From Mary Lou to Tom; Jim Dandy to Fourstardave; Siro’s to backyard tailgating; and morning workouts to give aways; Saratoga has a cast of heroes, customs, and institutions which make it, in our opinion, the most unique sporting venue on Earth. Over the next 40 Days, we will profile 40 of these legends and traditions, adding our own memories and experiences from 30 plus years of summering at the Spa. It’s our Salute to Saratoga. We hope you enjoy following along.
What is the main reason you are going to Saratoga Race Course on Monday, August 3, 2015?
A. To watch and wager on top quality racing
B. To enjoy beautiful weather in a picturesque setting
C. To hang out with friends
D. I want one of those sweet free cooler bags
You’d be surprised how many people answer “D.” And it’s that demographic that has been driving giveaways on Sundays (except for this year apparently) at Saratoga for nearly 30 years. Lines longer than Travers Day spill onto Union Avenue as people patiently wait to enter the track and receive their “golden ticket” redeemable for one free [INSERT RANDOM ITEM WITH SARATOGA LOGO]. And after getting their “prize”, many patrons turn around, exit the track, and get back into line! The phenomenon known as “spinning” is as much an institution at Saratoga as the give aways themselves. Spinners hope to turn a quick profit on EBay or perhaps find cheap Christmas gifts for little Bobby or their distant Uncle Sigh.
As a kid, I used to dread give away days because it almost certainly meant I’d spend my first hour plus at the races bearing the heat and standing in line to get fifteen umbrellas for family and friends at my father’s direction. Why we needed all those umbrellas, I’ll never know. As I got slightly older, and more entrepreneurial, however, I realized that spinning could be profitable. I’d offer to spin and redeem vouchers for people seated in the clubhouse and earn tips for the effort. Soon, $1 quinellas and Hurdy Gurdy Italian Water Ice were funded by my spinning efforts.
Despite the success of my business, I’m happy my spinning days are over. I have no regrets walking through the “no spinning line”now to forgeo my voucher on most give away days (FourstarDave bobble-horse the exception). Besides, I can guess my wife’s reaction if I tried to add to my Saratoga glassware collection, which already dominates two shelves in the kitchen.
That said, I do have many fond memories from spinning, memorialized by closets and shelves filled with mementos for Saratoga Sunday’s of years past. Cooler bags, stadium blankets, pint glasses, hats, and a Sam the Bugler bobblehead. So what’s the greatest give away in Saratoga history? Here are some of my favorites.
1999 T-Shirt: You can’t have a “greatest” give away list and not include a t-shirt, for years the most sought after of the give aways at Saratoga. In my estimation, however, this gem, featuring the likenesses of Arcarro and Cordero, arm and arm, elevates above the rest. While definitely cheesy, this shirt is a classic and it was a sad day when I had to retire my version.
1998 Beer Stein: Look at this thing. Who wouldn’t want a giant ceramic beer mug featuring pictures of eight Grade 1 Stake Winners? Ok, so this mug isn’t likely to be found in Better Homes Magazine, but for a racing fan, especially one who remembers races from each horse featured, this mug is perfect.
2007 Folding Chair: The most popular give away ever. The turn styles spun over 72,000 times for this stadium style folding chair. The chairs are of surprisingly strong quality. You won’t confuse them with a Lazy Boy recliner from a comfort stand point, but the practicality of these chairs is off the charts.
1995 Hat: Ok, this wasn’t one of my favorites—and I didn’t even know I had it–until about twenty minutes ago. I was digging through my basement as “research” for this article, when I stumbled upon this hat. Apparently, I had it signed by every jockey I could find that day including Julie Krone, the Mig, Mike Smith and Diane Nelson. The hat even features an authentic Italian Ice stain—evidence likely of a well funded spinning effort.
