In a town that lives and breathes Thoroughbred racing, this title brings to life the total Saratoga racing experience. From the backside, frontside, cultural monuments, and after- race-day social gatherings, racing aficionados will treasure this unique keepsake.
I hope heaven is as beautiful as Saratoga Springs in August!
I first laid eyes on the Spa City in the fall of 1958. My husband, Cornelius "Sonny" Vanderbilt Whitney, had brought me to finalize the sale of his summer home, Cady Hill House. After spending only one day in this enchanting town, I decided we could not abandon it. Although over the years Saratoga had become a bit run-down and devoid of people, the town smiled at me! I learned right away that there was no other community in the world that embraced its residents like Saratoga Springs. I loved the feel of Saratoga so much I offered to buy the property from my husband. He told me that if I loved the house and town so much, it must have great potential. Forty-five years later, Saratoga is not only the "Summer Place to Be," it is my main home.
As America's oldest arena for Thoroughbred racing, Saratoga Springs has always had the best racing in the country. However, very few people were coming to the track back in the 1950's. Sonny told me how his grandfather, William C. Whitney, with the help of a couple of investors, purchased the track to save it from almost certain demolition in the early 1900's. Sonny was very discouraged at how Saratoga Race Course seemed to be again following the same path. He asked me if I had any ideas on how we might help restore this region to its former glory. I read every history book I could find on the Spa City. I fell in love with the Victorian opulence of the days of "Diamond Jim" Brady, and I set out to restore those grand times.
The people who have been charged with running and promoting our Saratoga racetrack have preserved the old feel and elegance of days gone by. Their wisdom has allowed for growth and demand, while still maintaining tradition. Walking into the grandstands still makes me feel as though I just stepped back into the racing world of the 19th century. There is no other track in America that has the ambiance and charm of Saratoga. World-class racing could have no finer setting than my beloved Saratoga Springs.
Saratoga: The Ultimate Racing Experience, showcases Saratoga at its best. Future generations will look to this book as an illustration of the grand times in the 21st century. Reading about Saratoga's past is wonderful. However, living in Saratoga Springs today is even better.
Marylou Whitney
