An honor to be introduced to Steve Kornacki through Bob Catalini and to have him become our special correspondent. A very cool chapter in The Real Players’ journey, made even better by Steve being a good person with a real love for the game.
Check out The Boston Globe’s story on be part of their story. 👇
bostonglobe.com/2026/10/31/bus…
Check out The Boston Globe’s story on be part of their story. 👇
bostonglobe.com/2026/10/31/bus…
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Horse racing brings people together. This was another reminder of that.
An honor to meet Bo Derek and share a conversation with her and Darrell Haire at the Breeders’ Cup. Her love for horses and the game shines through in person. 🏇
An honor to meet Bo Derek and share a conversation with her and Darrell Haire at the Breeders’ Cup. Her love for horses and the game shines through in person. 🏇
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A new chapter, built on years of experience. Lesley Campion and her son, Paddy, are stepping out on their own with Campion & Campion.
At the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Fall Mixed Sale, Lesley talked family, betting on themselves, and the small breeders, owners, and trainers who keep thisbuild something where the whole team can win. 🐎
At the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Fall Mixed Sale, Lesley talked family, betting on themselves, and the small breeders, owners, and trainers who keep thisbuild something where the whole team can win. 🐎
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Robbie dreamed of reaching the top of racing when he was a kid. He became a leading rider, rode champions, and made a name for himself in New York.
But when he talks about his legacy, he comes back to his children giving them a childhood, letting them find their own paths, and r own mark in racing.
But when he talks about his legacy, he comes back to his children giving them a childhood, letting them find their own paths, and r own mark in racing.
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Born enslaved in Kentucky, Edward Dudley Brown rose to become a Belmont Stakes winning jockey, a Kentucky Derby winning trainer, a successful owner, and a Hall of Famer one of the most accomplished horsemen of the 19th century.
Horseman Wallace Howard shares the remarkable story elped shape American thoroughbred racing.
Horseman Wallace Howard shares the remarkable story elped shape American thoroughbred racing.
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Paul Morongello has been coming to Belmont Park since his father brought him to see Forego in 1974. More than five decades of betting, 20 years of ownership and a lifetime of memories later, he returned for opening day of the new Belmont.
This is the heart and soul of the racetrack.
This is the heart and soul of the racetrack.
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Just before the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Ahmed Khan and Steve Kornacki shared their thoughts on the new Belmont and made their selections.
Steve took a shot on Baeza. Forever Young had other plans.
Steve took a shot on Baeza. Forever Young had other plans.
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A new era of racing at Belmont Park.
Real Players special correspondent Steve Kornacki catches up with Drew Fleming of the Breeders’ Cup to discuss this historic moment and what lies ahead for the future of the game.
Real Players special correspondent Steve Kornacki catches up with Drew Fleming of the Breeders’ Cup to discuss this historic moment and what lies ahead for the future of the game.
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Samantha Kamen shared her story as a blue collar breeder. Mike Repole heard her voice and invited her to meet him at Keeneland.
Less than 24 hours later, they connected.
This is what happens when real people are heard.
📸 Joe DiOrio
Less than 24 hours later, they connected.
This is what happens when real people are heard.
📸 Joe DiOrio
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We met Samantha Kamen at Keeneland. She’s a small breeder who does the work herself, from caring for her mares to raising their foals.
Talking with Samantha brought us right back to the human side of this game. Behind every horse are people who show up every day because they l Players whose stories we love to tell.
Talking with Samantha brought us right back to the human side of this game. Behind every horse are people who show up every day because they l Players whose stories we love to tell.
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🚨 EMERGENCY PRESS CONFERENCE
The Saratoga meet is over, but the mission keeps moving.
Thank you to our entire team and special correspondent @SteveKornacki for an unforgettable summer.
Next stops: Lexington. The new Belmont Park. The Pennsylvania Derby.
Real Players is on the move.
The Saratoga meet is over, but the mission keeps moving.
