by Krista Reisdorf

In 1777, American troops defeated British troops in the Revolutionary War's Battle of Saratoga in Saratoga, N.Y. During what has been called one of the greatest battles that was ever fought in America, British Gen. John Burgoyne surrendered, and the battle became a major turning point in the U.S.'s war for independence.

Now, more than 200 years later, a new battle has emerged in Saratoga—the battle between preservation and modernization. The future of the Saratoga Race Course is in limbo as a decision is yet to be made regarding who will operate the oldest existing racetrack in the U.S.

History

In 1863, the first four-day experimental "meeting," or race event, was held at Horse Haven in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Because the meeting was successful, businessmen William Travers and John Hunter decided to build a racetrack across the street. With alleged financial backing from John Morrissey, a former bare-knuckles boxing champion, bouncer, gambler and U.S. congressman, the Saratoga Race Course was built. Its inaugural meeting was in 1864 and included the Travers Stakes, which is reportedly the oldest stakes race in continuous existence in the U.S.

The racetrack experienced a slump during the 1880s when horseracing fans were split between Saratoga Race Course and a new Monmouth racetrack in New Jersey. Although the Monmouth course closed in 1893, the Saratoga course continued to struggle and was forced to close for two seasons in 1911 because of a law that made oral betting illegal. During World War II, because of travel restrictions, the Saratoga Meet was moved to Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., and the Saratoga racetrack didn't reopen until 1946.

The track has been called the "Graveyard of Favorites" or "Graveyard of Champions" because of all of the upsets experienced there, including in 1919 when the legendary Man o' War suffered the only loss of his 21-race career.

"Saratoga is where underdogs have always triumphed," says Francis LaBelle, a spokesman for the New York Racing Association (NYRA), referring not only to the horse races but also to the battle in 1777.

The racetrack is viewed as one of the most beautiful in North America and was recently named among the "Top 20 Venues of the 20th Century" by Sports Illustrated.

The cause

NYRA has operated the Saratoga Race Course for more than a half century. However, it now is up against three other private bidders for operation of the racetrack.

Although all parties are pledging to respect the historic character of Saratoga Race Course, talk of modernizing the historic racetrack with upgraded dining facilities and luxury-style seating has made many people nervous.

"Everyone's saying the right things now," says Jay DiLorenzo, head of the Preservation League of New York State. "But who knows what the future holds?"

Saratoga Race Course has many Victorian structures and historical pieces, including a turreted grandstand, which is on the National Register of Historic Places; horse barns dating back to 1864; the infield's original manually operated jockey weight change boards; and original brass bell in the winner's circle that signals the time for jockeys to mount their horses.

DiLorenzo and others are concerned major alterations—or even small, inappropriate alterations—will be made, citing Churchill Downs, home to the Kentucky Derby, as an example. Churchill Downs, which was built in 1883, is most recognizable by its twin spires. However, during a modernization plan in 2005, two structures housing luxury boxes, restaurants and other new amenities were added on either side of the spires. Those fighting for preservation of the Saratoga racetrack believe the new structures at Churchill Downs now dwarf the beloved spires and render them visually irrelevant.

"The first time I saw [Churchill Downs] on television, I gasped," DiLorenzo says. "There are a lot of changes that may seem incremental and not like a lot in and of themselves, but these things have a cumulative effect."

Although the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation acknowledges that some modernization and upgrades are necessary for the racetrack to remain competitive, it cautions against changes that would hurt its historical value. To fight these changes and promote careful decisions regarding the racetrack, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation and other preservation groups created a draft bill to advocate a practical four-step approach to protect and preserve the race course but also to balance modernization and preservation.

The plan involves completing an updated inventory of historic resources for all buildings and landscape features, identifying their current condition; incorporating all buildings and landscape features of historic, architectural or cultural significance into the Union Avenue local historic district; completing a comprehensive facilities management plan that includes design standards based on the secretary of the interior standards; and having the Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission oversee the racetrack, with the authority to review all proposed additions, renovations or demolitions. The bill was given to Gov. Eliot Spitzer's (D-N.Y.) office, as well as leaders in the Senate and Assembly.

The Saratoga Springs City Council has added the racetrack to its Union Avenue Historic District. In addition, The Preservation League of New York State has added the racetrack to its list of endangered historic resources, which means it now has many legal, technical and advocacy services at its fingertips to help in its fight.

The future

Whether NYRA or a private operator would be better for preserving the racetrack is up for debate. Supporters of the NYRA say the organization has managed to preserve it for more than 50 years and should be given the chance to continue. Raymond Keating, a columnist for www.newsday.com, supports the idea of a private operator and says NYRA has wasted track assets, filed for bankruptcy, been involved in scandals and hasn't done anything to boost racing in New York state.

Spitzer has recommended that NYRA remain operator of the racetrack, and it is expected the state legislature most likely will confirm that recommendation. NYRA's contract was set to expire by Jan. 1, but hours before the NYRA's contract expired, officials announced a three-week extension, allowing the agreement to run through Jan. 23. On Jan. 21, NYRA was given another extension through Feb. 13.

"The decision of who will manage the racecourse will have a lasting effect," DiLorenzo says. "This is a vitally important question. This isn't about stopping change. It's about being prepared. All change isn't bad, but it really needs to be guided by a solid understanding of what we have here."

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