Known as “the place to be” for the summer horse racing scene, Saratoga is one of the most iconic destinations for northeastern vacationers. Its slogan is “Health, History, Horses” reflecting the three things that the city is best known for. This year Saratoga is celebrating its centennial anniversary with commemorative events and projects. Speaking of history, did you know the Saratoga Racetrack is over 150 years old? Cheers to that!
The $1.25 Million Whitney Handicap, a Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic will kick off the Summer at Saratoga series Broadcasted on NBC at 5PM ET on August 8. Catch the action for this Grade 1 race for horses age three and up running a distance of 1 1/8 miles. The race is named for the Whitney family, whose members have been prominent participants and supporters of the sport for generations. The rules for fashion throughout the summer at Saratoga remain unchanged: keep it classy and dress to impress.
In case you haven’t been, the rules for dress code at the Saratoga Springs Racetrack vary depending on the location of your tickets. A quick style guide below will help prepare your outfit:
• Grandstand: Informal attire. Shirts and shoes required.
• Clubhouse and Luxury Suites: Casual-chic. casual sundresses for ladies, polo shirts and khakis for gentleman.
• Box Seats: Dress it up.
Gentlemen-suits or sports jackets required (ties are not required).
Ladies- dresses, skirts or slack outfits. Bold and bright colors are popular trackside. Hats are a must!
• Paddock Tent, The Porch, Club Terrace & Carousel Restaurant: Racing Chic.
Gentlemen- collared shirts are required.
Ladies- dresses, skirts, and (hats or fascinators of course!)
• Turf Terrace and Rail Pavilion: Neat Casual Attire.
Gentlemen – collared shirts required. No shorts, t-shirts or jeans.
Please note: management at the racetrack reserves the right to use discretion of neat casual attire.
Ladies, white is classic and very “Saratoga-esque”. Bright bold colors for summer are also very in-style.
So, the for the hat or fascinator: the bigger the better! Head over to Christine A. Moore millinery to pick out a good one… Add a hint of color to stand out.
Where to buy? Check out:
For the gents, a sophisticated tailored dark blue plaid suit with a straw fedora finishes off a fresh summer look.
One can never be overly-dressed at Saratoga. So, to play it safe, dress up rather than dress down. You never know who you might meet…
Remember to submit your photos and videos here: http://www.breederscup.com/bclive for the chance to be featured on the NBC broadcast or on the Breeders’ Cup Social Media.
Other Breeders’ Cup Challenge races at Saratoga coming up include:
August 29:
Sword Dancer Invitational – qualifier for the Longines Turf
Forego Handicap – qualifier for the Twin Spires Sprint
Ballerina Stakes – qualifier for the Filly & Mare Sprint
Personal Ensign H. – qualifier for the Longines Distaff
September 5: Spinaway Stakes – qualifier for the Juvenile Fillies.
Until then, we’ll see you at the SPA!