Thank you to our entire team and special correspondent @SteveKornacki for an unforgettable summer.
Next stops: Lexington. The new Belmont Park. The Pennsylvania Derby.
Real Players is on the move.
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A view from the booth with Saratoga track announcer @FrankMirahmadi
Frank welcomed us in to watch him call the $200,000 Funny Cide and offered some advice: keep the pedal to the metal.
He also singled out the Chad Brown interview conducted by our special correspondent, Steve of the meet. 🎙️🏇
Frank welcomed us in to watch him call the $200,000 Funny Cide and offered some advice: keep the pedal to the metal.
He also singled out the Chad Brown interview conducted by our special correspondent, Steve of the meet. 🎙️🏇
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Real Players in the paddock with @stoolpresidente minutes before Miss Watermelon made her Saratoga debut.
The last time we spoke with Dave, he said the hardest part was simply getting a horse to the starting gate. She made it to the gate and returned to the barn safely. The win t of three isn’t a bad start. 🏇🍉
The last time we spoke with Dave, he said the hardest part was simply getting a horse to the starting gate. She made it to the gate and returned to the barn safely. The win t of three isn’t a bad start. 🏇🍉
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A Saratoga moment you couldn’t script.
On Hopeful Day, The Real Players were inside Nick Zito’s box with our special correspondent, Steve Kornacki, when Andy Serling stopped by.
On Hopeful Day, The Real Players were inside Nick Zito’s box with our special correspondent, Steve Kornacki, when Andy Serling stopped by.
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It’s almost that time. As another memorable Saratoga meet begins to wind down, Steve Kornacki catches up with Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito for a closing weekend conversation.
A special thank-you to Steve and stay tuned. There’s still more to come. 🏇
A special thank-you to Steve and stay tuned. There’s still more to come. 🏇
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Alan Quartucci has spent a lifetime in racing.
We caught up with him to reflect on his incredible journey and the lasting relationships he’s built throughout the game.
It was a pleasure meeting you, Alan. 🏇
We caught up with him to reflect on his incredible journey and the lasting relationships he’s built throughout the game.
It was a pleasure meeting you, Alan. 🏇
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A Saratoga conversation with a true legend.
The Real Players special correspondent Steve Kornacki catches up with Shug McGaughey outside his barn to talk horses, history and a lifetime in the game. 🏇
The Real Players special correspondent Steve Kornacki catches up with Shug McGaughey outside his barn to talk horses, history and a lifetime in the game. 🏇
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Behind the scenes at the 152nd Kentucky Derby. 🎥🏇
Filmed and produced by Alex Gonzalez, who did an incredible job capturing the people, energy and stories behind Derby Week.
A special thank-you to @DerbyMedia, @HorseRacingKK and the entire @ChurchillDowns team for opening e Real Players access to tell these stories.
The journey continues.
Filmed and produced by Alex Gonzalez, who did an incredible job capturing the people, energy and stories behind Derby Week.
A special thank-you to @DerbyMedia, @HorseRacingKK and the entire @ChurchillDowns team for opening e Real Players access to tell these stories.
The journey continues.
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Steve Kornacki catches up with BloodHorse assistant news editor Sean Collins along the rail at the Oklahoma Training Track to talk about early mornings at Saratoga, covering the sport from behind the scenes and his passion for introducing a new generation of fans to horse racing.
y Museum to BloodHorse and his APharoah12 platform, Sean’s mission has remained the same: bringing people closer to the game. 🏇
y Museum to BloodHorse and his APharoah12 platform, Sean’s mission has remained the same: bringing people closer to the game. 🏇
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What a Travers Day for Katie Davis! 🌟
Katie told us that morning she had a shot and she delivered, guiding PEOPLE WATCHING to a 17-1 victory in the finale for trainer Tom Proctor.
