Clambake
Rain or shine: Wednesday’s downpour took a break right at arrival time, so Hospital Gala party guests stayed dry. (Photos by Cathy Duffy)
From the editor
Happy Jim Dandy Day,
I’m expecting a packed house today at the track — heck, there wasn’t even an empty seat on Thursday, a clipped 8-race day in the mud. “Really?!” asked my dining companions later that evening.
No sleepy mid-week days this year, folks… And Sunday? Forget about it — with its packed card thanks to pushed-back races (Wednesday was cancelled; the turf was off Thursday and Friday), it’ll be a fun one.
See you there,
— Abby
P.S. As I feared, some wires got crossed when I migrated to the fancy new platform. If an automatic email doesn’t sound right, forward it to me and I’ll check on your subscription for you.
In this issue:
😳 A “26-year jinx” could be broken today
📸 Hospital Gala pics
🍽️ Foodies-only event
🎟️ Hot ticket: Caffè Lena
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The people there are awesome. The racetrack is hands down the best racetrack in this country. The town has phenomenal bars, martini bars, clubs, restaurants, everything … The only downside of Saratoga is the ride home.
📰 IN BRIEF
West Avenue is getting “a major makeover,” writes Dispatch alum Mel Snyder at The Daily Gazette.
The Times Union is on weekend flood watch.
Next week’s Whitney Day will feature some gold medal hockey players (all native New Yorkers), reports CBS6.
🏇 TRACK CHAT
The racing world said goodbye to an icon this week; Andrea “Ande” Phipps passed away on Tuesday. She was the co-owner and -breeder of Golden Tempo, and her late husband, Ogden Mills Phipps, was the longtime chairman of the Jockey Club. Much more in BloodHorse.
“Laid-back” Booked goes for a hat trick in today’s Saratoga Special, reports DRF. The Sanford-Saratoga Special double hasn’t been swept since 2000, which Horse Racing Nation calls a “26-year jinx.”
Tyler Gaffalione and Manny Franco are at Colonial Downs today so won’t be racing in Saratoga.
👉 For more on today’s card — including the Jim Dandy, starring Commandment and Renegade — see our friend David at the Tracksider, published every day there’s racing.
There was a big birthday party at the Turf Terrace Thursday, and they decked out their 10-top table area with streamers that could be seen from below — not the first time this year someone was spotted decorating. “Marylou would approve,” wrote one commenter.
The only weather report we needed this week
📌 ICYMI…
📸 IN PICTURES
Photos by Cathy Duffy
For Wednesday’s boozy Hospital Gala clambake, it paid to arrive on time — or, in truer Saratoga form, early. “The torrential rain stopped right at arrival time,” says one committee member. “But everyone is always so excited that they come early. The staff who remember us and other hospital supporters year after year greeted everyone like it was a college reunion.”
While out-of-town guests such as designer Jude Connally heeded flood advisories and didn’t drive into town, for locals it was completely dry under the tent.
Guests wore shawls (it dropped down to the 60s), and even rain boots (“fashionable ones”). The live auction went on so long — racking up money for hot tickets such as a luxe St. John “island escape” — that the silent auction closed without an announcement. This meant that those waiting until the last minute to score a deal missed out if they weren’t paying attention on their own. (Gentle reminder that driving up the price is the point at charity events!)
Julie and Sonny Bonacio were honored for sponsoring the gala for the tenth time.
And yes, at least one Jaws mask was spotted.
💃 TALES FROM DOWNTOWN
Not once, but twice this week I heard someone on Caroline Street howling at the full moon after midnight, and I wasn’t even mad about it.
Thursday night was another star-studded one at Solevo: Peter Brandt, Earle Mack, my buddy David Catalfamo at the Tracksider, and Chad Brown — who’s currently Saratoga’s No. 1-ranked trainer.
And Gaffney’s is definitely back … restaurant is fantastic; after about 10 (usually Weds-Sun; check listings) the live music starts for the party crowd. Great to see Lilli Van Hall out and about, stunning in white (and her signature pastel silicone bag from her shop Leonie).
🍽️ CHEF’S MENU
Standard Fare’s Sunday “Off Menu” chef’s tasting is expanding due to popular demand. After selling out, the August 9 affair — An Evening in Campania — added a 4 p.m. supper opportunity and additional tables at 6:30.
The tasting menu-only sit-downs are also scheduled for August 23, September 6 and September 20 (6:30 only — so far).
To secure your spot, go to standardfaresaratoga.com.
🎟️ HOT TICKET
Bettye LaVette, who was hailed by the New York Times as “one of the great soul interpreters of her generation,” performs at Caffè Lena tomorrow night.
Bettye LaVette has a very special show planned for Caffè Lena tomorrow night.
“With a husky, emotion-laden voice, veteran soul singer Bettye LaVette delivers a set of funky old songs, fervent Gospel and broken-hearted blues with an intimacy that makes Caffe Lena feel like her living room,” says Lena's Executive Director Sarah Craig. “Few can confide nuggets of truth like this Grammy-nominated artist who has performed everywhere from Broadway to President Obama's inauguration.”
To grab your ticket for Sunday’s 7 p.m. show, visit caffelena.org.
See you out there!
