer during morning workouts. It’s pretty easy to tell which saddle towels belong to Chad Brown and Todd Pletcher—both designs feature the trainers’ initials. Others, however, are more difficult to decipher.

Enter ThoroFan’s annual guide to Saratoga Race Course Trainers’ Saddle Towels, which can be picked up for free at The Whitney Stand and Saratoga Visitor’s Center, among other places. The publication includes an index of the more than 250 saddle towel designs racing fans will see at Saratoga, sorted both by color and alphabetically by trainer’s name. Below are a few to keep an eye out for the next time you’re watching a workout.

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{ first turn } L EGE N DS

What’s in a (Stakes) Name?

icon only imagine (from top) Former jockey Angel “King of Saratoga” Cordero, Jr. remains a visible presence at Saratoga; James “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons, who won Triple Crowns with Gallant Fox and Omaha, was a four-time leading trainer at Saratoga; the aptly named Upset pulling off his historic upset of Man o’ War.

LO N G OV E RDU E : C O R DE RO, S U N N Y J I M AND U P S E T DE S E RV E A SPOT O N THE SA RATO GA STAKES S C HE DU LE . W HO’ S WI TH ME?

11 years in a row. He remains a visible presence in racing as a jockey agent and is arguably the most popular figure in Saratoga racing history. So, NYRA...How about the Angel Cordero, Jr. Stakes?

BY BR IE N BO U Y EA

JA M E S “S U NNY J IM” FITZS IM M ONS

A

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18 saratoga living

The first person to train two Triple Crown winners—Hall of Famers Gallant Fox and Omaha—Fitzsimmons earned his own Hall of Fame induction in 1958.

Saratoga was a major part of his story, as he set records for the most wins in the Saratoga Cup (10) and Alabama Stakes (eight). A four-time leading trainer at Saratoga, Fitzsimmons won 13 Triple Crown races and trained seven members of the Hall of Fame. The Sunny Jim Stakes belongs at Saratoga and is long overdue.

Some Saratoga standouts, however, have yet to be honored on the stakes schedule. The next time NYRA examines its Saratoga race names perhaps it will find a spot for these three legends of the Spa.

A N G E L CO R D E R O, J R .

Churchill Downs has the Pat Day Mile, and Santa Anita conducts the Eddie D Stakes (it’s named for jockey Eddie Delahoussaye). How does the “King of Saratoga” not have a stakes race in his honor at the track he ruled over?

Cordero, who won 7,057 races in his career and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988, was the leading rider at Saratoga a record 14 times, including

⁄ THE RACES 2022

U PS E T

Saratoga is known as the “Graveyard of Favorites,” and Upset pulled off one of the track’s biggest whoppers when he handed the mighty Man o’ War his lone career defeat in the 1919 Sanford Memorial Stakes. Owned by Harry Payne Whitney and trained by James Rowe, Sr., Upset went on to finish second in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Travers in 1920. Jim Dandy was given a Saratoga stakes race on the strength of his victory over Gallant Fox in the 1930 Travers. It would be fitting for NYRA to honor Upset in the same way for his Saratoga shining moment that still resonates more than a century later—with the premiere of the Upset Stakes.

(Fitzsimmons, Upset) KEENELAND LIBRARY MORGAN COLLECTION; (Cordero, Jr.) NYRA

braham Lincoln occupied the White House when Saratoga Race Course first opened in 1864. With a history like that, dating back to the days of the Civil War, horse racing at the old Spa track has a flavor all its own. Each summer, NYRA pays homage to that sacred history by conducting dozens of stakes races that recognize Saratoga’s unique legacy.

Some of the Spa legends with races named in their honor include William Travers, John Morrissey, William Woodward and Alfred G. Vanderbilt, Jr., while iconic racing families such as the Sanfords and Whitneys are also acknowledged on the stakes schedule.

And of course, Hall of Fame racehorses such as Alydar, Curlin, Forego, Personal Ensign, Shuve and Sword Dancer have races in their honor, as do Jim Dandy, Fourstardave, Birdstone, Quick Call and Spinaway, each of whom has a chapter in Saratoga lore.

In recent years, NYRA has recognized popular Hall of Fame trainers Allen Jerkens and Jonathan Sheppard with stakes races, renaming the King’s Bishop and New York Turf Writers Cup, respectively. Both decisions made perfect sense, as Jerkens trained King’s Bishop and Sheppard won the Turf Writers Cup a whopping 15 times.

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{ first turn } jackie can Trainer Steve Asmussen is pointing Jackie’s Warrior toward the Alfred G. Vanderbilt and Forego stakes at Saratoga.

Warrior Mentality RE IGN ING ECLIPSE AWARD WI NNE R JAC KI E ’S WA R R I O R LOO KS TO CONTINUE H I S BRI LL I A N C E AT SA R ATO GA .

J

BY BRIEN BOUYE A

ackie’s Warrior authoritatively announced to the racing world that he was a force to be reckoned with via a pair of spellbinding victories early in his career at Saratoga Race Course during the summer of 2020. He was a true star in the making. Last summer, Jackie’s Warrior confirmed his status as one of the best horses in training with another double at the Spa en route to an Eclipse Award. This summer? Well, Jackie’s back—and perhaps better than ever.

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20 saratoga living

A horse for the course just about everywhere he goes—he’s won multiple graded stakes at Belmont Park and Churchill Downs in addition to Saratoga— Jackie’s Warrior has an opportunity to establish himself as a true Spa legend if he accomplishes his 2022 summer objectives.

The 4-year-old bay son of Maclean’s Music out of the A.P. Five Hundred mare Unicorn Girl will be pointed toward the Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt (July 30) and the Grade 1 Forego (August 27), according to Steve

⁄ THE RACES 2022

Asmussen, his Hall of Fame trainer. If he is able to win both, Jackie’s Warrior would become a perfect 6-for-6 at Saratoga; he won the Grade 2 Saratoga Special and Grade 1 Hopeful as a juvenile and followed up by taking the Grade 2 Amsterdam and Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens as a sophomore. Overall, Jackie’s Warrior owns a record of 11-1-1 from 15 starts with earnings of $2,474,664.

Most recently Jackie’s Warrior earned his tenth graded stakes victory with a 6½-length romp in the Grade 2 True North

See page 46 for five more horses to keep an eye on during the 2022 Saratoga racing season.

NYRA

H OR S E FOR T H E COU RSE

at Belmont on June 10, prompting Asmussen to say, “The separation he gets without being asked is beautiful. He’s so rhythmic.”

His jockey, Eclipse Award winner Joel Rosario, added: “He’s a special horse. He means everything to me.

He’s very smart and fast and he’s on my list as one of the top horses [I’ve ridden].”

Bred in Kentucky by J & J Stables, Jackie’s Warrior is owned by Kirk and Judy Robison. He won the Eclipse Award for Champion Male Sprinter in 2021, thanks in large part to his Saratoga success. While cruising to his most recent victory aboard the 1-5 favorite in the True North, the cerebral Rosario thought ahead a bit.

“I looked back,” he said, “and was so far in front and decided to save some for the next one.”

Jackie’s Warrior will be retired at the end of the year and become a stallion at Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky. But before he transitions to the breeding shed, there are a few more things his connections would like to check off their list, including a Breeders’ Cup victory and another Eclipse Award. But before that, Asmussen has a couple of important dates at the Spa circled on his calendar.

Jackie looks ready to make some more history.

deJonghe Original Jewelry Saratoga Springs, NY dJoriginals.com © deJonghe 2020 • Tracey Buyce Photography

{ first turn }

family matters Kiaran McLaughlin with his son, Ryan; daughter, Erin; and wife, Letty.

H OT S E AT

THE FORMER THOROUGHBRED TRAINER HAS FOUND A NEW GIG—AS AN AGENT FOR L E A D I N G S A R AT O G A R I D E R L U I S S A E Z .

B Y N ATA L I E M O O R E

L

exington native Kiaran McLauglin fell in love with horse racing as a 12-year-old, and hasn’t looked back since. After getting his start in the industry as a hotwalker in 1979, McLaughlin got his big break in 1985, when he went to work for legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas. After seven years with Lukas, he served a brief stint as a jockey agent for Chris Hanley, and then went on to train for Dubai-based Godolphin for 26 years.

But in 2019, McLaughlin was one of 11 horsemen fined by the New York State

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22 saratoga living

➊ What does a jockey agent do?

Jockey agents book all the workouts and races for the jockey, so mounts for the jockeys. The racing Department of Labor for office will send us a a violation of minimum text that says “the draw wage requirements. will take place at noon “Everybody knows that today for Saturday,” and I was fined by the state we all get on a Zoom a lot of money, and call so we can listen to it just kind of hurt my the horses in the race, Jockey Luis Saez feelings,” he says. “I was the trainers, and the trying to do everything jockeys named on the properly, but it’s hard with H-2B visas horses. Sometimes Irad Ortiz will be and workmans comp and all the different named on two or three in a race and the hourly wages. It’s very difficult, so I’m trainers will need a jockey late, so we happy to do what I’m doing now.” What all jump on the phone to tell the trainers he’s doing now is working again as a we’re available (if we’re available).

⁄ THE RACES 2022

(Saez) BRIEN BOUYEA

5 Questions for Kiaran McLaughlin

jockey agent, this time for reigning lead Saratoga rider Luis Saez. saratoga living chatted with McLaughlin a few weeks before the Belmont to talk about his new role, Saez’s recent success and why the trainer-turned-agent loves Saratoga Race Course.

➋ For what trainers does Saez

typically ride?

Many trainers really like that he rides the cheaper horses or the lesser purses as hard as he rides the Grade 1 horses, so he rides for everybody—we don’t really have anybody that we don’t ride for or can’t ride for. Our biggest supporter is probably Todd Pletcher. He’s a very good friend of mine; we both worked for Wayne Lukas and our wives are very close, so he has been very supportive of us.

❸ What are some of Saez’s

biggest accomplishments since you became his agent?

I would say winning his first Breeders’ Cup on Essential Quality as a 2-year-old, and then winning an American Classic on the same horse at the Belmont. The World Cup last year was a huge win— Mystic Guide in Dubai—and then being leading rider at Saratoga was fabulous. The Kentucky Oaks ranks up there very high for us, too.

➍ Do you think you’ll ever go back

to training?

I’m not going to say never, because you never know, but I sure love working for Luis. He’s really a classy person with a great wife and three daughters. He’s an outstanding jockey along with being a pleasure to work with, so I hope I can keep working for him and not go back to training.

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➎ You’ve said Saratoga is your

favorite racing meet. Why is that?

It’s a great town. It reminds me a lot of Lexington, KY, where I grew up. It’s very horsey. But the races to me are the best racing in the world for the six weeks. The neat thing about it is the cell brings people from around the world so I get to see friends and different people from England, Ireland, France, Dubai—wherever. It’s just great racing and a great place to be for the summer.

W W W. R E D B U D D E V E LO P M E N T. C O M 518.691.0428

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THE CLUBHOUSE

PAN E L

Track Style, Three Ways

W E AS KE D FOU R LOCAL FASH I ONISTAS W H AT THE Y ’LL BE WEARI NG TO TH E P I C NIC A RE A , THE CLUBH OUSE AND TH E 1 8 6 3 CLU B THIS SARATOGA RACING SEASO N .

PICNIC AREA

Taylor Rao The Buttonista P I C N I C A R E A If you’re spending the day people-

watching near the paddock, a matching set with a pop of color is an A+ way to stand out from the crowd. This green and blue tweed set from ZARA is on-trend with bright, bold colors and is loaded with texture and detail.

When you want to lay low but still look good carrying a cooler, wear this elevated but casual style as separates or even pop on a pair of tennis shoes to tone the look down.

1 8 6 3 C L U B When you’re going all out at the 1863 Club,

you should not be worried about being “overdressed” because there is simply no such thing. I’d go with a long maxi dress for this occasion, but one that feels fun, youthful and just like summer—like this one from Rent the Runway. This style is drapey, a little sexy and incorporates a bold pattern guaranteed to turn heads.

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1863 CLUB

TIFFANY WAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY

T H E C L U B H O U S E Track hats not your thing? Make your trackside #OOTD sweet and feminine by accessorizing with a padded headband. This “Show Me Your Mumu” midi dress from Violet’s is easy and breezy with subtle embroidered floral details that could take you from breakfast at the track all the way to the dance floor at the Horseshoe. Puff sleeves add a soft touch that won’t leave you fussing with straps while you’re placing your bets.

