This image is the cover for the book Saratoga Race Course, Sports

Saratoga Race Course, Sports

In the early 1800s, Saratoga Springs was mostly a tourist destination because of its natural mineral waters and their healing powers.


But that changed in 1863 with the opening of the Saratoga Race Course. From then on, summers in the Spa City came alive with the excitement of the "sport of kings." Since the victory of the great horse Kentucky in the introductory Travers Stakes, the racecourse has showcased the sport's greatest champions. Otherwise seemingly uncatchable thoroughbreds--including Man o' War and Secretariat--faced unexpected defeat on its turf, earning Saratoga the nickname the "Graveyard of Champions." Author Kimberly Gatto chronicles the story of the oldest thoroughbred racetrack in the country, with tales of the famous people and horses that contributed to its illustrious history.

Kimberly Gatto

Kimberly Gatto is a professional writer specializing in equestrian and sports books. Her published works to date include four horse-related titles and several athlete biographies. Kim's work has been included in various publications, including the Blood-Horse, the Chronicle of the Horse, the Equine Journal and Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul. Gatto is an honors graduate of Boston Latin School and Wheaton College. A lifelong rider and horsewoman, she is the proud owner of a lovely off-the-track thoroughbred.

The History Press