2010 Travers Day
Saratoga's "Mid-Summer Derby"
Date: Saturday, August 28, 2010
Gates Open Early at 7:00 a.m.
Early Post time: 12:00 p.m.
General Admission: $5.00
Clubhouse Admission: $10.00
2010 Travers Festival Events: (The festival runs from Saturday August 21 - Sunday August 29)
Saturday, August 21: Travers Festival Begins
Sunday August 22: Giveaway Day
Saturday, August 28: 141st Annual Travers Stakes Post Time: Noon
Sunday, August 29: Last Day of the 2010 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.