Then she joined our special guest host, CBS Sports’ Lindsay Czarniak, to break down the win. track and in front of the camera. The Longshot Queen strikes again! 👑🏇
Katie told us that morning she had a shot and she delivered, guiding PEOPLE WATCHING to a 17-1 victory in the finale for trainer Tom Proctor.
Then she joined our special guest host, CBS Sports’ Lindsay Czarniak, to break down the win. track and in front of the camera. The Longshot Queen strikes again! 👑🏇
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Steve Kornacki catches up with Seth Klarman of Klaravich Stables after Fully Subscribed’s victory in the Personal Ensign. 🏆🏇
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The day before the Travers, Steve Kornacki joined us on the Oklahoma backstretch at Saratoga Race Course for a special morning with Chad Brown. 🏇
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Thank you, Bradley.
The @RealBackstretch has become the best video content the sport has. I’m not sure of their funding model, but I will say the @jockeyclub should MAKE sure these guys have a permanent home in our sport.
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Horse Racing: where females compete with the boys...and win…a lot!
A 2-minute history of the triumphs of women in the game, and an introduction to a trio of next-gens aiming to impact the sport
If you caught the recent REAL Players of the Backstretch clip, you saw three young raduates and summer interns at the aptly-named The Saratoga Special, talking about their future in horse racing. They aren’t just looking for a job—they are each walking their own paths toward making an impact on the sport.
Did I say walking? Watch the clip. As you will see, they are not walking, they’re running.
As with so many stories we bring you from the backstretch, this is one of the things about racing that makes it special. Even when the “special” is happening outside of Saratoga. It is a rarity in sports: women compete directly against men on identical terms.
This is not new. But like so many of the everyday heroes we profile here, it is a part of the game that is often lost in the headlines of multi-million dollar races and record-setting auctions. When Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby (and five weeks later, the Belmont Stakes), backstretch nation thought “yeah, you should see how women do the other 6 days of the week!”
The Trailblazers Who Paved the Way
For decades, women had to fight just to get licensed. Once the doors cracked open, they proved that horsemanship isn’t about raw physical power—it’s about balance, timing, and communication. Not chromosomes.
Diane Crump (1970): Became the first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby, breaking a massive gender barrier at Churchill Downs.
Julie Krone (1993): Showed the world women can win at the highest level by becoming the first female jockey to win a Triple Crown race (the Belmont Stakes). She later entered the Hall of Fame.
The Equine Superstars: It’s not just human athletes. Fillies like Rachel Alexandraand Rags to Riches regularly step out of female-only divisions to crush the best colts in the country in races like the Preakness and Belmont.
Passing the Torch to the Next Gen
Today, the modern backstretch is driven by women at every level. Trainers like Cherie DeVaux and Jena Antonucci (the first woman to train a Belmont Stakes winner) are running powerhouse, multi-million-dollar stables. And female jockeys, from Katie Davis and Chantal Sutherland, to Melissa Iorio, Kelsi Harr and Sara Hess, continue to inspire young women to enter and enjoy the sport.
Horse racing media has been enhanced by the pioneering leadership of people like Caton Bredar, Donna Brothers and Christina Blacker. The New York Racing Association (NYRA)’s CFO, Chief Legal Counsel, and HR Director are women.
When you watch those three young women in the REAL Players clip, you aren’t just watching an interview. You’re watching the next chapter of racing history unfold. They are stepping onto a track built by generations of fierce, talented women—and they’re ready to run right past the
ICYMI: facebook.com/share/v/19Lz9j…
ICYMI: instagram.com/reel/Da5OlpBM3…
A 2-minute history of the triumphs of women in the game, and an introduction to a trio of next-gens aiming to impact the sport
If you caught the recent REAL Players of the Backstretch clip, you saw three young raduates and summer interns at the aptly-named The Saratoga Special, talking about their future in horse racing. They aren’t just looking for a job—they are each walking their own paths toward making an impact on the sport.
Did I say walking? Watch the clip. As you will see, they are not walking, they’re running.
