Ever since 1864, the Saratoga Race Course has held the Travers Stakes Race. This race is the oldest major thoroghbred race in the United States. The race spawned from a successful meeting that was held at the Horse Haven. John Morrissey, boxing champ and US congressman, was so thrilled be the success of the meeting he built the racetrack right across the street.
The Saratoga Race Course was built by John Hunter and William R. Travers. Not only were these two men the organizers of the building of the track, they also owned and bred many great horses. One of their best horses, coincidentally named Kentucky, actually won the first Travers Stakes Race.
Still, today the Travers Weekend is one of the largest weekends thoughout the Saratoga season. Mostly drawn to the famous Travers Stakes, thousands travel every year to see the oldest thoroughbred race in America.
This year’s Travers Stakes Race will take place Saturday, August 25. The Gates open early at 7 a.m. You can visit www.saratogaracetrack.com to learn more.
By Anne Kreke