John Morrissey,
an undefeated Irish-American heavy-weight boxing champion, was the founding father of Saratoga Racetrack. He'd taught himself how to read and write, becoming the owner and operator of several gambling institutions in New York City, then Saratoga. Morrissey pushed himself even further, to become an elected official in both the United States Congress and New York State Senate. He was only 32 when his vision of thoroughbred racing began, with an enterprising four-day meet in Saratoga during the hot month of August,1863. It was an experiment of sorts. John knew that horse racing was a popular sport and was determined to see if it could become another successful endeavor for him. That day's success was huge and Saratoga fast became one of the world's most famous and beloved courses, even 153 years later.
Today,
the track is a family affair. The gates open early and thousands of people stream in, with picnic baskets and coolers of drinks. Children spend hours in the well-kept playground and enjoy meeting new friends, while their parents read the racing forms and pick their bets. Vendors are set up under big tents, selling things like fancy, embellished hats and original paintings, while the smell of food grilling permeates the air, assaulting the senses, all with live music in the background. Saratoga's race track is a book of rich history. With the Spa City voted both "Great American Place, Great American Main Street and Most Walkable City," you can be certain the dream of John Morrissey and the meet's unparalleled draw from July to September, have a great deal to do with acquiring the title.
48 | SaratogaMama | Summer 2016
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