1863 CLUB

PICNIC AREA

THE CLUBHOUSE

1863 CLUB PICNIC AREA THE CLUBHOUSE

Randi Poillon + Nicole Nicholas

Kathleen Rourke

Haute Messes in Dresses

Kathleen Maeve

P I C N I C A R E A We love this eyelet romper because \it’s not

P I C N I C A R E A A track day in the picnic area is still an

only made of super-comfy cotton, but its ruffle-sleeve details and textured fabric make it a little more fashionable than shorts and a tank. Add a summery belt and your favorite wedges or flats, and you are ready to rock the picnic area in style.

T H E C L U B H O U S E If you’re stumped on what to wear to the clubhouse or grandstand, a floral print dress is always the right answer. We love this tiered skirt and how it pairs perfectly with a heel, wedge or lace-up flat.

1 8 6 3 C L U B If you’re in need of an elevated look for the

1863 Club, these are two of our favorite options. Randi’s gorgeous paisley print dress has a dramatic asymmetrical hem that is unique and so cool. Nicole’s dress is both fitted and flattering thanks to all-over ruching, and the vibrant red color is sure to stand out in the crowd. Fascinators are a must for both these looks!

excuse to dress up, in my opinion. The bow tie shoulder detail of this tank top and accessories make a simple summer outfit come to life. I would pair the tank with my Kathleen Maeve gingham skirt, comfortable espadrille wedges (key for long track days), and a pop of pink.

My bag is from Victoria Dunn Design.

T H E C L U B H O U S E The comfort and effortless style of this pink cotton linen maxi dress is a summer dream. To elevate the look for the Saratoga Clubhouse, I paired it with pearl detailed accessories and a pink satin headband. All items from this look are from my own brand, Kathleen Maeve.

1 8 6 3 C L U B To make this look even more 1863 Club–chic, I

added my gold evening shoes and clutch handbag from Loeffler Randall. I love the combination of the natural linen sundress with dressier accessories for the perfect daywear outfit.

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SPECIAL P R OMOTIONAL S ECTION

saratoga living

It’s Post Time

Lifestyles of Saratoga Lifestyles owner Heidi Owen West will once again bring her pop-up shop to Saratoga Race Course, where she’ll sell men’s and women’s clothing and accessories for a cause.

I

f you were at Shelters of Saratoga’s annual One Fine Day luncheon at Prime at Saratoga National, chances are you stopped by Lifestyles of Saratoga’s 1968 Vintage Shasta Pop-Up Shop, which was parked just outside the main event tent.

Owner Heidi Owen West had graciously decided to donate 100 percent of the afternoon’s popup shop proceeds to Shelters of Saratoga, and the finely dressed guests in attendance took the opportunity to shop for high-quality clothing and accessories…for a cause.

If you missed out on the al fresco shopping experience this past June, don’t despair. Owen West will once again be bringing her pop-up shop to Saratoga Race Course for the upcoming racing season; you can find it on Artist’s Row located just inside the Main Gate. She’ll also be keeping up her store’s philanthropic ways. “Our motto of ‘Giving Back at Every Stop’ will once again be a part of the shopping experience,” says Owen West, who also owns downtown boutiques Caroline + Main and Union Hall Supply Co. A percentage of pop-up

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⁄ THE RACES 2022

shop proceeds from the Saratoga meet will be donated to the Backstretch Employee Service Team of NY, an organization that provides healthcare and wellness services to the workers who care for the horses you see thundering around the track.

As for what’ll be on sale, fashionable ladies will be able to pick up all the trendy women’s clothing, handbags and accessories they’d expect to find at Lifestyles. But that’s not all. “This year we’re offering an extended collection of goods for men,” Owen West says, “including an exclusive Saratoga collaboration with the Upstate & Chill brand, our own unique Giddyup brand designs, and, of course, track hats for men.”

It’s opportunities like this—being able to serve her customers in such a fun venue—that make running a shop in Saratoga so sweet for Owen West. “The collaboration between the local business community and NYRA adds to the trackside atmosphere,” she says. “That one-of-a-kind atmosphere is what makes Saratoga Springs such a popular destination.”

436 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS ● 518.584.4665 lifestylesofsaratoga.com

SPECIAL P R OMOTIONAL S ECTION

saratoga living

It’s Post Time

Interior Designs Atelier AS A FULL-SERVICE DESIGN FIRM, Interior Designs Atelier is committed to designing curated spaces that are a personal reflection of your style. They pride themselves on making your house your home, and collaborate with fine craftsmen such as Troy Cabinetmakers, integrating fresh ideas and different perspectives that create unexpected outcomes for a truly unique design. As an interior designer for 30 years, Linda Gerace-Skinner is honored to partner with John DeCurtis and the quality Troy Cabinetmakers team.

3 FRANKLIN SQUARE, SUITE 6, SARATOGA SPRINGS ● 518.886.1204

House of Colour

IMAGINE A CLOSET FULL OF CLOTHES YOU LOVE! That’s the promise of House of Colour, a UK-based company that has just expanded, via Amy Latta, into Saratoga. Using color science, Latta determines a person’s best colors for clothing, makeup, jewelry and hair. “When you are wearing the right colors,” Latta says, “your face lights up with a natural glow.” Style consultations are also offered: “I evaluate your body architecture and show you which shapes, silhouettes, hemlines and style elements look best on you.” A former client herself, Latta is her own testimonial. “I always felt like I had nothing to wear and was frustrated with all of the closet clutter and my spending habits,” she says. “With House of Colour, everything began to click.”

518.240.9377 Amy.Latta@houseofcolour.com

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SPECIAL P R OMOTIONAL S ECTION

saratoga living

Saratoga Candy Co.

Savory Pantry

SARATOGA CANDY CO., which opened in 1998, is family owned and operated and stays stocked with candies and 16 flavors of homemade fudge. First located at 5 Washington Street, it has now moved right around the corner to 353 Broadway. The store is known for its truffles and all the nostalgic candy you grew up with. For the perfect Saratoga souvenir or gift, try the shop’s signature horse-shaped chocolates or spring water taffy. Open all summer from 10am-8pm Monday-Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sundays. Stop in and say hi!

353 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS ● 518.580.0499 saratogasweets.com

It’s Post Time

THROWING A PARTY? Going to a party? Savory Pantry is Saratoga’s go-to shop for food, drink and gifts for your favorite horseracing fans. An ever-changing array of specialty foods, stylish homewares, cookbooks, bar books and racingthemed gifts are all on hand in the Broadway shop, which is located just down the block from City Hall. (The store ships all over the country, too.)­Plus, there’s an awesome collection of cocktail accoutrements. Think of Savory Pantry for custom and corporate giving, and your needs will be handled with passion, style and taste.

486 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS ● 518.450.1130 savorypantry.com

Tailgate and Party AT TAILGATE AND PARTY, THE PARTY STARTS IN THE STORE, and during track season in Saratoga, every day is a party. Get geared up for the best seven weeks of the year with everything you could possibly need for a day at the races: coolers, lawn games, paper products, racing-themed decorations—you name it. Tailgate and Party is even home to the ultimate picnicking cart, which comes with a shade-giving umbrella and plenty of beer can storage.

Planning a different sort of soirée?? The Phila Street shop also carries balloons for every event, and creates custom balloon arches for parties, showers and more.

33 PHILA ST., SARATOGA SPRINGS ● 518.886.9015 tailgateandparty.com

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SPECIAL P R OMOTIONAL S ECTION

saratoga living

It’s Post Time

Staffing Appreciation Local company INTEGRATED STAFFING toasts seven years of helping NYRA hire and place employees for the Saratoga Race Course meet.

E

ver wonder where all the people who make Saratoga Race Course tick come from? How’d they wind up showing you to your seat in the Clubhouse or taking your sure-to-be-winning boxed exacta wager?

The answer is Integrated Staffing, a Saratoga-based staffing agency that for more than seven years has been integral in the hiring and placement of all sorts of employees both at Belmont Park and our very own Saratoga Race Course, employing some 1,700 people per year between the two venues. “The fact that NYRA placed their trust in a NYS Certified Woman Owned and NYS Certified Disabled Owned Business in Saratoga rather than a large NYC organization speaks to NYRA’s commitment to the area and to local business,” says Integrated Staffing president and owner Dhianna Yezzi. “When people ask how we got such a contract, I say that we are so lucky.

When people ask how we keep this contract, I say that my team is amazing.”

And NYRA is just the tip of the iceberg. Integrated Staffing provides temporary, temporary to permanent, and

permanent staffing services to companies across the nation, as well as payroll services for companies that aren’t able to manage internal human resources functions and payroll. It’s also a resource for individuals who are looking for a job, and works with job seekers to achieve quality employment. An added bonus? All Integrated Staffing associates are offered benefits including medical, dental and vision coverage; free training; sick leave; and more.

Obviously, staffing has been in the news a lot lately, as employers struggle to find workers both locally and on a national scale. “As we move away from the pandemic to full employment, Integrated Staffing understands the frustrations that hiring managers are encountering,” Yezzi says. “We are available to assist our fellow businesses in navigating these unusual employment environments just like we have done for NYRA.” Speaking of NYRA, it’s post time, but Integrated Staffing is still recruiting for the Saratoga meet.

Visit integratedstaffingcorp.com to get started on your next great summer job.

463 MAPLE AVE., SARATOGA SPRINGS ● 518.583.7823

Owner and President Dhianna Yezzi with members of the Integrated Staffing team; (inset) Yezzi is proud to count NYRA among her firm’s clients.

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SPECIAL P R OMOTIONAL S ECTION

saratoga living

It’s Post Time

Passport 2 Wellness

Into Mischief

PASSPORT 2 WELLNESS OFFERS a vacation where you will be welcomed with open arms by likeminded new travel buddies. All retreats combine wellness with world travel and include a combination of wellness workshops, pilates, adventure, healthy food, relaxation, exploration, connection, fun and laughter. Feel renewed and refreshed as you step outside of your comfort zone. Upcoming retreats include Portugal this fall, Norway in December, and Madagascar next spring. Passport 2 Wellness also offers online personal training and wellness coaching.

UNIQUE AND BEAUTIFUL: That’s the shopping experience you’ll find at this wonderful little boutique store in the Saratoga Marketplace. Into Mischief has great gift options, including home décor items, handbags, accessories and a bunch more—every time you visit there’s something new to see. Not sure what you’re looking for? It’s a pleasure to browse in this pretty boutique, which is rapidly becoming known as the place to find that special gift or perfect handbag you’ve been looking for.

Into Mischief: It’s vibrant, it’s elegant, and it’s unique!

lori@passport2wellness.com passport2wellness.com/travel-and-retreats

The Mind Body Spirit Shoppe

SHOP ALL THE NECESSITIES for a clear mind, healthy body and pure spirit at the Downtown Saratoga shop with all three in its name. Opened by Psychic Medium Christine Seebold-Walrath of Clifton Park’s Mind Body Spirit Center, the Mind Body Spirit Shoppe is now welcoming customers at its 510 Broadway location in the Algonquin building (and a new Colonie Center location is coming soon!). Stop by the shop to pick up everything from crystals and Tarot decks to candles, or to get a Tarot/Mediumship Reading.

Follow the store on Facebook for news on upcoming readings, classes and other special events!

510 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS ● 518.691.5469 themindbodyspiritshoppe.com

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454 BROADWAY, SARATOGA SPRINGS 845.866.0658 intomischiefboutique.com

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the races!

The

Ride of His Life H A L L O F FA M E J O C K E Y A N D S A R AT O G A I C O N

J O H N V E L A ZQ U E Z

By Brien Bouyea

P H O T O G R A P H Y BY S U S I E R A I S H E R

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CREDIT

I S S T I L L H A R D AT WO R K O N H I S S PA L E G AC Y— M O R E T H A N 3 0 Y E A R S I N TO H I S R E M A R K A B L E CA R E E R .

CREDIT

there’s no place like home “Saratoga has been such a big part of my career and my life,” says John Velazquez. “I did a lot of growing up here both on and off the track. There is absolutely no other place like it.”

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saratogaliving.com 33

ohn Velazquez warmheartedly remembers meet riding titles in New York, including five at Saratoga, where his humble beginnings learning to ride he became the Spa’s all-time wins leader in 2013. Velazquez horses while growing up in Puerto Rico. comes into the 2022 Saratoga meeting needing only 17 wins He never envisioned those early learnto become the first jockey to reach 1,000 at Saratoga. His on-the-fly experiences competing in Saratoga earnings of $77.9 million is also a record. unsanctioned street races—relying on “I’ve worked very hard, always tried to learn and improve, instincts and natural ability instead of and I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish,” says the formal schooling—would set him on a path 50-year-old. “I also realize I’ve been incredibly fortunate. You to become one of the most accomplished can’t do any of it on your own. I’ve been lucky to have had and revered jockeys of all time. great trainers and owners support and believe in me, and “It’s pretty wild to think back to those I’ve had the horses. You’re not going to do much in this sport days,” Velazquez says. “I just got on horses unless you get the opportunity to ride the good ones. It all as a young kid, without any real teaching comes down to the horse, and those really good ones will at first, and would race through the streets. motivate you to be your best.”

