Saratoga Open House

A visit to the venerable Saratoga Race Course can make it hard to believe the various gloom-and-doom scenarios that are often presented for the sport of horse-racing.

For instance, about 20,000 fans turned out Sunday afternoon for the annual Open House -- that's the kind of crowd most tracks would envy and it was even more extraordinary because the event is just an "intro" to the season, featuring some kid-friendly events and seven non-betting races.

But the backyard was full of families and picnickers -- and the box seats, usually reserved for the "muckety-mucks", were filled to capacity with Average Joe's.

The seven-race card featured steeplechase events as well as some maiden races on the flat. Three-year-old filly Sapodilla from Biancone/Tabor (pictured above left in the paddock) looked good winning a 4.5 furlong race and is one to watch when entered back. And Moneytrain from Jonathan Sheppard also looked good winning a turf race for jumpers.

The Open House also afforded fans their first look at NYRA's new "luxury boxes" -- the modular buildings planted on the clubhouse turn that will provide private party rooms for corporate clients and the well-heeled.

There was some concern that the "boxes" would detract from the aesthetic appeal of the historic racetrack -- however, while they certainly don't add to the appeal, they seem to be situated so that, for most fans, they won't have a significant impact on the looks of the facility.

Of course up-close the buildings are a little less unassuming -- with circus-like awnings on top and carnival-ride stairs on the back.

The inside of each is nicely appointed with plenty of seating, a private betting window, a bathroom, and large screen TVs.

And while the clubhouse turn location might not be an optimum spot for watching races (that where the TVs come into play) the inside seating provides a nice view of the track. And party-ers can also climb the stairs and enjoy the view from the roof of their "luxury box".

All-in-all theses "boxes" are probably a pretty good choice for those who are so inclined.

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