UNIQUE TRAVERS DAY
Saratoga celebrates Runhappy Travers, safely
SARATOGASPRINGS, N.Y. » The racing season is a staple of Saratoga Springs. The thrill of the track attracts hundreds of people every year. Unfortunately, this year that thrill had to be modified, along with most other aspects of daily life as COVID-19 changed the world as we know it. Luckily for many, some local businesses such as Prime at Saratoga have made sure that fans won’t miss out on their annual track experience.
With public safety in mind as the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, the decision was made earlier this year to hold a regularly- scheduled race season without fans. The track opened on time, races were run daily, but only race personnel such as jockeys and the invaluable backstretch workers were allowed into the track. Stands and picnic tables stood empty. The legendary “running of the tables” on Runhappy Travers day was simply nonexistent, with unoccupied tables and lawn as far as the eye could see.
However, this is not to say that racing fans lost out altogether. As the Spa City adapted and acclimated to “the new normal,” special events and watch parties started to spring up. People could still see the races and enjoy the spirit of track sea
son, while simultaneously staying safe.
One of the most popular places to enjoy a watch party this year is Prime at Saratoga National. The upscale golf club and restaurant is hosting outdoor parties every day there is racing scheduled, from 12: 30 p. m. to 6: 30 p. m. Reservations are required to attend, and at press time there were only 12 days left in this year’s race season that were not yet sold out.
Tables at Prime’s luxurious outdoor seating area are spaced six feet apart and only one party is allowed per table. An a la carte menu is offered for lunch and dinner, with shareable plates available to larger parties. All betting is done through guests’ personal devices, via special apps. All the races are simulcast on Prime’s television sets and broadcasted through the audio system.
On Runhappy Travers day, NYRA gift cards were available for purchase. Hatsational and a cigar roller were there, offering guests highlights of the traditional race track experience. For some people, the day isn’t complete without a fancy hat or a nice cigar to celebrate the races.
“This was a team effort to put together,” explained Prime’s Marketing Manager Devin Sherin. “We wanted to do the same concept as being at the clubhouse at the racetrack.”
The day was up to Prime’s usual upscale standards, with all necessary safety protocols incorporated into the event. Tables were bused every hour, with employees spraying hand sanitizer for each guest. Masks were required at all times unless you were seated at your table with your party. Buckets placed at each table contained descriptions of the health and safety measures that all guests were required to follow, such as maintaining social distancing and dining rules, and racetrack programs for guests to read at their leisure and use to guide betting strategies.
Susan Hoswell was enjoying her watch party experience. “I go to Travers every year, and this is my third time visiting Prime,” she said. “I’m enjoying this very much. Prime always does a nice job. This is a wonderful idea, very creative.”
The team behind Prime’s watch parties met their goal because the atmosphere at the Travers party really mimicked that of a high- class clubhouse. Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the golf club, many guests were dressed up and enjoying the lovely weather as they looked over the racing sheets or browsed the menu while sipping a drink.
“We’ve been watching the Travers for over 20 years - since we started dating,” said Susan Finlayson, at Prime with her husband David Finlayson. “I was pleasantly surprised that it’s so well separated and sanitized. I was concerned when I say the crowded parking lot, but this is great.”
“This certainly seems to be above their standard,” agreed David.
“It’s beautiful,” continued Susan. “I have the best view of the lawn. I would prefer this next year, even if the track does open.”
The reason why Prime’s parking lot was so crowded was because in addition to people in attendance to watch the Travers, many other guests were also there for regular indoor lunch service or to take advantage of the gorgeous weather and get in a round of golf.
Just like any other year on Travers day, there was plenty of betting going on for each race. And just like usual, people had a variety of strategies when it came to placing their bets.
“We look at the jockeys and trainers,” said McKenzie Grant, at the watch party with her companion Thomas DuBois. “I pick the ones I recognize.”
“I go by the name of the horse. I pick ones I like,” said DuBois.
“My mom does that too, and she always gets lucky,” added Grant.
A few tables away, Marie McNamara and her party of friends were placing bets based on “names and numbers.”
“I go with the local people,” explained McNamara. “It’s all about local support. We’re having a wonderful time. Everyone’s been fabulous. They know how to social distance.”
“The tables are impeccable,” added McNamara’s friend Karen Mattson. “We feel good about being here. They have impeccable protocols.”
The protocols in place on Travers day are part of the health and safety protocols that are now routine at Prime. Staff is temperature checked each day and masks that match their black uniforms are worn at all times. They are strictly monitoring guests to make sure masks stay on unless eating, and in accordance with a new state law, alcohol may only be served if it is accompanied by food on the same bill.
“We’re staying on top of staying safe,” Sherin said. “We’re excited for our next big race event, the Alabama, and then the Derby coming up on Sept. 5. That’s usually the event that we’re known for, but we’re happy to do it a little differently this year.”
To book a party for an upcoming race day, and to check reservation availability, visit https://primeatsaratoganational.com/promotions/.