It was kind of crazy. I caught the bug for Talent and work ethic have afforded Velazquez the it right away. It didn’t matter what surface opportunity to ride Hall of Fame members Ashado and Wise you were on or what horse you were on.

Dan, as well as champions such as Animal Kingdom, Authentic, I’d ride any horse that was available for a English Channel, Gamine, Malathaat, Rags to Riches, couple hundred Sistercharlie and Uncle Mo, among yards or so and others. He’s come a long way from his just go for it. I didn’t days as a teenager sending tapes of know a lot, but I was his early wins to trainers in New York eager to learn. I just in hopes of getting their attention. wanted to ride and be able to Velazquez got a big break when he win and have those bragging rights.” met fellow Puerto Rico native Angel Velazquez eventually received Cordero, Jr. in 1990. Cordero, who conventional riding instruction at was inducted into the Hall of Fame Escuela Vocacional Hipica, the in 1988, was still riding when he took state-run jockey academy at Puerto the teenage Velazquez under his Rico’s Camarero Race Track, which wing and into his house. Velazquez he entered in 1988 at the age of 16. began to learn English by watching He wasn’t as experienced as some The Little Mermaid with Cordero’s of his peers or as advanced in the daughter, Canela. An injury forced pro wife “Leona has really been technical aspects of riding, but his Cordero to retire in 1992 and he later amazing,” Velazquez says of his wife, who natural horsemanship and aptitude served as the agent for the emerging is the daughter of a trainer and grew up in in the irons more than overcame any Velazquez. the racing world. “She’s one of the biggest early deficiencies in his technique.

Competing on the challenging reasons I’ve done as well as I have.”

The education Velazquez received New York circuit, Velazquez slowly in both the streets and at the worked his way into the upper jockey school convinced him that riding racehorses was his echelon of the elite jockey colony. But success didn’t come calling. He ventured to America early in 1990 and the results overnight for the rider known around the track simply as unquestionably validated the decision.

“Johnny V.” At Saratoga, for example, Velazquez struggled Through mid-June, Velazquez has won more than 6,400 mightily early on. In 1990, his first year riding at the Spa, he races. His staggering purse earnings of $452.4 million rank him won on only three of his 64 mounts. The following year, he was No. 1 of all time, $83 million more than No. 2 Javier Castellano.

8-for-95; in 1992 he was 2-for-85; and in 1993 he was 4-for-91.

Velazquez has done it all. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in “I almost went back to Puerto Rico in 1992,” Velazquez says.

2012, he has won both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes “I wasn’t doing well at all and I had my doubts. I really had to three times each, earned a pair of Eclipse Awards, and thrived keep pushing myself.” Eventually, that perseverance began to at the Breeders’ Cup with 18 victories. He’s won 22 individual pay off. He won 11 races at Saratoga in 1994, then 25 in 1995,

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BOBBAFFERT.COM

the races!

JOHN VELAZQUEZ Hall of Fame Class of 2012

(with Ortiz) BRIEN BOUYEA

john, though (clockwise, from bottom left) John Velazquez with trainer Mark Hennig in the Belmont Park paddock; weighing out after a race; unsaddling the John Terranova–trained Spiked in the winner’s circle; with fellow jockey Jose Ortiz; outside the jockeys’ room wearing the silks of Windylea Farm; after being beaten by a nose aboard Wesley Ward’s Doozy Batz; (center) a poster local artist Greg Montgomery made to commemorate Velazquez’s 2012 Hall of Fame induction.

and was atop the standings at the Spa for the first time in 1998 with 31 wins. In 2004, the first of backto-back years in which he won the Eclipse Award, Velazquez set a Saratoga single-meet record with 65 wins.

“Saratoga has been such a big part of my career and my life,” he says. “I did a lot of growing up here both on and off the track. There is absolutely no other place like it. It’s the

biggest stage in racing. Of course the Triple Crown races are huge and so is the Breeders’ Cup, but Saratoga is a battle of the best, day in and day out, for 40 days. It’s the place [where] all the owners, trainers and jockeys want to be. Wins at Saratoga tend to mean a little bit more. It forces you to dig deeper if you want to be successful.”

V

elazquez has been a credit to the sport in more ways than just his achievements in the saddle. He is universally respected by his peers and serves as a mentor to the younger riders. Velazquez has also served as chairman of the Jockeys’ Guild and as a board

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saratogaliving.com 35

the races! better with age Velazquez, seen here on Gamine winning the 2021 Ballerina Handicap at the Saratoga, got a slow start racing at the track; while he won only a combined 17 races in his first four years racing at the Spa, his results improved astronomically in the years that followed.

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J o hn Vel a zq uez

ye ar-by-ye ar Saratoga statistics YEAR

WINS

MOUNTS

YEAR

WINS

MOUNTS

YEAR

WINS

MOUNTS

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

3 8 2 4 11 25 17 33

64 95 85 91 115 148 198 178

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

31 28 10 52 41 61 65 40 30 22 36

217 230 48 260 221 235 228 229 192 216 217

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

26 57 54 30 46 37 45 44 46 23 21 16 19

224 259 266 153 241 217 239 212 175 157 130 121 140

983

5,800

CAL SPORT MEDIA

TOTALS

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the races! member for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. “I’ve always believed that I should give back and help others in the sport as best I can,” he says. “It’s a responsibility that I take very seriously. You want to see that next generation of riders have success and do things the right way, so I try to be a good example for them. That can be giving them tips on the track or advice about things like how to manage money or take care of their body or just in general about supporting the other riders in the jocks’ room.”

M

I’m doing so much and I don’t want to be out there unless I’m able to compete at the highest level.”

Velazquez says the support of his wife, Leona, and children, Lerina and Michael Patrick, has been vital to his continued success. And Leona, the daughter of trainer Leo O’Brien, could very well be his secret weapon.

“Leona was brought up in racing and she knew the sport better than I did,” Velazquez says. “Being a racing family is great in a lot of ways, but it also is very unique and it can be challenging. I never would have made it to this point if it didn’t work well for the family. Leona has really been amazing and she’s one of the biggest reasons I’ve done as well as I have.”

ore than 30 years into his career, Velazquez is still challenging himself and trying new things.

This past winter, he rode regularly at Santa Anita in California for the first time, t’s been a decade since instead of returning to his usual Velazquez was inducted winter base at Gulfstream Park into the Hall of Fame, in Florida. Riding selectively, yet he hasn’t shown any he piloted 32 winners there to signs of decline, winning seven finish fifth in the standings even Breeders’ Cup races and two though he had fewer mounts editions of the Kentucky Derby than all the riders ahead of him since his induction. Hall of on the leaderboard.

Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, “I wanted to try something who began collaborating with I hadn’t previously done,” Velazquez in 1998, said there he says. “There were some is no better example of what stakes horses based out there defines a Hall of Famer than I wanted to stay close to, and Velazquez. “There’s no magic I’m at the point in my career number or certain amount of that I can be flexible and wins or money won or stakes experience different things. I wins or what have you that peer reviewed Off the track, Velazquez is really enjoyed it. Racing has make someone eligible for the universally respected among his peers, and serves taken me around the country Hall of Fame, but whatever as a role model for many of the younger riders. and around the world and it’s that magic number is, I think been a life education.” with Johnny’s induction today Although it is not unusual for jockeys to remain successful the bar has been raised at every level,” Pletcher said when into their late 40s or early 50s, Velazquez admits his battle introducing Velazquez at the 2012 induction ceremony. “He’s with Father Time to remain at the top of the game is a daily a terrific role model, a terrific husband, a caring father, and an test. “I’m not obsessed with working out,” he says. “I’m not all-around really super human being. No one deserves it more.” big into running or lifting weights, so I focus on things like Velazquez says he’s enjoying riding now as much as he ever swimming, some yoga, stretching to stay flexible and loose. has and has no intention of retiring anytime soon.

You have to put more into it physically as you get older, but I “I’m not riding for any reasons like checking certain wins feel great. I’m definitely a smarter rider than I was in my 20s or milestones off a bucket list or anything along those lines,” and 30s and my reflexes and instincts are as good as they’ve he says. “I think I’m enjoying it so much because I don’t feel ever been. I feel I can compete with any of the younger there is any pressure on me at this point. As long as I’m healthy guys out there because mentally it’s easier for me now. I’ve and capable of competing at the top level there is no thought experienced pretty much every scenario you can think of on of retirement. This is what I’m meant to be doing right now and the track. I have plenty of motivation because I still enjoy what I couldn’t be happier.”

I

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owner operated Horse owner Dr. Erin Christopher-Sisk began practicing equine-assisted therapy with two of her own racehorses after they suffered career-ending injuries.

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the races!

Change of Course R E T I R E D R AC E H O R S E S G E T A S E C O N D C A R E E R W I T H T H E R A P E U T I C H O R S E S O F S A R AT O G A , W H I C H B R I N G S EQ U I N E T H E R A PY TO OUR COMMUNITY’S MOST VULNERABLE.

By Christine Graf

P H O T O G R A P H Y BY D O R I F I T Z PAT R I C K

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the races! he 27 acres of farmland owned by Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS) are alive with memories from four years’ worth of heart-lifting work involving some very special retired racehorses. One standout equine was Boots, who is now buried near a cluster of trees behind a therapy paddock.

Even though it has been several years since the retired Standardbred racehorse passed away, her presence can still be felt in every corner of the farm.

“She was the mayor of the farm,” says psychologist Dr. Erin Christopher-Sisk, founder of the Saratoga Springs nonprofit.

“Boots had chronic pain from an infection in her hooves that caused permanent damage. She became part of our therapy program, and patients with chronic pain really connected with her, and she connected with them. She was such an inspirational presence on the farm. I spend time at her grave with patients, and I can still barely talk about her without crying.”

Founded in 2018, Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga rescues retired racehorses like Boots and retrains them for therapeutic programming. THS works in partnership with certified equine therapists who provide equine-assisted therapy to the community’s most vulnerable populations. I’ve actually volunteered with the program after my niece, a former foster child who’s lived through a lot of trauma, found so much comfort through a similar program in the Pittsburgh area.

A Saratoga Springs native, Christopher-Sisk grew up just blocks from the Saratoga Race Course and mastered the art of reading a racing form by the age of 8. Although she has fond memories of summer days spent at the track, her knowledge of horses was minimal at best. She certainly never imagined she would one day be overseeing a horse farm.

The Siena College graduate earned a PhD in counseling psychology from University at Albany and is the founder and clinical director of ECS Psychological Services, a Saratoga Springs–based mental health practice. In 2004, Christopher-Sisk and her husband, James Sisk, owner of Barrier Free Elevators Inc., purchased a house in Saratoga.

After developing a friendship with their next-door neighbor, a horse trainer, the couple took advantage of an opportunity to invest in a racehorse he was purchasing. For ChristopherSisk, that decision would end up changing the course of her professional career.

In the years that followed, they invested in more horses, including Broadway Straight (“George”) and DW’s Regal (“DW”).

When George and DW suffered career-ending injuries that made it unlikely that they could ever be ridden again, finding them a new home proved difficult.

“After discovering that there were no great rehoming options for horses with injuries—especially those that can’t be ridden—I decided to keep them and fold them into my work as a psychologist,” Christopher-Sisk says. “We found a farm owner

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in Galway who was willing to let us board them and allow me to tinker around with using them in therapy. I had already been using my dogs in my practice, and I applied the same principles with the horses.”

At the time, the field of equine therapy was only just beginning to develop in the United States. With no tried and true therapy models to draw upon, Christopher-Sisk began developing her own. She brought patients to the farm and allowed them to groom and interact with George and DW. Almost immediately, she realized that she had stumbled onto something big.

“I started to see success pretty quickly,” she says. “People had less anxiety, less depression and reported feeling noticeably better. They loved it, and the horses loved it.”

The therapeutic benefits were so significant that she began training other therapists on her staff to work with George and DW. It was only a matter of time before she and her husband decided the time had come to find a horse farm to call their own.

In 2015, after years of searching for a location that could accommodate both horses and clinicians, they purchased a 27-acre property at 683 Lake Avenue (NY-29), just 10 minutes from Saratoga Race Course. The property contained an 11-stall horse barn and a small house that they converted into an ECS therapy office.

Christopher-Sisk laughs when recalling their early days of farm ownership. “We had no clue how to run a farm and made a lot of mistakes along the way, but making sure our horses were cared for was always our number one priority,” she says.

