Join The Saratoga Special Readers Club for exclusive access to news, swag, discounts, special events and more

News

Tryon Steeplechase picks & preview

It’s June, do you know where your steeplechase season went? The National Steeplechase Association circuit started in mid-April (instead of mid-March) and extends to a third month with Saturday’s stop in Tryon, N.C. for the 74th Tryon Block House Races. The meet has changed locations and management – now calling the Green Creek Racecourse at the Tryon International Equestrian Center home.

2021 Belmont Day stakes picks

The main event and the final stop on the 2021 Triple Crown, the 153rd Belmont Stakes anchors a star-studded card Saturday at Belmont Park.

Belmont Friday stakes picks

The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival kicked off Thursday and rolls along Friday with an 11-race card topped by five stakes of just about every variety.

EssentialQuality

2021 Belmont Stakes field set

Godolphin’s homebred champion Essential Quality looks to bounce back from his first defeat and Rombauer looks to do what hasn’t been done since 2005 in Saturday’s $1.5 million Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park.

The Sting: McMahons celebrate with stakes win by homebred

Paper, cotton, leather…gold at 50. And on your 51st anniversary? How about three wins by your New York stallion, including one by a filly you bred and co-own in her stakes debut, on Big Apple Showcase Day Monday at Belmont Park. Yeah, that’s how Joe and Anne McMahon celebrated their 51st anniversary on Memorial Day 2021. Dinner at Mama Riso’s in Lake George topped it off.

Big Apple Showcase Special

One of the most anticipated days of the year on the NYRA circuit unfolds Monday with the annual Big Apple Showcase card featuring six stakes and 10 races total for New York-breds.

Gold Cup Weekend Picks & Preview

You know it must be a pandemic when the Virginia Gold Cup moves to the last Saturday in May from its traditional first Saturday in May date, but jump racing will take it as spectators will be allowed on site at Great Meadow and a strong lineup fills nine races. If you’re going this year, enjoy. If you’ve never been, put it on your list.

The Saturday Special – May 29

Memorial Day Weekend starts in earnest – unless you’re already underway thanks to our great teacher friends with unused snow days – Saturday with top shelf racing from coast to coast.