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Thoroughbred racing debuted in Saratoga Springs in 1863. About 125 acres of land were purchased across the street from the original track and, in 1864, a crowd of 10,000 jammed the new Saratoga Race Course for the first day of a four-day meet. William Travers was named president of the racing association and a new race, the Travers Stakes, was named in his honor. In 1985 a new grandstand park area was opened, featuring picnic grounds, television monitors, betting windows and concession stands.

There is no better time to experience "the summer place to be" than the beginning of the day. Expert commentary is given as the Thoroughbreds go through their morning workouts.

Breakfast is served each racing day on the clubhouse porch. Admission is free during breakfast hours. The a la carte breakfast is available from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Grounds are cleared before the gates open and then regular parking and admission prices apply.

While enjoying the morning, there also are opportunities to take a free tram tour of the barn area. Or, you may choose to tour the historic grounds or catch the Paddock show and Starting Gate Demonstration. Vehicles leaving the grounds before 10 a.m. receive a parking refund.

The 1999 season at Saratoga Race Course gets underway July 28 and runs through Sept. 6.

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