The Spa from the grandstand

The Travers Stakes: The Oldest Thoroughbred Race in the United States

Introduction

The “Mid-Summer Derby,”, aka the Travers Stakes is one of the most prestigious and historic horse races in the US. Run at the “Spa”, Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, this race, despite having a small field this year, it is a summer highlight.  Let’s take a walk down memory lane and look at some of the history of the race, its biggest moments, and what this Saturday’s race brings.

A Glimpse into the History of the Travers Stakes

First run in 1864, the Travers is the oldest continuously running thoroughbred race in the United States.  One of Saratoga Race Course founders, William R “Stuttering” Travers is whom it is named.  Stuttering Travers was loved and adored by most.  A self-made man from Wall Street, he had a quick wit, and wasn’t afraid to use it.  Mr. Travers was also the first president of Saratoga Race Course.  Upon his death at just 67 years of age, The New York Times said, “he may have been the most popular man in New York.”  Even with all his success in business and thoroughbred racing, he has been fondly remembered for his good nature and sense of humor.  The inaugural race, 1 ¾ miles, was won by ‘Kentucky’, a horse owned by Mr. Travers.

The distance of the race has changed over the years.  It has ranged from 1 1/8 through 1 ¾ miles.  The race has been 1 ¼ miles since the early 1900s.  The winner receives a blanket of 1,500 carnations and the Man O’ War Cup.  It came about when the famed Man O’ War defeated Sir Barton, a triple crown winner, at Kenilworth Park in Windsor, Ontario.  Tiffany & Co. designed the Cup, and a replica is awarded to the winner every year.

Controversy hits the Travers.

Like many races, controversy hit the Travers Stakes.  In 1921, a rather odd set of circumstances, never fully proven, occurred.

The favorite, “Prudery” was receiving most of the action on the books.  One Arnold Rothstein entered his own horse into the race, Sporting Blood, with the goal of placing (coming in second).  Prior to the race going off, Prudery seemed to be ill.  Grey Lag was entered in place of Prudery.  This left Sporting Blood to be the favorite, getting most of the action now.  Sporting Blood was the eventual winner which led to lots of discussion as being set up or some kind of foul play.  Nothing was ever fully proven one way or the other, but it remains a discussion in the folklore that surrounds the Travers.

Key Upsets and Memorable Moments

  1. 1942: Whirlaway’s Triple Crown Near-Miss: Triple Crown winner, Whirlaway, trained by Ben Jones, was the heavy favorite to win the Travers. Hooligan went on to win it as Whirlaway took second.  It was one of the most shocking race results in the Travers’ history.
  2. 1969: Arts and Letters’ Dominance: Arts and Letters, ridden by jockey Bill Hartack, won the Travers in a dominant performance, tying the course record that stood for almost fifty years.  Arts and Letters entered the Hall of Fame.  In 1969, Arts and Letters won seven races, five of them by at least 5 ½ lengths.
  3. 1978: Affirmed disqualified: Affirmed crossed the finish line in first place but was eventually disqualified for interference with Alydar.  Alydar was declared the winner of the race.
  4. 1987: Bet Twice’s Comeback: Bet Twice, ridden by Angel Cordero Jr., staged an incredible comeback in the stretch to win the Travers, beating Alysheba.  Bet Twice and Alysheba faced off nine times including the Derby which has been considered the most physical horse race.

The Significance of the Travers Stakes to Thoroughbred Racing

The Travers Stakes holds a unique place in the world of thoroughbred racing for several reasons:

  1. Historical Prestige: As one of the oldest and most prestigious races in the U.S.
  2. Showcase of Talent: The race attracts some of the best three-year-old horses from across the country
  3. Cultural Impact:  Saratoga Race Course becomes a hub of activity during the Travers weekend, with fashion, entertainment, and the race itself.
  4. Economic Boon: The race is a significant economic driver for the Saratoga Springs area, attracting visitors from far and wide and contributing to the local economy.

The Upcoming Race: A Preview

The mid-summer derby is scheduled as race 13 of 14 with post time set for 6:14 p.m. EDT.

  1. Magnitude, Sire: Not This Time – Steve Asmussen / Ben Curtis – 8: 4-1-0 – $596,165.
  2. Bracket Buster, Sire: Vekoma – Vickie Oliver / Luis Saez – 8: 2-1-1 – $286,318.
  3. Strategic Focus,Sire: Gun Runner – Chad Brown / Flavien Prat – 3: 1-1-1 – $82,200.
  4. Sovereignty, Sire: Into Mischief – Bill Mott / Junior Alvarado – 8: 5-2-0 – $5,147,800.
  5. McAfee, Sire: Cloud Computing – Rick Dutrow / John Velazquez – 7: 1-3-1 – $280,880.

Odds, Jockeys, Post Positions, and Trainers

Horse

Jockey

Post Position

Trainer

Odds

Magnitude   

Ben Curtis

1

Steve Asmussen

2-1

Bracket Buster

Luis Saez

2

Vickie Oliver

20-1

Strategic Focus

Flavien Prat

3

Chad Brown

6-1

Sovereignty

Junior Alvarado

4

Bill Mott

2-5

McAfee

John Velaquez

5

Rick Dutrow

20-1

Conclusion

This race is Sovereignty’s race to lose.  Combined with Junior Alvarado, the horse has shown absolutely no struggles since the Derby.  He crosses the finish line looking like he has plenty left in the tank.  Sovereignty is, by far, the strongest horse in the race.