As with so many stories we bring you from the backstretch, this is one of the things about racing that makes it special. Even when the “special” is happening outside of Saratoga. It is a rarity in sports: women compete directly against men on identical terms.
This is not new. But like so many of the everyday heroes we profile here, it is a part of the game that is often lost in the headlines of multi-million dollar races and record-setting auctions. When Cherie DeVaux became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby (and five weeks later, the Belmont Stakes), backstretch nation thought “yeah, you should see how women do the other 6 days of the week!”
The Trailblazers Who Paved the Way
For decades, women had to fight just to get licensed. Once the doors cracked open, they proved that horsemanship isn’t about raw physical power—it’s about balance, timing, and communication. Not chromosomes.
Diane Crump (1970): Became the first woman to ride in the Kentucky Derby, breaking a massive gender barrier at Churchill Downs.
Julie Krone (1993): Showed the world women can win at the highest level by becoming the first female jockey to win a Triple Crown race (the Belmont Stakes). She later entered the Hall of Fame.
The Equine Superstars: It’s not just human athletes. Fillies like Rachel Alexandraand Rags to Riches regularly step out of female-only divisions to crush the best colts in the country in races like the Preakness and Belmont.
Passing the Torch to the Next Gen
Today, the modern backstretch is driven by women at every level. Trainers like Cherie DeVaux and Jena Antonucci (the first woman to train a Belmont Stakes winner) are running powerhouse, multi-million-dollar stables. And female jockeys, from Katie Davis and Chantal Sutherland, to Melissa Iorio, Kelsi Harr and Sara Hess, continue to inspire young women to enter and enjoy the sport.
Horse racing media has been enhanced by the pioneering leadership of people like Caton Bredar, Donna Brothers and Christina Blacker. The New York Racing Association (NYRA)’s CFO, Chief Legal Counsel, and HR Director are women.
When you watch those three young women in the REAL Players clip, you aren’t just watching an interview. You’re watching the next chapter of racing history unfold. They are stepping onto a track built by generations of fierce, talented women—and they’re ready to run right past the
ICYMI: facebook.com/share/v/19Lz9j…
ICYMI: instagram.com/reel/Da5OlpBM3…
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The future of horse racing is already here.
Meet Shea Brown, Taylor Barraclough, and Darby O’Brien three young women spending the summer with The Saratoga Special, learning the sport from the inside while pursuing careers in journalism, communications, breeding, and broadcasting.
Meet Shea Brown, Taylor Barraclough, and Darby O’Brien three young women spending the summer with The Saratoga Special, learning the sport from the inside while pursuing careers in journalism, communications, breeding, and broadcasting.
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Every horse has a story. Sometimes, that story reaches far beyond the racetrack.
This summer, West Point Thoroughbreds and the Saratoga Senior Center have teamed up to give one lucky supporter the chance to become a partner in Decorated Belle, a two-year-old New York-bred filly.
than owning a racehorse.
Proceeds from every raffle ticket support programs that help local seniors stay connected, active, and independent from transportation and wellness services to caregiver and Alzheimer’s support.
We caught up with Kristen Metzger from the Saratoga Senior Center and Tom Bellhouse of West Point Thoroughbreds to learn how this unique partnership came together, and why Saratoga’s racing community continues to give back beyond the backstretch.
🎟️ Would you ever want to own a share of a racehorse?
This summer, West Point Thoroughbreds and the Saratoga Senior Center have teamed up to give one lucky supporter the chance to become a partner in Decorated Belle, a two-year-old New York-bred filly.
than owning a racehorse.
Proceeds from every raffle ticket support programs that help local seniors stay connected, active, and independent from transportation and wellness services to caregiver and Alzheimer’s support.
We caught up with Kristen Metzger from the Saratoga Senior Center and Tom Bellhouse of West Point Thoroughbreds to learn how this unique partnership came together, and why Saratoga’s racing community continues to give back beyond the backstretch.
