HALLANDALE BEACH, FL, September 8, 2026 – The Saratoga Thoroughbred meet ended Monday so there is neither a need for, nor a desire to, bang on the hyperbole drum. Acknowledging that, 2026 was the most aesthetically pleasing session I ever witnessed–and I made my first trip to Saratoga in1977. Has anyone seen another year to match it?
Let me count the ways of racing’s acknowledged premier race meet that traditionally attracts the best equine and horsemanship talent.
Manny, Manny, Manny: I was there for the Cordero era, the Bailey years, and the Ortiz’s most recent decade. With the exception King Cordero’s championship 45-wins-in-24-days meet, no rider has been as prolific; 73 wins in 45 days, the only titlist to have won the Travers and Alabama in the same year.
Yes, Irad was on the shelf and Ramon Dominguez’s forced retirement helped the Ortiz brothers’ ascension. We know; That’s the game.
But Flavien Prat (67 wins) and Jose Ortiz (66) were more than noteworthy, they were awesome. Prior commitments at Kentucky Downs saw them leave town over the weekend. Ironically, Prat rode six winners on Sunday, his “losing” margin to Franco at the Spa. And throw in Ricado Santana’s 45, gave this Murderers’ Row a total of 251 winners. Astounding!
Boys and Girls: Unless a major barn such as Brad Cox or Steve Asmussen make a major assault on the Saratoga trainer’s title, and with Todd Pletcher with a different agenda in recent years [primarily developing youngsters] no barn will ever have the ammunition to challenge Chad Brown (42 wins) or Linda Rice (40) for the laurels. Knocking off either of these two would take nothing less.
Clear skies would make Chad the favorite to win his seventh consecutive title in 2027, his 10th overall. Should Saratoga’s many grass races get rained off, then make Linda–and her ability to place horses perfectly—a slight favorite. Win or lose the title, their runners usually are a focal point of every race they enter.
Perhaps more amazing is the fact that all horsemen, both owners and trainers point for Saratoga and despite the dominance of a handful, 110 trainers won races at the meet, yet another amazing 2026 stat.
Like Father, Like Son: Christophe Clement would have had tears in his eyes watching son Miguel win the Hall of Famer Stakes on the afternoon he was inducted into the pantheon. It was an unbelievable tribute and accomplishment, allowing fans and friends of the beloved Christophe to rejoice in one of the family’s shining moments.
Sovereignty Returns: Not quite, after all, because the Whitney was the Horse of the Year 2025 third start off a layup, the sweet spot of the champion’s form cycle. But it was the first time the four-year-old resembled the three-year-old that earned all his deserved accolades.
Whether the left hind foot absence responds completely in time to make the Jockey Club Gold Cup is dicey now. I would be surprised if he started–and not completely convinced that he should. The goal, after all, is to have a very Happy Halloween. One needs to be completely ready to take the Forever Young challenge.
Milestones R Us: Astounding numbers for both and jockey and trainer: 6.000 is a huge number. But to do it at Saratoga, where Todd Pletcher captured 15 training title, and where Javier Castellano won seven Travers, the lynchpin of the Saratoga race meet, could not have been more appropriate and deserving.
Fee Fi Fo Fum: It’s not the blood of an Englishman I smell, rather it’s the vanquished rivals I picture left in his wake. There was his record setting romp in the Grade 1 Woody Stephens and Grade 1 H Allen Jerkens that garnered the most attention in this year’s three-year-old class. First, a seven-furlong track record followed by a return that missed his record by 31/100s of a second.
Visually, the ‘Woody’ is in the conversation [mea culpa Dr. Fager] for the most impressive seven-eighths of a mile ever run. Dominance is one thing, but when coupled with a completely geared-down final furlong gallop, it rendered seeing disbelieving. He’s the favorite to be the shortest-priced public choice of Breeders’ Cup weekend.
this is a live column, editing and much more content to follow
4 Responses
Good points John. One of the best things about Saratoga is seeing the youngsters in attendance asking for autographs from the riders etc.
When I’m attending the races at Saratoga after walking the entire grounds from the backyard to the apron I take a deep breathe and realize what a special environment it is.
The smells of the cigars, pop corn, beer and horse manure fill the air and it’s also appealing.
People watching us also a specialty at The Spa (the women can dazzle the eye) ha ha!’
The family traditions are special to many at the Spa and the lost family members are honored with the stories of the past. I can go on and on but you get the picture.
I get the picture indeed; observations are right on, Jack
Don’t know about you JP, but in my day, enjoyed whipping out my humongous wad of cash to buy a small pocket program, a hot dog, a beer, etc., each time making sure everybody in the vicinity could get a good gander at it, especially the gold-digging floozies looking for a good time. Now, if you flaunt your currency, they call security, and you are subject to removal from the premises. How am I supposed to impress people without cash? Picking an outstanding number of daily winners does not seem to impress anybody, and this cashless society makes me finally believe that I better stop being narcissistic, and start storing my treasure in heaven, because I want to meet Abe Lincoln and talk shit with Willie Shoemaker. What is a world without a dollar and a penny; true Americana?
Query, did they put in pay toilets at the new Belmont Park? My prostate ain’t what it used to be. Pick winners my friends.
TTT
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I fell off my chair laughing with your closing line!!!