The 140th Travers Stakes At Saratoga Race Course

2009 Travers Festival Events: (The festival runs from Saturday August 22 - Sunday August 30)

• Saturday, August 22: Travers Festival Begins
• Sunday August 23: Giveaway Day
• Saturday, August 29: 140th Annual Travers Stakes Post Time: Noon
• Sunday, August 30: Last Day of the 2009 Travers Festival
  
  * more events TBA

History

The Travers Stakes in Saratoga Springs is the oldest major thoroughbred horse race in America. The first Travers took place in 1864 at Saratoga Race Course. The race began when bare-knuckles boxing champion and US congressman, John Morrissey held a four-day meeting at Horse Haven. The meeting was so successful it was decided to build a racetrack right across the street.

John Hunter and William R. Travers were said to be the organizers of building the Saratoga Race Course in 1864. Travers also owned and bred many of the best horses. Together, Hunter and Travers owned a horse named Kentucky, the first winner of the stakes.

Today, Travers Weekend is one of the largest weekends throughout the Saratoga racing season. Thousands of people travel to Saratoga Springs each year during the racing season, specifically to participate and watch the Travers Stakes.