🎟️ Would you ever want to own a share of a racehorse?
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Three generations. One way of life.
John Kirby grew up on a Massachusetts horse farm where there were no weekends, no holidays, and no shortcuts just horses that needed to be cared for every single day.
John Kirby grew up on a Massachusetts horse farm where there were no weekends, no holidays, and no shortcuts just horses that needed to be cared for every single day.
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Meet In Front Runner. 🐎
The New York-bred colt by Gun Runner is entered in Thursday’s 2nd race at Saratoga Race Course.
We caught up with Howie Heiberger in the barn ahead of race day.
The New York-bred colt by Gun Runner is entered in Thursday’s 2nd race at Saratoga Race Course.
We caught up with Howie Heiberger in the barn ahead of race day.
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At 89 years old, trainer Bob Dunham has spent a lifetime around Thoroughbred racing. And when asked about the people behind the horses, he didn’t hesitate.
He believes grooms and hot walkers have been overlooked for far too long.
He believes grooms and hot walkers have been overlooked for far too long.
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Carlos, the foreman for Brad Cox’s Saratoga barn, takes us inside a typical day on the backstretch—from checking temperatures and feeding horses before sunrise to making sure every horse and every member of the team is ready for the track.
For Carlos, the reward comes when all into a trip to the winner’s circle.
For Carlos, the reward comes when all into a trip to the winner’s circle.
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Nick Zito reflects on D. Wayne Lukas’ attention to detail, the lasting legacy of Marylou Whitney, and the people who helped shape Saratoga into what it is today.
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Saratoga has a way of winning people over.
Don and Naho made their first trip to Saratoga Race Course, and by the end of the weekend, they understood why so many people call it the most special place in horse racing.
If you’ve never experienced a day at the races, put Saratoga the new Belmont Park reopens, make plans to experience that too.
Sometimes all it takes is one visit to become a fan. 🏇💙
Don and Naho made their first trip to Saratoga Race Course, and by the end of the weekend, they understood why so many people call it the most special place in horse racing.
If you’ve never experienced a day at the races, put Saratoga the new Belmont Park reopens, make plans to experience that too.
Sometimes all it takes is one visit to become a fan. 🏇💙
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The little things tell you a lot about a person.
Before the interview even started, Ron Moquett was fixing part of the barn. That simple moment led to a conversation about the philosophy behind caring for a racehorse.
Before the interview even started, Ron Moquett was fixing part of the barn. That simple moment led to a conversation about the philosophy behind caring for a racehorse.
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How does the claiming game really work?
We spent some time with the team at In Front Racing to get a behind-the-scenes look at the decision-making that goes into claiming a horse.
Sometimes, the best claim… is the one you don’t make.
We spent some time with the team at In Front Racing to get a behind-the-scenes look at the decision-making that goes into claiming a horse.
Sometimes, the best claim… is the one you don’t make.
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Ran into Junior and Javier outside Familiar Creature.
Javier was one of my clients back when I was cutting hair, and one of our conversations became one of the sparks that inspired this platform. Funny how a simple conversation can end up changing the direction of your life.
ull circle.
Javier was one of my clients back when I was cutting hair, and one of our conversations became one of the sparks that inspired this platform. Funny how a simple conversation can end up changing the direction of your life.
ull circle.
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What does the future of horse racing look like?
We caught up with Terry Finley of West Point Thoroughbreds at Saratoga before the Grade 2 Bowling Green Stakes to talk about racehorse ownership, Saratoga, and where the sport is headed.
We caught up with Terry Finley of West Point Thoroughbreds at Saratoga before the Grade 2 Bowling Green Stakes to talk about racehorse ownership, Saratoga, and where the sport is headed.
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We’ve got another great story from Saudia Burton coming soon. But today, we want to take a moment to remember Dan “Bluto” Anderson.