“We leaned on our horse trainers for help and made a lot of friends in the industry. Cornell Cooperative Extension was also a huge resource for us.”

Three years later, in 2018, THS was established as a nonprofit.

The organization now has six employees and a team of about 30 dedicated volunteers.

According to Christopher-Sisk, obtaining funding has been their biggest challenge. “We are not expert fundraisers, and we are still learning how to do that,” she says. “For the first several years, my husband and I funded about 90 percent ourselves. We fund a little less each year and are now at about 50 percent. We have some private donors who have

farm friends (above) THS now has 11 therapy horses and six employees; (right) Christopher-Sisk says its easy to see that her therapy horses enjoy their new vocation; (opposite) THS is located on Lake Avenue on the way out to Schuylerville.

been very generous, and typically when we adopt a horse, the owner will make a sizable donation.”

THS primarily adopts retired racehorses that can no longer be ridden due to injuries, and its therapy herd has grown to include 11 horses. All horses receive specialized care from the THS team as well as from veterinarians, equine dentists and farriers.

As part of its mission to serve the community, THS also provides free boarding to the Saratoga Police Department’s three horses. The farm is now at full capacity, and in order to adopt more horses, the organization must raise funds to build additional paddocks.

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the races!

just continued to try to hire therapists and As for THS’ equine therapy model, it has expand staff. We were at seven or eight fullevolved over time through a combination time staff members before the pandemic, of education, specialized training and trial and we are now at 21.” and error. Horses are never ridden during In an effort to introduce their equine a therapy session. therapy model to a larger audience, THS “Patients go into the paddock and will be offering specialized training to engage in an activity that is specifically clinicians outside of ECS. planned based on issues they are “My vision is to create a solid program that struggling with,” Christopher-Sisk explains. can be replicated by others throughout the “For example, with a child who is being country,” Christopher-Sisk says. “There is a bullied at school, we might use horses that need for mental health care everywhere, are a little more in your space and that are and there are horses everywhere that need harder to communicate with. If you can a home. As a racehorse owner, I believe that communicate with a 1,000-pound horse, if we are going to be part of this industry, we you can also do that with a bully on the need to be part of taking care of the horses playground. It’s very empowering.” once their racing days are done.”

Although THS works in conjunction work like a dog Running both a nonprofit and a clinical with clinicians from ECS Psychological Christopher-Sisk used dogs in therapy sessions before practice is no easy task, and ChristopherServices, the two are separate entities. incorporating horses into them; Sisk spends at least five days a week at ECS has a therapy office at the farm, and (ABOVE) in addition to its own the farm. It seems likely that there is no according to Christopher-Sisk, the mental therapy fleet, THS boards place that she would rather be. health services they provide are needed the Saratoga Springs Police “It’s such a delight for me to see the joy now more than ever before.

Departments three horses. people get from working with horses as “In my almost 20 years of being in well as to see how much the horses enjoy being here,” she practice, I have never seen the volume of need that we see and says. “It really is a sanctuary for both people and horses, and it have seen over the past year-and-a-half,” she says. “Our mission just feels really good to be here.” has always been to keep up the needs of the community, so we

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the races!

PLACE YOUR BETS NYRA

H E R E A R E F I V E 3 -Y E A R - O L D S T O P U T YO U R M O N E Y O N A S A S W E M OV E O N F R O M A N U N U S U A L T R I P L E C R OW N S E A S O N .

By Brien Bouyea

hree races, three different winners: This year’s Triple Crown season left racing fans with more questions than answers. First it was Rich Strike lighting up the board at 80-1 in the Kentucky Derby. Then it was Mechanicville native Chad Brown’s Early Voting dashing home victorious in the Preakness. Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher wrapped up the series by taking the third jewel of the crown with Mo Donegal in the Belmont. So who’s the best mo money 3-year-old in the Belmont winner sport as summer Mo Donegal, approaches? who’s owned Opinions are in part by two aplenty.

Skidmore alumni, has earned more Heading into than $1.5 million what promises in his seven to be another career starts. high-octane Spa racing season, the three Triple Crown race winners are all taking aim at Saratoga’s coveted Midsummer Derby—the 153rd running of the Travers Stakes, which will be contested August 27. There will be plenty of talented runners joining the big dance at Saratoga. Along with Rich Strike, Early Voting and Mo Donegal, the Travers could also feature talented sophomores such as Cyberknife, Epicenter, Jack Christopher and Zandon, among others. Several of the top contenders are likely to prep for the 1¼-mile Travers in either the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park July 23 or at Saratoga in the Jim Dandy Stakes July 30.

Turn the page for a closer look at five of the top hopefuls looking to assume command in the 3-year-old division with a Travers victory this summer:

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brown’s beauties Preakness winner Early Voting has a chance to give trainer Chad Brown his first win in the Travers; (below) also trained by Brown, Jack Christopher is undefeated in four starts.

A Kentucky-bred son of hot sire Gun Runner, this Klaravich Stables–owned colt has won three of his four starts for Brown. After breaking his maiden at Aqueduct in his career debut in December, Early Voting won the Grade 3 Withers then finished second to Mo Donegal in the Grade 2 Wood Memorial. Skipping the Kentucky Derby in favor of the Preakness, he was successful in his first start outside New York with a 1¼-length victory over Epicenter at Pimlico. Brown decided to also pass on the 1½-mile Belmont to prepare for the summer races—with the Travers being the primary target. The four-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer has yet to win the Midsummer Derby, but Early Voting is capable of changing that.

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the Derby before Rich Strike’s late stretch run stole the show at Churchill Downs. Two weeks later, Epicenter again suffered a tough defeat, coming in second to Early Voting in the Preakness. Those losses, however, haven’t soured Asmussen on Epicenter.

The Kentucky-bred son of Not This Time has proven he belongs with the heavyweights with three graded wins

EPICENTER

Trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, Epicenter was closing in on victory in

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in addition to his strong showings in the first two Triple Crown races. A Travers victory would not be unexpected.

3

J ac k C h r i sto p h e r

Also trained by Brown, this Kentucky-bred son of Munnings didn’t compete in any of the Triple Crown races but is nonetheless as highly regarded as any of the classic winners. Undefeated in four starts, Jack Christopher won his career debut at Saratoga last summer and has since added graded stakes victories in the Champagne (G1), Pat Day Mile (G2), and a 10-length romp in the Woody Stephens (G1). The only question this horse needs to answer involves his distance capabilities, as he has yet to race beyond one mile.

The talent, however, is obvious. There is a possibility this is the best horse in Brown’s barn, which is as deep and talented as any in North America.

NYRA

1

E A R LY VO T I N G

4

MO DONEGAL

Mo Donegal has a slight credential advantage on his fellow classic winners entering the summer. He easily defeated Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike in the Belmont Stakes and owns a victory against Early Voting in the Wood Memorial.

After giving Pletcher his fourth Belmont win, Mo Donegal will take aim at the Travers with a prep in the Jim Dandy also likely.

Both of Pletcher’s previous Travers winners—Flower Alley in 2005 and Stay Thirsty in 2011—won the Midsummer Derby after prepping in the Jim Dandy, so expect Pletcher to follow that proven formula with Mo Donegal. A bay son of champion Uncle Mo bred in Kentucky, Mo Donegal will also bring some local flavor to Saratoga this summer: He is owned in part

by Skidmore College graduates Ken Freirich and Ray Bryan through the Donegal Racing partnership.

His other owner, Mike Repole, campaigned Uncle Mo and won the Travers with Stay Thirsty.

5

Witt-SaraLiving-4.75x4.75-2022-Ad.indd 1

2/9/22 11:27 AM

RICH STRIKE

Was Rich Strike a onehit wonder? He’ll get his chance to prove otherwise, but the jury is certainly out on this one. Yes, the Derby victory was one of the biggest shockers in the history of the Run for the Roses, but he failed to validate the effort by finishing a lackluster sixth in the eight-horse Belmont field. Trainer Eric Reed believes the Kentuckybred son of Keen Ice (who upset Triple Crown winner American Pharoah in the 2015 Travers) is better than he showed in the Belmont and will take him straight to the Travers without a prep race. A former claimer who had only one win in seven starts prior to the Derby, Rich Strike will certainly be a wild card when the gate opens for the Travers.

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Before He Wore the Crown O N E Y E A R B E F O R E H E WO N H E A R T S N AT I O N W I D E ,

S E C R E TA R I AT

P R OV I D E D A G L I M P S E O F T H I N G S T O C O M E D U R I N G A S A R AT O G A R U N S O M E M O R A B L E T H AT W E ’ R E C E L E B R AT I N G H I S G O L D E N A N N I V E R S A R Y E A R LY.

By Brien Bouyea

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(black and white image) DOUG LEES; (color IMAGES) SECRETARIAT.COM

B

the races!

and Somethingroyal in 1969. The agreement stated that the efore he achieved immortal status in winner of the coin toss would get first choice of the 1969 foals, 1973 by winning the first Triple Crown while the loser would have to wait until 1970 to have first choice. in 25 years—setting records that still The history-making coin toss was held in the fall of 1969 in stand in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness the office of NYRA Chairman Alfred G. Vanderbilt, Jr. Chenery Stakes and Belmont Stakes en route to actually lost the coin toss, but ended up winning in the end. becoming a cultural phenomenon— Ogden Phipps chose the 1969 weanling filly, named The Bride, Secretariat became a superstar thanks out of Somethingroyal. (The Bride never won a race but did later to an extraordinary 2-year-old season become a stakes producer.) This left Chenery with the Hasty that featured a trio of spectacular Matelda colt. The next year, however, Cicada did not conceive, performances at Saratoga. So while the rest of the country leaving Phipps empty-handed and Chenery, the coin toss “loser,” will celebrate the golden 50th anniversary of his achievements with the foal of Somethingroyal, which was due in the spring of in 2023, locally it’s more fitting to toast our four-legged 1970. He would be named Secretariat, and managing his career national hero this year. would change Chenery’s life. The Phipps family, meanwhile, Secretariat would go on to inspire a legion of fans—and did benefit from Chenery’s success, as Bold Ruler once again an award-winning Hollywood movie—but his fate was hardly became North America’s leading cemented from birth. In fact, sire in 1973 thanks in large part to the woman who ushered him to Secretariat’s exploits. greatness (played by Diane Lane The bright-red chestnut was in the film) had a 50/50 chance of born shortly after midnight on not having him at all. By the time March 30, 1970, and joined trainer of Secretariat’s breeding, Penny Lucien Laurin’s winter stable at Chenery had taken over the dayHialeah Park in Florida in early to-day operations of her family’s 1972. Secretariat quickly earned a Meadow Stud stable after her reputation as a kind and intelligent father, Christopher, had begun horse and had a desired physique, experiencing health issues in but he was clumsy in his early 1968. She and the esteemed training. After several months, Phipps family had come to an however, Laurin believed the agreement—one that would Meadow colt was ready to make eventually benefit both parties, his debut. Secretariat was a 3-1 albeit in wildly different ways. favorite in his first career start at Bold Ruler was owned by the Aqueduct on July 4, 1972. At the Phipps family and at the time had start of the 5½-furlong contest been North America’s leading a horse named Quebec cut in sire since 1963. (Bold Ruler stood front of the field, causing a chain at the historic Claiborne Farm in of events that led to Secretariat’s Kentucky, but the Phipps family being bumped hard and shuffled a star is born A 2-year-old Secretariat with owned the majority of the mares jockey Ron Turcotte at the 1972 Sanford at back in the field of 12. More to which the stallion was bred, so Saratoga; (opposite, from top) racing in the trouble ensued on the backstretch few of his progeny were ever sold Sanford; winning an allowance race, his first when Secretariat and jockey Paul at public auction.) To infuse new Saratoga victory.

