Monthly Archives: July 2019

The Heat Wave Struck but Guests Still Had Fun

July 24, 2019 by Brunswick B&B

Saratoga Springs is a destination because of its three “Hs”, History, Health and Horses. But of late, a different set of “H’s” of have taken hold. The great Irving Berlin penned the lyrics to the song Heat Wave for a 1933 musical, A THOUSAND CHEERS. Although celebrating the sensual movements of a nubile can-can dancer, the opening lyrics apply to the recent weather we’ve experienced around the country and in Saratoga Springs, NY:

“Oh! We’re having a heatwave, a tropical heatwave
The temperature’s rising, it isn’t surprising,..”

It is certainly not surprising. Over the years, when queried about weather in Saratoga Springs, my answer is this: “Hazy, Hot and Humid, with a reasonable chance for a monsoon.”

What surprised was the combination of high temperature and humidity, humidity index, which made the outside air feel too much like a sauna. So much so that the New York Racing Association would be compelled to cancel its Saturday July 21 race card. Clearly, it was in the best interests of its athletes, equine and human, and guests to cancel.

So, what do we do at The Brunswick at Saratoga when a race day is cancelled? “Post Time on the Porch!” Well, in our air conditioned dining room, as outside on the porch was not fit for man nor beast.

Chef Kate prepared a casual and light luncheon for guests and staff. The conversation was lively; an afternoon card game followed. Those less interested in cards spent the afternoon on Broadway, introducing themselves to and experiencing shops and shop owners they would not see for racing.

All in all, a good decision from NYRA and a good day for our guests.

Book your fall getaway now. Booking direct is better for you and for The Brunswick at Saratoga Bed and Breakfast. Call 518-584-6751.

Expected Heat Cancels Saratoga’s Saturday Racing Card

July 19, 2019 by Brunswick B&B

We were interviewed about the impact of Saturday’s cancelled racing card, check out the article by The Daily Gazette:

Click here to Read.

2019 Racing Days

July 10, 2019 by Brunswick B&B

The Saratoga Track Season, the New York Racing Association’s (NYRA) premier race meet, carries a long history. As Martha Stewart would say, “It’s a good thing.” But, over the years NYRA management has implemented changes to the Saratoga Track Season schedule. 2019 is a year of change, one we hope will have a positive impact on travelers to Saratoga. Local journalist Mike MacAdam wrote last December in the Daily Gazette, “Why would NYRA mess with a good thing? They’d do it if they believed it would be a better thing. For them.”

The number of racing days at Saratoga, which had been 24 for decades, has gradually grown since the 1980s. In 1975, the dark day was switched from Sunday to Tuesday, and in 1982, they ran 27 days with no dark days. It expanded to five weeks and 30 racing days (opening on a Wednesday) in 1991, then was briefly at 34 before going to 36 in 1997. The standard became 40 in 2010.
And it has worked, for NYRA and the fans, even if a stronghold of traditionalists (myself included) doesn’t always like the decisions NYRA makes.

People have loved the “boutique” nature of the Saratoga meet since they first started running thoroughbreds in 1863. It has always been a dazzling meteorite streaking across the racing sky.

As MacAdam says, the change is good for NYRA. Monday race days were the slowest days of any meet. From the perspective of a racing fan, however, converting Mondays from a race day to a dark day eliminates what was one of the least chaotic and most enjoyable race day experiences: the excitement of racing without the challenge of big race day crowds.

Two dark days will give some respite to backstretch barn workers, grooms, trainers and jockeys. But keeping Thoroughbreds in training is a 24/7 job. It’s a good thing that trainers and owners won’t lose opportunities to race for purses; the number of race days remains at 40. But opening in July means longer housing needs and increased expenses.

The change to two dark days will present a challenge of sorts to the Saratoga business community. There is no shortage of activities and experiences outside of racing to engage travelers, but two dark days just might not play well with the horse set.

To further entice travelers, The Brunswick will discount Monday – Tuesday rates by 30% for those more interested in experiencing Saratoga than the Saratoga Track Season. Call us directly at 518-564-6751 to book your Monday – Tuesday Saratoga stay.

Track Season is Almost Upon Us

July 1, 2019 by Brunswick B&B

Track Season at Saratoga Race Course is Christmas in July and a non-stop high school or college reunion. It’s an annual gift to regional and “ship-in” fans. More importantly, Track Season at Saratoga Race Course is the setting for annual gatherings of family and friends. They come together from near and far to share a day, or days, immersed in the puzzle posed by a field of Thoroughbreds. “Who da ya like?” is the operative question. We at The Brunswick at Saratoga Bed and Breakfast look forward to the opportunity to both reconnect with our many returning Track Season guests and meet those who have chosen to stay with us for the first time.

At The Brunswick at Saratoga Bed and Breakfast we speak “track”. Tom, a member of the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters with media responsibilities for the Capital Off Track Betting Corporation, has been part of the Saratoga Race Course scene for thirty years. During Track Season Guests engage with each other and staff about race day  cards, specific races, trends and post-race activities.  After a day at the races, guests relax on our front porch, enjoying conversation and light libations before setting out for dinner at one of Saratoga’s many fine dining establishments. They share tales of shouldas, wouldas, couldas, tough beats and those glorious wins.

The Saratoga Track Season, the New York Racing Association’s (NYRA) premier race meet, carries a long history. As Martha Stewart would say, “It’s a good thing.” But, over the years NYRA management has implemented changes to the Saratoga Track Season schedule. 2019 is a year of change, one we hope will have a positive impact on travelers to Saratoga. Local journalist Mike MacAdam wrote last December in the Daily Gazette:

Why would NYRA mess with a good thing? They’d do it if they believed it would be a better thing.

Join us at The Brunswick at Saratoga Bed and Breakfast for Track Season, during Track Season, or after for an overwhelmingly positive hospitality experience.

Photo Credit: mywinners.com

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