Bluto was a respected horseman and one of the old-timers who dedicated his life to this sport. In his later years, he worked at Taylor Made, and he on on the people who knew him.
Rest in peace, Dan “Bluto” Anderson. Thank you for everything you gave to horse racing. 💙🏇
Bluto was a respected horseman and one of the old-timers who dedicated his life to this sport. In his later years, he worked at Taylor Made, and he on on the people who knew him.
Rest in peace, Dan “Bluto” Anderson. Thank you for everything you gave to horse racing. 💙🏇
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Looking for the Real Players Rails polo at Saratoga Race Course?
Here’s exactly where to find it.
If you’re at the track, stop by the Official Saratoga Store and grab yours while they’re available. 👕🏇
Here’s exactly where to find it.
If you’re at the track, stop by the Official Saratoga Store and grab yours while they’re available. 👕🏇
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We caught up with Bill Gallo, Director of Racing for the National Steeplechase Association
Fifty years on the racetrack and still passionate about the people who make it all happen.
Fifty years on the racetrack and still passionate about the people who make it all happen.
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Hard work has a way of opening doors.
Kinnon LaRose started as a hot walker, worked his way through every level of the barn, and today he’s leading the stable once run by trainer Tom Amoss.
Kinnon LaRose started as a hot walker, worked his way through every level of the barn, and today he’s leading the stable once run by trainer Tom Amoss.
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If you follow horse racing on X, chances are you already know Shoe. We caught up with him at Saratoga Race Course to talk racing, Saratoga, and have a little fun. 🎪
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What does it actually feel like to own a racehorse?
We asked Howie Heiberger of In Front Racing Stables
His answer wasn’t about making money it was about the people, the experience, and that feeling of walking into the winner’s circle for the first time.
If you’ve ever been ownership, this one’s worth watching.
We asked Howie Heiberger of In Front Racing Stables
His answer wasn’t about making money it was about the people, the experience, and that feeling of walking into the winner’s circle for the first time.
If you’ve ever been ownership, this one’s worth watching.
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Lou Millstein on Saratoga:
Saratoga isn’t just a racetrack. It’s a place people come back to year after year for the people, the horses, and the experience.
Saratoga isn’t just a racetrack. It’s a place people come back to year after year for the people, the horses, and the experience.
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We caught up with photographer Olivia Witkowski, whose work captures not only the horses, but the exercise riders, grooms, hot walkers, and countless others who make this sport possible.
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One of thoroughbred racing’s youngest winning owners, Wesley Sigler is already making his mark on the sport. We caught up with him at Saratoga to hear his story and what fuels his passion for racing.
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Last year’s Newcomer Award winner, Kinnon LaRose, shares what the TIEA Award has meant to him.
If you’ve been thinking about submitting a nomination, don’t wait the deadline is quickly approaching.
Take a few minutes to recognize someone who’s making a difference in ery nomination helps shine a light on the people behind the industry.
If you’ve been thinking about submitting a nomination, don’t wait the deadline is quickly approaching.
Take a few minutes to recognize someone who’s making a difference in ery nomination helps shine a light on the people behind the industry.
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A milestone for The Real Players.
Today, we watched the very first official Real Players polo purchased at the Saratoga Race Course.
This collaboration with Saratoga Race Course and Old Smoke Clothing Co. is more than a shirt it’s a celebration of the people and stories that .
If you’re spending the day at the track, stop by the Official Saratoga Store and check them out. We hope you’ll wear it with pride.
Thank you to everyone who’s supporting the movement.
The Real Players. Inside the Backstretch.
Today, we watched the very first official Real Players polo purchased at the Saratoga Race Course.
This collaboration with Saratoga Race Course and Old Smoke Clothing Co. is more than a shirt it’s a celebration of the people and stories that .
If you’re spending the day at the track, stop by the Official Saratoga Store and check them out. We hope you’ll wear it with pride.
Thank you to everyone who’s supporting the movement.
The Real Players. Inside the Backstretch.
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