Feliciano found significant traffic blood into their breeding program, trouble. In 10th at the top of the the Phipps family on occasion stretch, Secretariat quickly made up significant ground on the negotiated foal-sharing agreements with other broodmare leaders and finished fourth, beaten by Herbull by only 1½ lengths. owners. In exchange for waving Bold Ruler’s stud fee, they Eleven days later, Secretariat was favored at 6-5 going six would arrange multiple matings with the stallion—in Chenery’s furlongs in a field of 11 at Aqueduct. With Feliciano again in the case, matings with two of her mares in two consecutive years. irons, Secretariat broke poorly but proved to be superior to On the assumption two foals were produced in a given year, the his competition, rolling to a six-length victory. The New York Phipps family would keep one and Chenery would retain the racing scene then transitioned upstate to Saratoga. At the Spa, other. A coin toss was used to determine who got to choose Ron Turcotte, the regular rider for Meadow Stable, replaced their horse. Chenery (at the time known as Penny Tweedy, until Feliciano as Secretariat’s pilot. her 1974 divorce) sent Hasty Matelda and Somethingroyal from At Saratoga, the legend of Secretariat began. her Virginia stable to be bred to Bold Ruler in 1968, and Cicada

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saratogaliving.com 51

pole. By the time we straightened out, he was in front. Through With Turcotte up, Secretariat earned an impressive allowance the stretch he just kept reaching out without pressure.” victory at Saratoga on July 31, covering six furlongs in 1:104⁄5 as The Times added that Secretariat’s Hopeful win was achieved the 2-5 favorite. “You carry an ideal around in your head, and with “contemptuous ease” and the result “was a fitting one for boy, I thought, ‘This is it,’” legendary sportswriter Charles Hatten the final program of the Saratoga season.” said after Secretariat’s first Spa victory. “I never saw perfection Secretariat’s exploits at Saratoga confirmed his star status. He before. I absolutely could not fault him in any way. And neither then made his Belmont Park debut on September 16, winning the could the rest of them and that was the amazing thing about it. prestigious Futurity by 1½ lengths. In October, Secretariat was The body and the head and the eye and the general attitude. It favored at 7-10 in the Champagne. He flew past his rivals turning was just incredible. I couldn’t believe my eyes, frankly.” for home and crossed the finish line first by two lengths, but the Next up for Secretariat was the historic Sanford Stakes, a stewards disqualified him for bearing in and interfering with Stop Saratoga fixture since 1913 that was notable as the only race the Music, who was declared the winner. Secretariat was placed Man o’ War ever lost. Secretariat did not suffer the same fate; second. Two weeks later, Secretariat had no trouble trouncing his Sanford was a tour de force. Facing off with the highly Stop the Music by eight lengths in the Laurel Futurity. He regarded Linda’s Chief—the only horse ever to be favored then closed out his season against Secretariat—the emerging November 18 with a 3½-length Meadow star had his work cut out victory as the 1-10 favorite in the for him in the stretch. Impeded Garden State Futurity in New by horses in front of him, Turcotte Jersey. Secretariat again dropped moved Secretariat through the behind the field early before field “like a hawk scattering a gobbling up his rivals turning for barnyard of chickens,” according home. Laurin, not one to normally to Daily Racing Form. At the finish, speak in reverential tones about Secretariat was three lengths young horses, was simply in awe clear of Linda’s Chief. The final of Secretariat’s talent. time for six furlongs was 1:10.

“In all his races, he has taken Andrew Beyer, covering the race the worse of it by coming from for the Washington Star, wrote, behind, usually circling his field,” “Never have I watched a lightly penny for your thoughts Penny Chenery, the trainer said. “A colt has to be a raced 2-year-old stamp himself so Secretariat’s owner, went on to breed and own real runner to do this consistently definitively as a potential great.” racehorses, including Eclipse Award–winner Saratoga Dew, who now has a stakes race at the and get away with it.”

Secretariat was even better Spa named after her.

With a record of 7-1-0 from nine 10 days later in the Hopeful starts and earnings of $456,404, Stakes, which was first contested Secretariat was an easy choice for Champion 2-Year-Old Male at Saratoga in 1903 and had been won by greats such as in the balloting for the still-new Eclipse Awards, which were Regret, Man o’ War, Whirlaway, Native Dancer, Nashua and established in 1971, and, in a rare occurrence for a juvenile, Buckpasser. For most of the Hopeful, Secretariat looked was named Horse of the Year as well. Prior to Secretariat, to be out of contention. only Commando (1900), Colin (1907), Native Dancer (1952) and “He was shuffled back to last place soon after the start,” Moccasin (1965) had earned pre-Eclipse Horse of the Year the New York Times reported. “Secretariat, for all intents and titles as a 2-year-old (Native Dancer and Moccasin were both purposes, was not in the hunt as the field hit into the stretch run.” co–Horse of the Year winners). Since the establishment of the But that didn’t last long. “The achievement of Secretariat Eclipse Awards, only Secretariat and Favorite Trick (1997) have was made most remarkable, even in view of his expected won Horse of the Year as juveniles. triumph, by his lightning forward thrust,” the Times continued.

It was an enormous honor for a tremendous horse—a year “Suddenly, as if activated by coiled springs, Secretariat was up before his Triple Crown clean sweep caught the attention of front, enjoying a head advantage over Sunny South. After that fans nationwide. And that is why in Saratoga, we’re celebrating the Meadow Stable colt went his own way, extending his lead Secretariat’s 50-year anniversary “early.” As for Chenery, after over his foes with every stride.” making a name for herself, in a field dominated by men, no At the finish line, Secretariat was five lengths in front of Flight less, she eventually left Virginia for Long Island and kept to Glory for his fourth win in five starts. The time of 1:161⁄5 for 6½ breeding and racing. Her horse Saratoga Dew made history furlongs was three-fifths of a second off the track record. by becoming the first New York–bred horse to win an Eclipse Turcotte said Secretariat “took himself back as he usually Award, another feather in her cap and nod to The Spa, does right after the break. I let him settle into stride and he began to pick up on his own as we came up to the half-mile the setting for Secretariat’s spectacular 1972 summer.

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the races!

Star Power

By A b by Teg nel ia

everal hundred fans are getting to meet their favorite athlete or TV celeb this summer at Saratoga Race Course as part of NYRA’s new series called Stars at the Spa. The twotiered program will bring in an A-list former Knicks player, a former powerhouse Yankee, and one of the most famous Real Housewives of all time.

“Stars at the Spa was developed as a way to bring in a more diverse crowd of people,” says Zachary Richards, NYRA’s Senior Manager of Events and Marketing. “Maybe someone has never been to the track, or they have been and are looking for an excuse to return. This is a way to enjoy both a full day of racing and time with athletes and celebs. It’s immersive.”

The series comes on the heels of a star-studded Belmont Stakes, which had reality star Pauly D, cast members from Broadway’s Aladdin (which hits Proctors this October), a handful of Housewives, and various Islanders and Jets players on hand for the festivities. On the calendar for Saratoga: Charles Oakley on July 24, Teresa Giudice on July 31, and Bernie Williams on September 4, the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. On each date, 50 ticketed guests will dine with the celeb at a private luncheon at the track’s new Paddock Suite.

Afterwards, 200 general admission fans will show up for a meet-and-greet that includes a photo with the athlete or TV star as well as a signed headshot.

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(Williams) JEFF KERN

S

NY RA r olls o ut the red ca rpet fo r A-li st athle tes a nd T V sta rs, l ed by a g l a m new s e ri e s ca l l ed Sta rs at the Spa .

stars struck This year at the track, fans can meet former Yankee Bernie Williams on September 4; former Knick Charles Oakley on July 24; and reality star Teresa Giudice on July 31.

“Each of these celebs draws in a totally different crowd,” Richards says.

“We wanted a diverse range of people who are significant to New Yorkers.

People come to Saratoga from all over the world, but the biggest presence is other New Yorkers, especially from the Tri-State area. We wanted celebs who the family grew up watching on TV or watching them play.”

Richards says that he really wants Stars at the Spa to be an interactive experience, pointing to the popularity of Third Racecall, which invites fans to a Q & A with track announcer John Imbriale and to watch him call the third race of the day (ticket sales go to the Backstretch Employee Service Team of New York). This year will also see the return of the Budweiser Clydesdales in August, thanks to Bud Light and Saratoga Eagle, and a Jim Dandy appearance by fashion force Carson Kressley, a bona fide horse racing fan who will be in town for a fashion party co-hosted by saratoga living. (In fact, Richards wasn’t shy about giving the magazine credit—he said the idea for Stars at the Spa came to him after hearing about saratoga living’s meet-and-greets with former Real Housewife Dorinda Medley.)

“I cannot wait to be back!” says Kressley, who grew up coming to The Spa with his family in the ’80s. “Each trip back is very special and nostalgic for me. Not to mention I love all the history and style that is Saratoga: the old grandstands, the potted geraniums, the striped awnings. It’s an atmosphere like none other and I just love it.”

That level of excitement surrounding Saratoga’s meet is what Richards is enthusiastic about building upon. “You come to meet the celebrity,” Richards says, “and then stay to enjoy a great day of racing.”

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the races!

Ready for Battle

WITH RECORD NUMBERS OF REVELERS HEADED T O S A R AT O G A T H I S SUMMER, WE CHECKED I N W I T H D OW N T OW N ’ S FRONTLINE—BARTENDERS— A S T H E Y P R E PA R E TO W E LCO M E T H E B O OZ Y M A S S E S .

By Abby Tegnelia P H O T O G R A P H Y BY N OA H YA N D OW A N D D O R I F I T Z PAT R I C K

duff cookie The Bourbon Room’s Rachel Duff has been doing some sort of track season work since she was 16, making her a veteran at just 24. To serve more quickly as the summer crowds swarm, she says the key is prepping her serving area: “It has to be clean—no clutter!”

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hen a certain meme starts making the rounds of Saratoga’s hospitality workers’ group chats, the nightlife industry knows it’s time to get pumped for the seven-week party that is Saratoga’s track season. The top half of the image features a lovely photo of the track itself with the words “How you see it.” The bottom half? A still from the war epic 300, shot from behind a behemoth fighter, weapons raised for battle and staring into a chaotic and bloody sea of rampaging soldiers.

“How we see it,” the meme deadpans.

“We all know each other, so that gets sent around to everyone,” says Shane Foley, GM of Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill.

“That’s when we’re all like, ‘Here we go. See you on the flip side.’”

The Saratoga Race Course is expecting to again top one million visitors during this summer’s meet,

which will double and sometimes triple how many people are in Saratoga on any given day. And as every Saratogian knows, this is a crowd that after a long day of wagering likes to hit the bars— hard. “Some are celebrating a win, or maybe they lost,” says Olivia Ventra, a bartender at The Bourbon Room. “Either way they’re going to drink.”

For those of us who have essentially aged out of the post-track nightlife season (or at least the most hardcore version of it), the venues with their bulked-up teams of waitstaff form a sort of unique ecosystem with a lot of strangely complementary moving parts. After a day at the races finishes, the after-partying commences at Siro’s and the Horseshoe, with the former’s neighborhood exacting the strictest noise ordinance. When Siro’s closes so its neighbors can rest, everyone migrates to the Shoe, which then has to close at 11 for the sake of its own neighbors. That’s when the masses—including many of the bar’s workers—head downtown, where some bartenders go in as late as 8:30pm and all work well into the early morning. (Just a few hours later, the Horseshoe opens for breakfast and enjoys its first rush of the day as people headed to the track’s backyard stop in to load up on food.)

For patrons, that’s a lot of hours of drinking, especially for the ones who started at the track in the afternoon (or for some, even in the morning). But party on they do—and COVID didn’t help that. “People’s tolerances got higher because they were making stronger cocktails at home,” says one Caroline Street bar owner. “This summer’s going to be a crazy one.”

“It’s not too terrible until 1:30 or 2am,” says Alyssa Murphy, a bartender at Soundbar. “That’s when you can start to point out the people who have been out all day. It isn’t really too bad though.

We have two head bouncers at the door to stop problems before anyone gets inside. They make sure us girls are safe.”

The Bourbon Room, which opens relatively early at 5pm, draws a

pretty in pink The Bourbon Room’s Olivia Ventra’s very first job was selling pink sheets at the track.

Now she works closely with her bar team and credits the bouncers for making her feel safe while working on Caroline Street: “They know who to keep out, something that comes with experience.”

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the races!

uniquely higher-end crowd, given how closely bourbon and horse racing go hand in hand. It’s not unheard of for someone to call ahead to make sure a certain bottle is stocked in preparation for the liquor company’s owner to stop in. “A lot of people love to talk about bourbon,” says Ventra’s friend and coworker Rachel Duff. “I learn a lot, which makes it fun. Working here, you meet people from all over the world.”

Those connections can be stronger than one might think. So many people have such fond memories from fun nights out in Saratoga that they book their next trip solely because they met a great bartender who helped them have a spectacular night. On the other hand, especially as downtown suffers from street fights that sour Caroline Street in the news, one venue’s having

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a bad night can affect the whole town.

Downstairs at Soundbar, Murphy calls track season her Super Bowl (“we prep all year”), and tries to prepare the newbies: “This spring, one new person thought we were so busy, and all I could say was, ‘If you think this is bad, just you wait.’” But at the Horseshoe, where a whopping 17 bartenders serve thousands (up to 2,000 at a time with renovations making room for even more this year), it really does conjure up a meme-worthy battle. There’s one bar that serves only cans, and you might hear “cash only!’ if the crowds get too dense.

