From the editor
Happy pre-Travers Tuesday, Dispatchers.
Remember when Belmont felt like the beginning of summer … approximately 400 events ago?
Now we’re exhausted and counting down to the last big race — and ignoring the fact that surviving Travers is a lateral move. Yes, we’re desperate for the madness to end … but does summer really have to end with it?
Let’s finish on a high note. Be good to each other out there.
Saratoga puts on one heck of a summer. But what makes this place special is who’s still here when the party’s over.
— Abby
In this issue:
📸 Fashion for a cause
💃 Hello, bourbon and goodbye, cookies
👒 Hat trick?
🏇 Track report
🍻 Raising the bar-n
📩 Was this forwarded to you by a friend? Subscribe — and join the more than 6,000 of your neighbors who never miss a thing.
🀄 Mahjong Beginner’s Classes (only 5 tickets left!) 🀄
Sunday, August 30, 1 p.m.: SOLD OUT
Sunday, August 30, 3 p.m. SOLD OUT
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 4 p.m. (5 tix left)
📸 PARTY PICS
Fifth Annual Tribute to Transforming Lives with Living Resources and Building on Love
Photos by Jessica Troisi
On everyone’s chair before Sunday’s brunch tradition at the 1863 Club: a mini lawn jockey from the day’s giveaway. And if anyone knows who found the golden one with the free trip to next year’s Belmont, let me know! So far, NYRA’s kept the winner under wraps.
Before the much-anticipated fashion show — put on by Natalie Sillery and her Saratoga Trunk — presenting sponsor Barbara Bouchey brought the crowd to tears as she spoke about her beloved brother Brian (pictured below).
Then the rain came down — sideways. When partygoers heard NYRA’s announcement to “seek shelter,” the party quickly turned into a Rosé All Day situation. But credit goes to the free spirits who chose instead to dance in the rain. (Keep scrolling for my favorite pic.)
Honorary Chairpersons Barbara Bouchey (center) and her brother Brian Bouchey (front, center).
💃 AROUND TOWN
It’s not track season without bourbon, and Caroline Street’s own Bourbon Room landed in the spotlight in the new issue of Whiskey Advocate. Founder Brian Miller tells the outlet why he forgoes fat washes but digs into dehydrated fruits and unique riffs on popular cocktails. … Clifton Park’s Cookie Factory is closing up shop after 20 years, it announced on Facebook yesterday. “Ohhhh, mannnnnn,” read one of many tearful responses. … New patients to Complexions Med Spa can book a free Visea Skin Analysis ($125 value). The Beauty and Wellness Evaluation provides a closer look at your skin, including “pigmentation, texture, pores, hydration and signs of environmental aging.” … Some stars from Bravo’s Summer House (former cast mate Paige is from Albany) were spotted at the track and Siro’s. “Cameras were on them,” said a commenter.
👒 Bring back the hat check
Hat trick: Hat-check lobbyist Joyce White shows off a wide-brimmed hat worn by Diane Stage-Fowler, who on Sunday dressed some of the Living Resources models with her chic upcycled brand Coutaura.
Back in Saratoga’s grand-hotel days, gentlemen had hat stands for their toppers. More than a century later, it’s the ladies who could use a little hat hospitality. (Anyone who’s maneuvered through a crowded room in several feet of millinery knows the problem.)
“I like a wide brim,” says hat-check lobbyist Joyce White. “You can’t bump into people out of being respectful and well mannered — but at a packed gala or luncheon table, there’s no extra room to put it down somewhere. I’m always placing it at the podium or even outside.”
The solution seems obvious: If Saratoga can check a floor-length puffer in February, surely we can find a safe landing spot for a Pretty Woman-worthy hat in August.
“Everyone says, ‘That’s a great idea!’” White says. “But it never happens. You could even charge — added money for the charity!” Hat tip to anyone who makes it happen.
📌 ICYMI…
🏇 TRACK REPORT
Lucky No. 9? Golden Tempo drew the 9 post position for the Travers, the same number he took off from at the Belmont to win under a sky-wide rainbow. … Irad’s foot injury has knocked him out for the rest of the season; Tyler Gaffalione steps in to pilot Renegade in the Midsummer Derby … Paco Lopez returns to The Spa to ride Baby Vino in the same race. The jockey served a 30-day suspension after the early-season, four-horse spill.
🍻 GRAND OPENING
Photo provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce
Moreau’s Dancing Grain Farm Brewery — which is currently hiring for Sunflower Fest season.— has opened its new Brew Barn: a “thoughtfully restored former dairy barn” that promises the addition of even larger events at the year-round hotspot.
And just last week, the hot brand launched four non-alcoholic, lightly-carbonated bevs to help with focus, clarity, stress relief, connection and winding down
