Saratoga Race Course, the nation's oldest thoroughbred racetrack, is one possible option for the next race for American Pharoah, the first Triple Crown winner in two generations.
On Aug. 1st, Saratoga hosts the Jim Dandy Stakes, followed by the the Travers Stakes on Aug. 29. The $1.25 million Travers is Saratoga's biggest race, with a history dating back to 1864.
"With the Travers Stakes, we draw great crowds, in the 50,000-60,000 range," says Todd Garofano, president of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau. "What would that number be if he were to come to Saratoga? And if it's not the Travers but the Jim Dandy, that would be just as awesome. How many more thousands would show up in the week or two leading up to his race just to watch him work out?"
Garofano adds, "The phone calls, emails, and text messages started as [American Pharoah] was in the Belmont Stakes Winners Circle. Saratoga would roll out the red carpet for American Pharoah and his team like no other destination could!"
A Facebook page, American Pharoah to Saratoga-The Travers Stakes, has been created, and in just a few hours nearly 800 people have liked it.