“When the people line up at the bar, I call it a typewriter,” says owner Charlie Hoertkorn. “’What do you want? What do you want? What do you want? What do you want?’ Then you go click, click, click back to the beginning.” (Murphy

⁄ THE RACES 2022

says the crowd gets so thick at Soundbar that dancing her way through it with her bottle service tray is the only option.)

Over the years (this summer will be his sixth) Hoertkorn and his team have become a well-oiled machine that’s ready for anything.

“The bar opens at 5:30, and by 6:30 it’s like someone flipped a switch,” Hoertkorn says. “But sometimes a storm or the heat will cancel the rest of the card. We’ll be getting ready and look up to see 200 people headed our way at 4 or 4:30. You buckle down, get the barbacks in motion, and as people show up for their shifts, you get them out there.” And when Mother Nature steps in, anything goes. “In a big downpour, people huddle in the tents,” he says. “Some people always end up dancing in the rain, jumping in puddles.” Adds Foley, “One time my shoes were so muddy I just left them and walked downtown barefoot.”

If all of this chaos has you wondering why anyone would put themselves through it, they not only do so, but they’ll also do anything to avoid taking even one night off. “Money does motivate!” says Ventra, while Murphy says the older couples that hit Soundbar during track season are the biggest tippers aside from larger parties celebrating a special occasion.

At the Horseshoe, Hoertkorn and Foley have a strong team of summer servers who are track season veterans, many rolling in the dough while on summer vacation from their teaching jobs.

“Money-making season is all about your mentality going into it,” Duff says. “This is the priority. You don’t want to take time off all season, so clear your head now.” Adds Ventra, “You can’t let the stress show or let them see that you’re tired. Always stay positive because it’s going to be a good night.”

DORI FITZPATRICK

shoe shine Horseshoe owner Charlie Hoertkorn says renovations to his venue, which already sees up to 5,000 guests in a weekend, will improve flow and prevent bottlenecking: “Plus, we paved it, so no more dirty, ruined shoes for the girls.”

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PHOTO: THE CONTENT AGENCY

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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

TOWN & COUNTRY FASHION at SARATOGA SADDLERY 392 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 518.580.4522 SaratogaSaddlery.com

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off track SA R ATO GA’S H OT T E ST T I C KE TS

Allyson Ferri, Seana Mosher, sl’s Abby Tegnelia, Jacky Ross and Elmer Santiago

saratoga living’s

SPAC’s Leslie Collman-Smith, Kristy Ventre and Chris Shiley

“Beach, Please” Summer Kickoff J U NE 9 AT PUTNAM PL ACE

Paul Hennessey and sl’s Abby Tegnelia

Elizabeth O’Neil Perella and Alex Finn

T

photography by KONRAD ODHIAMBO

he first day of summer may not have come until June 21, but Saratoga’s summer officially started June 9, when saratoga living welcomed a crowd of beach-ily dressed revelers to our “Beach, Please” kickoff to summer at Putnam Place. Upon arrival, guests received a welcome tiki cocktail, courtesy of Wine and Liquor Shop of Malta, and a lei. Inside, they snacked on kebabs and other Hawaiian-inspired dishes by Hattie’s Restaurant, as well as almost-too-adorable-to-eat cookies

by Bread Basket Bakery. Music was provided by DJ BoyBoy and The Jagaloons, and a performance by eight aerial dancers from Good Karma Studio wowed the crowd. At the patio bar, complimentary beer from Lawson’s Finest Liquids and canned wine from La Chercha was being served, and the beer pong table, provided by Tailgate and Party, was occupied all night long.

Mike Fitts, Brittany Somelofske and Andreanna Diliberto

Maddy Halverson, Molly Gallagher, Maggie Sullivan, Daisy Sullivan and Molly McCormack

Complimentary Lawson’s Finest Liquids beer

Amy and Paul Yung

Good Karma aerialists (back row) Carrian Morgiewicz, Marissa Peck, Christine Neumann, Brittany Jason, Michelle Kiernozek and Alyssa Ladzinski; (front row) Angela Bulone and Jessica Lubin

CREDIT

Jim and Melissa Crocetta, Jay and Heather Jablonski and CRL’s Steve Teabout and Lindsay Krajewski

Josh Mickalonis of The Jagaloons playing beer pong on a table provided

by Tailgate and Party

Tiki-inspired cookies from Bread Basket Bakery

Dana Hood, sl’s Natalie Moore and Mike Akker

Lizzie Hunter, Lizzie Schlegel, Daniela Massaroni, Anthony Crisafulli, Logan Hotaling and Elena Jillson

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off track SA R ATO GA’S H OT T E ST T I C KE TS

Amy Tuck, Brooke Toma and Robin Houseworth

Tracy Fluty and sl’s Annette Quarrier

Guests learning about House of Colour’s styling services

saratoga living’s

House of Colour and Frank Gallo & Son Florist helped make the evening possible.

Cocktails & Clairvoyance

Attendees sipped wine, provided

by Gideon Putnam, during the event’s cocktail hour.

M AY 19 AT G IDEON PUTNAM

Sheila Sperling and Jennifer Meglio

sl’s Natalie Moore and Bonnie O’Rourke

Michelle Cardone, Allyson Ferri, Jen Rodgers and Seana Mosher

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O

photography by RACHEL MCNAIR, THE CONTENT AGENCY

n May 19, 100 guests arrived at the Gideon Putnam with the hope that they’d be able to speak with a loved one in the spirit world. They were there for saratoga living’s second Cocktails & Clairvoyance group reading with Latham-based psychic medium Tracy Fluty, who chose audience members at random to come on stage and hear from their late grandmother, aunt, brother, father or other family member. Before the show, attendees were treated to a cocktail hour featuring drinks and small bites such as deviled eggs and Bloody Mary shooters, courtesy of the Gideon Putnam. Local House of Colour consultant Amy Latta, the evening’s sponsor, was there, chatting with attendees about the power of understanding your body’s proportions and color tones when choosing clothing, hair color/style and makeup; and Frank Gallo and Son florist provided floral arrangements that one lucky guest at each table went home with.

The crowd at the cocktail hour before Tracy Fluty took the stage

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Gladys Pinze, Jessica Sheremet, Lisa Walsh and Kimberly Pinze McConchie

Francoise Hurly and Debbie Christiana

Shannon Guastella, Erin McKinney and Tara Doherty

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At check in, guests were able to purchase raffle tickets to win a private reading with Tracy.

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Niki Zick and Niki Walz

Bloody Mary shooters provided by Gideon Putnam

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Laurie Coreno and Nancy Katinas

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off track SA RATOGA’S HOT T EST T ICKETS

Flower and Fruit Mission Spring Luncheon

MAY 17 • HALL OF SPRINGS photography by CATHY DUFFY

PRIME AT SARATOGA NATIONAL

Kentucky Derby Parties MAY 7

SARATOGA SPONSOR-A-SCHOLAR’S DERBY DAY • THE LODGE

DORINDA MEDLEY DERBY DAY BOURBON SIGNING KANE’S FINE WINE & SPIRITS

Social IRL

MAY 16 • LUCY’S BAR

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(Dorinda) MORGAN CAMPBELL; (Prime) ANDREA ZAPPONE; (The Lodge) ROBIN DALTON

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off track SA RATOGA’S HOT T EST T ICKETS

Dake Foundation For Children Child’s Play

JUNE 1 • PRIME AT SARATOGA NATIONAL photography by CATHY DUFFY

American Cancer Society Gala of Hope APRIL 30 • HALL OF SPRINGS photography by MATT WHALEN

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You’re invited to party with John “Johnny V” Velazquez at the Shoe as we toast his Saratoga legacy.

Wednesday, July 20

Food and drinks!

Track-themed prizes!

Be one of the first to see the Shoe’s renovations!

Photos taken for the magazine!

saratoga living

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off track SA RATOGA’S HOT T EST T ICKETS

The Wesley Foundation’s Golden Gala MAY 14 • THE LODGE

Saratoga Senior Center’s Music & Mingling MAY 10 • 550 WATERFRONT photography by MELISSA SMITH

Saratoga Lions Club’s Night at the Brewseum APRIL 22 • CANFIELD CASINO

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The Philadelphia Orchestra 2022 Season FRIDAY, AUG 5 Yo-Yo Ma Returns

WEDNESDAY, JUL 27 Festive Fireworks BalletX

SATURDAY, AUG 6 The Princess Bride In Concert

THURSDAY, JUL 28 New Worlds Time for Three

WEDNESDAY, AUG 10 Beethoven’s Fifth

FRIDAY, JUL 29 Voice and the Violin Joshua Bell and Larisa Martinez

THURSDAY, AUG 11 Beethoven’s “Eroica”

SATURDAY, JUL 30 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ In Concert

FRIDAY, AUG 12 Angel Blue Sings Coleman & Barber

WEDNESDAY, AUG 3 Ledisi Sings Nina Simone

SATURDAY, AUG 13 Beethoven’s Ninth

THURSDAY, AUG 4 Lara Downes Plays Price and Strayhorn

Ledisi

Yo-Yo Ma

Joshua Bell and Larisa Martinez

Visit spac.org for tickets and complete program info.

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Make Your Home As Unique As Your Signature 82 CHURCH STREET SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK 518.581.0023

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We are just steps away from Broadway. Come see what you’ve been missing and find the perfect style for you/ DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM! SCAN THIS QR CODE FOR FINANCING INFORMATION

home stretch: fashion

|| food & drink || book nook || haute property

Saddle Up! FROM GI R LY GI R L AT T H E T R AC K TO COWGI R L AT T H E A F T E R -PA RT Y, SARATO GA SA DDLE RY H AS YO U R EQUEST R I A N LO O K C OV E R E D. ph oto g r aph y by DO R I F I T ZPAT R I C K

when july rolls around, we ladies of Saratoga are presented with a choice: Who do we want to be this track season? While an equestrian vibe is a must, we can go the girly girl route (bright pinks, high heels and all) or we can go all in on all things denim, fringe and yee-haw—a.k.a. full cowgirl. Honestly, both sound pretty good to me, and at Broadway boutique Saratoga Saddlery, both styles are on the table (or should I say rack?).

For a day at the races, you can’t go wrong flaunting this feminine Gretchen Scott maxi dress paired with a wide-brimmed, felt hat from American Hat Makers’ Wanderlust Collection. It even has pockets to stash all the cash you’re sure to rake in while wearing such a winning outfit! Post-races, do a quick wardrobe (and persona!) change into this uber-fringy Scully jean jacket, graphic tee and cowboy hat, and head directly to Nashville of Saratoga, the only place this far north of Tennessee worthy of such a rootin’ tootin’ cowgirl ensemble.

—Heather Thompson

@heathermariethompson SCULLY JEAN JACKET | $119.95 LITTLE FIRE CRACKER T-SHIRT | $39.95 MAVERICK BONE HAT | $69.95 LIVERPOOL HANNAH CROP FLARE JEANS | $109.00 LIVERPOOL BELT | $109.00 WHITE CORRAL BOOTS | $299.95

GRETCHEN SCOTT ARLES DRESS | $199.00 AMERICAN HAT MAKERS WANDERLUST HAT | $129.95 SARATOGA SADDLERY PEEP TOE NUDE HEEL | $179.95

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home stretch: fashion ||

food & drink

|| book nook || haute property

shell shockers Fruits de mer have their own spot on The Porch’s menu; (below) while Prime is still Saratoga’s go-to steakhouse, The Porch also offers filet and skirt steak.

saratoga national has long been revered not only for its gorgeous 18-hole public golf course, but also for the unparalleled al fresco dining available at its onsite steakhouse, Prime. In fact, outdoor dining at the course was so popular that this past May, Saratoga National introduced a second open-air option: The Porch, an elevated-casual gastropub.

How does The Porch differ from Prime? For one, Prime has both indoor and outdoor seating, its outdoor area being the property’s lower patio overlooking the infinity pool, lawn and 18th green. The Porch, on the other

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hand, is al fresco–only, and occupies the upper patio near the outdoor bar. Then there’s the food. “Prime is a steakhouse,” says the restaurants’ spokesperson, Devin Manz. “The Porch is a gastropub featuring shareable steam pots—lobster, shrimp, clams,

⁄ THE RACES 2022

mussels, potatoes, corn and traditional or Cajun broth.” Also on The Porch’s menu are appetizers including buffalo cauliflower and tuna tartare, mains like fish and chips and a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, and craft cocktails such as a strawberry mule and blackberry jalapeño margarita.

The Porch is open Tuesday-Friday from 11am-9pm, Saturday from 11am10pm and Sunday from 10am-9pm, with a special Sunday brunch menu served until 2pm. “The Porch is where you bring your girlfriends for a girls’ night out, your golfing friends after your nightly golf league, or a business luncheon with colleagues,” Manz says.

“It’s a place you go to after work to relax with friends at an outdoor bar and have a few cocktails while you take in the beautiful grounds that Saratoga National has to offer.”

RACHEL MCNAIR/THE CONTENT AGENCY

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home stretch: fashion ||

food & drink

|| book nook || haute property

sky high A rendering of Saratoga Race Course’s new Paddock Suite, which is situated above the open-air Post Bar.

RESERVATION

Suite Dreams

those saratoga racing fans who prefer to spend their late July and August afternoons out of the heat of the sun now have another climate-controlled option at the track.

This season, NYRA will debut the Paddock Suite, Saratoga’s newest hospitality venue that can be reserved by groups of up to 80 guests. Named for its prime spot overlooking the

Rise and Grind

while fans of Kelly’s Kitchen will be disappointed to hear that the Saratoga bakery recently closed its doors, fans of Kelly Groff herself have something new to celebrate: The former queen of all things sugary and frosted has moved downtown, and made the transition from sweet to savory. “My baking passion kind of turned into a cooking passion,” says Groff, who opened The Broadway Grind coffee shop in the former location of Palette Café in May. “And I love coffee, so a coffee shop/café is perfect.”

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saddling area, the Paddock Suite is located above the newly renovated Post Bar, adjacent to Shake Shack. In other words, in addition to your choice of food platters, non-alcoholic beverages, coffee and tea, which are all included with admission to the Paddock Suite, an order of Crinkle Cut Fries and a Chocolate Churro Shake are just a short walk away.

idea board The Broadway Grind’s dining area features a chalk board– style mural by Gretchen Louise Tisch of Feathered Antler.

items that get people in and out.” Those items include avocado toast, breakfast burritos and sandwiches, salads and CAFFEINE wraps. And while Groff has put away her cake plate and piping bag for now, she hasn’t completely forgotten her sweet tooth: Cookies and muffins While you can get all sorts are also available, courtesy of Saratogaof caffeinated concoctions at the based Indulgence Bakery. lower level shop (The Broadway Grind So, a few weeks in, is Groff happy serves Kru Coffee as well as tea from with her big move? “I loved that place, Saratoga Tea & Honey), you can also get but it was outside of town,” she says both breakfast and lunch delicacies, fast. of her Kelly’s Kitchen location. “It’s a “I’m basing my menu off a 30-minute lunch break idea,” Groff says. “Quick dream to be on Broadway.”

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FIX

home stretch: food & drink

|| book nook || haute property

The Return the opening of siro’s Restaurant each racing season always causes a stir in the Spa City, but this year, it’s even more newsworthy. That’s because the historic high-roller hangout is getting a rebrand of sorts, including a facelift courtesy of Lee Owens Interior Design and Mack Construction, as well as a new chef: Elliott Vogel, formerly of Daley’s on Yates, MezzaNotte Ristorante, Savoy Taproom and, most recently, Jack’s Oyster House.

In addition to indoor renovations that will “bring a more modern and sophisticated atmosphere to the restaurant,” Vogel says outdoor renovations will allow the service bar to cater to more options and accommodate more outdoor dining. “This year we have expanded our outdoor offerings including the addition of a raw bar stocked with fresh varieties of oysters, clams and shrimp,” he continues. “Our margarita bar has also been expanded and will now serve frozen margaritas.”

Inside, diners can expect dishes worthy of the Sport of Kings. “The indoor menu is composed of creative inspirations from all over the world,” Vogel says. “Simple and exotic ingredients are celebrated through French cookery paired with seasonality fitted for any palate. Our menu is modern with a strong focus on technique, pure REBRAND flavors and a thoughtful presentation.”

The announcement of these changes comes on the heels of several years of upheaval at the iconic menu makeover establishment; ownership changed Several dishes from hands in 2019, permitting paperwork past Siro’s menus; was falsified by the restaurant’s operator some will be tweaked in 2020, and the head chef was slightly for the arrested mid-season in 2021. But Vogel 2022 season. seems up for the challenge of returning Siro’s to its former glory. “A challenging task is always something I look for when applying myself to a growing business,” he says.

“Rejuvenating, reinventing and reestablishing a culinary program is my favorite part of being a chef. It’s simply making people happy and excited about food.”

NEW

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mini marvels Bocage’s petit fours pair perfectly with a glass of Merlot or Cabernet Franc.

PSA Beyond the Bottle

this one’s for all you Champagne aficionados who like their bubbly served with a side of sustenance.

Bocage, the tiny sparkling wine bar that opened on Phila Street this spring, has a food menu we’ve heard not everyone knows about. “One of our favorite dishes has to be the caviar and lemon-dill crème fraiche, or our classic cucumber and pink peppercorn cream cheese sandwich,” says coowner Zac Denham. “Both are a fun approach to classic dishes that are natural accompaniments to Champagne or sparkling wine.” Other popular plates include petit fours, which pair perfectly with a glass of Merlot or Cabernet Franc, and the PB&J Foie Gras, which Denham says is best served with Champagne Pertois-Moriset or Champagne Deutz. The best part? While Bocage’s Champagne may come from, well, Champagne, the bar makes every effort to source its food ingredients from the northeast—the foie comes from the Hudson Valley, while some cheeses in the trio of cheese board offerings hail from Vermont. And if you’re nervous about getting a seat in the small confection of a bar, Denham put Bocage on resy.com just in time for track season. Cheers to that.

(Siro’s) LIZ COTTRELL; (Bocage) BETHANY MELENDEZ

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home stretch: fashion ||

food & drink

|| book nook || haute property

staff report The Misfit’s extensive cocktail menu includes staff favorites Purple Rain (Empress Gin, lemon and mint reduction) and Captain Sully (Hudson Bourbon, lemon, Aperol and Amero Montenegro); (below) neon signs light up the underground bar.

the misfit, the new bar that took over 1 Caroline Street in June, promises to be a misfit among Caroline Street bars—in the best possible way. “For the last 20 years I’ve been producing shows that tour theaters, and I love entertaining that way,” says The Misfit’s owner, Michael Mills, founder and CEO of Mills Entertainment, an incorporated subsidiary of entertainment titan Creative Artists Agency that’s headquartered right here in Saratoga Springs. “That’s still really rewarding and thrilling, but I love the idea of creating experiences for people more broadly, too. And I think that’s what an establishment like this is.”

Mills envisions the bar as a cocktail lounge with an indie music vibe, featuring a soundtrack that spans the ’80s, ’90s and more recent hits. The bar opened with a seasonally rotating cocktail menu, craft beer selection and “small-but-lovely” wine list, and is eyeing a “school cafeteria food, grown-up style” food menu down the line. (Think: poutine tater tots and vegetarian sloppy joe sliders.)

If it sounds like The Misfit is gearing up to be utterly unlike anything else in Saratoga, that’s the point—it is called The Misfit, after all. “There are so many great taverns and taprooms in Saratoga that are perfect just as they are, and so many wonderful restaurants and upscale cocktail spots,” Mills says.

“This is just a fun alternative.”

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(bar) DIANE CHAPPELL

BAR TAB The Land of Misfit Joys

Grand Sangria Blanche INGREDIENTS 1 part of Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge 4 parts White Wine 2 ripe peaches, pitted and cut into eight wedges 1 Orange, thinly sliced 1 Lime, thinly sliced INSTRUCTIONS 1. Add all of the ingredients in a punch bowl or pitcher 2. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours before serving 3. Serve in a wine glass over ice 518.584.5400

www.purdyswine.com

info@purdyswine.com

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home stretch: fashion || food & drink ||

no n fic tio n

New York’s Greatest Thoroughbreds: A Contemporary History

By Allan Carter

In addition to being home to some of horse racing’s most historic and important tracks, New York State has also produced many of the sport’s top horses over the past half-century. And who better to collect their stories than a former historian of Saratoga’s own National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame?

Using his vast experience at the museum, Allan Carter, who in April passed away following a battle with cancer, shares the success stories of some of the state’s most cherished racers in this impressive historical narrative.

book nook

|| haute property

health after he was mistreated by his previous owner, rescued her when a rare immune disorder threatened and eventually took her eyesight. Against all odds, the duo became one of the country’s most successful riding teams, winning two national rankings and forming an unbreakable bond.

Eco Fi c t i on

Against the Grain

By Lâle Davidson

In her new environmental novel, Saratogabased author Lâle Davidson revisits the violent clashes in Northern California’s Redwood forest between corporate raiders, loggers and activists in the 1990s, forcing readers to look at the story’s relevance to today’s climate. With a mythical twist characteristic of many of Davidson’s books, Against the Grain proves that trees themselves have a surprisingly powerful voice and begs the question: What will it J UST I N T I M E F O R T R AC K SE ASO N , take to wake humans up?

Books of the Month

TH RE E H O R SE TA LE S TO P SARATOGA SU M M E R’S H OT T E ST LITE R A RY H A P P E N I N GS.

BY H E LE N A B A RT LE T T

Pa r a n ormal Fi c t i on Auto bio g raph y

T h e I n- Bet w een

Mi lo’s Ey e s

By Lissa Bachner

By Cordelia Michelsen

In the heartfelt autobiographical work Milo’s Eyes: How a Blind Equestrian and Her “Seeing Eye Horse” Rescued Each Other, renowned equestrian and Skidmore alum Lissa Bachner shares the story of how Milo, the 5-year-old horse she nursed back to

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This new novel from Coxsackie resident Cordelia Michelsen tells the story of Harper Monroe, a gifted woman who has the ability to see those who have passed. Paying homage to Michelson’s own life experiences, The In-Between addresses themes of strength, love, loss and healing, and reaches out to those struggling with their own personal battles.

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C h i ldren ’ s Li t

L it t l e Buck a r oo a n d Lo u

By Jennifer Sattler

Looking for a new bedtime read for the kids? This story by award-winning author and illustrator Jennifer Sattler, a Saratogian, follows Buckaroo and his beloved horse, Lou. Written to the nursery rhyme of “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe,” children are encouraged to count along as Buckaroo and his sidekick journey through the barnyard.

home stretch: fashion || food & drink || book nook ||

haute property

Staycation Time T HI S CHATE AU - STYLE MANSI ON, TH E MOST E XP E N SI V E P R I VATE RE S IDE NCE EVER TO BE SOLD ON LA KE GE O R GE , I S A WOR K- FRO M -H OME PARADISE. n BY N ATA LI E M O O R E it goes without saying that the home of a luxury residential builder would probably be one heck of a house, but we’ll say it anyway: The former home of Kevin Maschewski, owner of Bolton Landing–based Adirondack Designers & Builders, is, actually, one hell of a house.

The 11,000-square-foot mansion, located on the western shore of Lake George just north of Chic’s Marina, recently sold for a whopping $8.35 million, the record for private residential properties on the lake. “The kitchen is honestly the nicest kitchen I’ve ever been in,” says Dan Davies of DaviesDavies & Associates Real Estate, which represented Kevin and his wife, Mary Beth, in the sale. “There’s a beautiful

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pool in the middle of the house, an indoor theater, a bar in the basement, two wine cellars, a really high-end elevator that makes all three levels easily accessible, and a very nice porch on the front with an outdoor fireplace.” Inside, there are four more fireplaces (there’s even one in the kitchen!), a whole-house sound system, home gym and arcade area, and the property also boasts a private beach and six-boat dock. The house, which is situated on two acres, has seven bedrooms, six full baths and three half-baths.

As for the buyers, Davies says they are a young couple from New Jersey, who are going to use the home as a residence, working remotely from the

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rooms with a view (clockwise, from left) The master bedroom opens onto the lakeside patio; the home’s indoor pool; Dan Davies says tremendous thought and detail went into the kitchen; the mansion’s European inspiration is evident when looking at it from the water.

European-style paradise that was built in 2014. Though the couple may have made the biggest splurge on the lake to date, they are just one example of the many that fled and continue to flee the NYC area for Upstate. “I’ve been doing this 30, 40 years and the demand was just off the charts,” Davies says of the pandemic-era Lake George market. “There are still a lot of people wanting out of the city, and remote working allows that.”

Residence, office and vacation home, all wrapped into one? Not bad for $8.35 million.

Pick a date. Pack your bags. Horse racing is back.

Vacation is a thing again. And if you’re going to Saratoga Race Course, you’re going to love The Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa. This timeless hotel is located in Saratoga Spa State Park, right next door to the legendary Roosevelt Baths & Spa. Learn why The Gideon Putnam offers generations of appeal.

GIDEON PUTNAM.COM 866-890-1171

PA R K YO U R S E L F HERE THIS SUMMER.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Rivers Casino & Resort

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ivers Casino & Resort is located in the heart of Downtown Schenectady, offering a multitude of restaurants that appeal to a wide variety of taste buds. Rivers Casino is the Capital Region’s ultimate entertainment destination filled with action-packed gaming opportunities and diverse dining options. There is something for everyone!

Rivers’ summer entertainment features some of the best events in the Capital Region, with live entertainment, concerts, dining experiences and so much more! Check in throughout the summer on riverscasino.com to see events as they’re added!

LATIN NIGHTS The summer schedule is filling up with live weekly entertainment, food specials and drink options. Join Rivers on Thursdays for Latin Nights at Van Slyck’s! Live entertainment starts at 8pm and winds down at midnight.

Pair one of their specialty cocktails with a night of fun.

Try a Cuba Libre, Margarita or Mojito at Van Slyck’s bar.

Restaurants open 7 days a week.

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SUNSET SIPS If you prefer to spend your evenings outdoors, check out Sunset Sips. The Landing Hotel patio hosts live music every Friday and Saturday! Sit at tables, couches and chairs to enjoy an evening of live music. The Landing Hotel bar has drink specials and charcuterie boards from Grazing518.

HARBOR JAM Rivers Casino is happy to announce its free summer concert series, Harbor Jam! Visit the Mohawk Harbor Amphitheater July 29–30 and August 26–27 for live music, food trucks and a live fireworks show during Saturday’s finale.

Headliners include Brass Transit: The Musical Legacy of Chicago, The Lords of 52nd Street: Legends of the Billy Joel Band, Journey: Performed

by Separate Ways the Band, and Shining Star: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire.

Rivers Casino & Resort offers options that everyone can enjoy, all just steps away from the casino floor and The Landing Hotel. Come raise the stakes and treat yourself to a winning experience at Rivers Casino & Resort.

1 R U S H ST, SCH E NE CTADY

rive rsca sin o. com

518 . 57 9. 8 800

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

osteria danny

R

un by chef Danny Petrosino and his wife, Patti, osteria danny specializes in Italian-American cuisine with an emphasis on simplicity and creative development. As such, the menu is updated frequently to encompass new culinary concepts and locally sourced ingredients whenever they are available. Although the menu is continuously evolving via Danny’s creative will, the original recipes remain a pivotal influence on the dishes that osteria danny produces.

Open 4-9pm SundayThursday; 4-10pm Friday and Saturday.

Henry Street Taproom

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ood food, lots of beer and an atmosphere that’s the perfect mix of relaxed, cozy and chic? That’s what you can expect at Henry Street Taproom, which has been serving local craft beers and ciders, classic cocktails and locally sourced, made-fromscratch food since 2012. After dinner, tune in to Back on the Table, a podcast on beer, movies, music, food and local businesses, hosted

by Henry Street owner Ryan McFadden.

Open 4-10pm Tuesday-Friday; 2-10pm Saturday; 2-9pm Sunday.

26 HENRY ST, SARATOGA SPRINGS osteriadanny.com 518.423.7022

Dunning Street Station

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ucked away in the village of Round Lake, just off Exit 11 of the Northway, Lake Ridge is only 15 minutes from both Saratoga Springs and Albany.

Enjoy a full seafood, steak or pasta dinner in one of the “Best Of 2022”-winning restaurant’s three dining rooms, savor a snack from its expanded small plates menu, or skip food altogether and stop in for a martini or specialty cocktail at the breathtaking mahogany bar, which stocks an abundant supply of more than 30 scotches and 20 bourbons.

Open 4-8:45pm TuesdaySaturday.

35 BURLINGTON AVE, ROUND LAKE, lake-ridge.com 518.899.6000

86 HENRY ST, SARATOGA SPRINGS henrystreettaproom.com 518.886.8938

I

The Hideaway

t may be called “The Hideaway,” but it’s no secret that Saratoga Lake Golf Club’s onsite restaurant is one of the best places to enjoy drinks or dinner all year long. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a light snack and a cocktail al fresco (The Hideaway boasts an expansive deck) or a full-fledged feast following a day on the links (try the surf & turf or jalapeño popper chicken), The Hideaway has you covered. Follow the restaurant on Facebook for up-to-date info on food and drink specials, special events and more.

Open 11am-9pm MondayFriday; 9am-9pm Saturday and Sunday.

3 5 GR ACE MO OR E RD, SA R ATOG A SPRINGS hideawaysaratoga.com 518 . 3 06. 1900

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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

The Porch

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he Porch is a seasonal restaurant located outdoors at Saratoga National. Filled with bistro chairs, wrought-iron tables, succulent centerpieces and live plants around the perimeter, The Porch is a gastro-pub featuring shareable steampots (lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, potatoes, corn and traditional or Cajun broth). The menu also has a variety of appetizers including an Asian chopped salad, buffalo cauliflower, tuna tartare and mussels, and mains including fish n’ chips, steak frites, wagyu smashed burger, lobster club and buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, to name a few!

458 UNION AVE, SARATOGA SPRINGS primeatsaratoganational.com/the-porch 518.583.4653 X2

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Inn at Erlowest

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he Inn at Erlowest isn’t just a gorgeous Queen Anne–style hotel…It’s also home to a fine dining restaurant that has entertained everyone from George Foster Peabody and Spencer and Katrina Trask to Charles “Charlie” Wood throughout its long history. Today, the Inn offers patrons inspired cuisine in its intimate dining rooms and outside on the Fireplace Patio and Courtyard Terrace, as well as at the charming Library Bar; each dining option features locally sourced ingredients and unparalleled views of Lake George.

Open 5-8:30pm Thursday-Monday.

3178 LAKE SHORE DR, LAKE GEORGE innaterlowest.com 518.668.5928

seasonal cocktail corner

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION

Cheers to Summer!

The Mango Fizz The tropical flavor of mango makes this frothy concoction a true summer treat. Using Wheatley vodka as the base, Somrus Mango Cream Liqueur and J.F. Haden Mango Liqueur bring the summertime vibe. It’s finished with a touch of honey syrup and whipped egg white on top.

36 5 B ROA DWAY, SA R ATO G A S P R I N G S 5 18 . 35 0 .7 9 4 5 M o r r i sse ysL o unge . c o m

Blackberry Smash with Woodenville Bourbon Lemon juice and fresh blackberries smashed together with brown sugar, citrus bitters and Woodenville Bourbon.

Stir, sip, repeat.

8 C A RO L I N E ST, SA R ATO G A S P R I N G S 5 18 .7 0 5 . 26 10 b o ur b o nr o o msar at o ga . c om

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Daley’s on Crooked Lake #1 Gluten-Free Selection #1 Romantic Dining #1 Restaurant in West Sand Lake/Averill Park #2 Best Kept Secret - Restaurant #2 Best Wait Staff 2339 NY - 43, Averill Park, NY 12018 (518) 960 - 7665 | olddaley.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US! Daley’s on Yates #1 Martini #1 Restaurant in Schenectady #2 Best Fine Dining #2 Gluten-Free Selection #2 Best Wine List #2 Best American Cuisine #2 Best Outdoor Dining #2 Best Seafood #3 Best Appetizer #3 Best Calamari 10 Yates Street Schenectady, NY 12305 (518) 901 - 0174 | daleysonyates.com

{ horseplay }

Major Wager

BY N ATA L I E M O O R E ACROSS 1. ___ Punk 5. Tennis’ Nadal, to fans 9. Expression of disappointment 13. Thoroughbred or marathon-runner 14. Activist Brockovich 15. A hive, for a bee 16. Video game industry leader 17. Oft-abbreviated internet expression of enthusiasm* 19. Show infamously “about nothing” 21. Portents 22. Japanese video game company 23. Confessional rock subgenre 25. ___ v. Wade 26. Ketchum of Pokémon 29. Clock part 30. Go against 32. They get you high, in a way 34. Peach part 35. Globes 39. Asian peninsula 40. Wager 41. Shush 42. Gush or eject 43. Doggo 44. Go bad, as milk 45. Alcohol-related offenses, for short 47. ___ tuna 48. Dutch ___ disease 49. Boy

“Ireland is where the American Pickers are!

Wait, no…Is that Texas?”

–MALTA

52. “___ questions?”

53. Stare 55. Archaic expression of surprise 57. Actress Chenoweth and TV personality Cavallari 61. Monopoly’s second-most expensive property* 64. The second-largest Great Lake 65. Like 2, 4 and 6 66. Sad 67. Football’s Beckham, Jr. 68. Restaurant reservation site 69. Imbibes 70. Apt day to get married (abbr.)?

DOWN 1. January 1, for one 2. Common smoothie bowl ingredient 3. Seedless, flowerless plants 4. Type of 40-across illustrated by the last words in the starred clues 5. Change the national registry of a ship 6. Retired ballplayer Rodriguez, to fans 7. Common Christmas tree variety 8. Carpenter or fire, for two 9. [Excuse me]

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I’m dea IC CENTER

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10. Bring down 11. ___ acids 12. Smell, for one 13. Dorm VIPs 18. Farrier’s focus 20. Alter ___ (opposite sides of personalities) 23. Work at a magazine, say 24. Was introduced to 26. Inquires 27. Put an end to 28. Employ 31. Call Me By ___ Name 33. Lascivious’ partner

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34. Word before talk or rally 36. Uber service 37. Ring-maker?

38. Flower support 40. Having a lot to do 41. Jeopardy!, for one* 43. Bobby, for one 44. Latte variety 46. Stinging insect 47. Concurs 49. Outcast 50. Natural coffee sweetener 51. Is brave enough 54. Short musical composition

overheard

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“I just need to find a spot to urinate where it’s not breaking a law.”

56. All-consonant fashion brand 57. Keurig pod 58. Made angry 59. Results of allowable deductions exceeding taxable income, for short 60. Show Pete Davidson recently left, for short 62. Units of wt.

63. Comedian Wong ANSWERS ON saratogaliving.com SEARCH: CROSSWORD

“The best place in town is Walmart.”

—TARGET

–KAYAK SHAK

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Good Vibes Only

vibing for attention CVO Natalie Moore on the scene at saratoga living’s Overdress to Impress event; for exclusive access to the juicy recap and more for-locals coverage, scan the QR code below. The insider info she reports can be found only at After Hours.

back in april, at the Saratoga galas in the last two months.

Lions Club’s annual Night at Head to saratogaliving.

READ I N G T H E R O O M F R O M the Brewseum fundraiser, one substack.com (or use the QR SARATO GA C I T Y TAV E R N TO T H E smirking attendee named code below) to read about four HA LL O F SP R I N GS. John described the vibe of the local Derby Day parties, the evening this way: “The revelry” Make-A-Wish gala, the Wesley he said, feigning thoughtful introspection, “was infectious.”

Gala, saratoga living’s very own Cocktails & Clairvoyance Fast-forward a few months, and what was once a funny group medium reading and way more—and tune in all summer interview parody now pops into my mind whenever I’m out long for the most local, insider-y look at what’s really going in Saratoga. The revelry in the Spa City has been infectious down this track season, at both the races and all the soirées. lately, and that tangible electricity I’ve felt time and time again One thing I’ve noticed in all this social scene coverage since the world reopened following COVID is what I try to (besides the fact that event coverage is exhausting) is that capture in “Vibe Check,” a semi-regular segment of our threeI end up having way more fun when I bring my notebook times-a-week newsletter, Saratoga Living After Hours. along. All I had to do at Night at the Brewseum was walk up Vibe Check started about the same time SLAH launched, to John, notebook in hand, and he took it upon himself to and we kicked it off with the surprisingly rowdy Fall Flavor provide the quote of the night, which has since turned into Fusion dinner at SPAC, which began with my tablemate, Jeff, the quote of the season. Essentially, the notebook gives me helping himself to my wine, and ended with four attendees an excuse to talk to people, which is great, becausewhile delivering a pomegranate to the violinist performing at Vibe Check may be a fancy way of saying “event coverage,” Saratoga City Tavern. Since then, I’ve checked the vibe of I think of my Vibe Check stories more as “people coverage.” many formal and informal gatherings, including the Lake And, as it turns out, the people of Saratoga Springs are a George Ice Castles, Northway Brewing’s indoor disc golf pretty fun crowd. putting league, Chowderfest, Saratoga Comic Con and, speaking of Saratoga City Tavern, the five floors of Saratoga’s tallest bar. More recent Vibe Checks have skewed toward the upper-echelon of Saratoga’s social –Natalie Moore scene, given that there have been no fewer than 7,000 CVO (Chief Vibe Officer)

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