The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation will host a program celebrating the history and future of Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, August 12 at 7 pm at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, 191 Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Race course expert Paul Roberts will present the recently-published third edition of his book The Spa: Saratoga’s Legendary Race Course, which highlights the history of the oldest sports venue in the United States.
His presentation will give the opportunity to understand the history of the development of the race course, review recent developments, and look forward to how Saratoga needs to evolve for it to retain its iconic status in the world of racing.
The Spa: Saratoga’s Legendary Race Course was initially published in 2011, with a second edition of the book released in 2017.
Paul Roberts was consultant to the New York Racing Association (NYRA) from 2008 until 2014 when the latest master plan for the Saratoga Race Course was completed. He is regarded as the leading authority of race course development in the world.
He was responsible for the redevelopment of Royal Ascot York and various projects for the Jockey Club in the United Kingdom. He has advised on the Curragh and Leopardstown in Ireland and Flemington in Australia, home of the Melbourne Cup.
Since 2008 the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has played a role in protecting the historic character of the Saratoga Race Course, with the only official local advisory opinion in the review of capital improvement projects by New York State.
All the proceeds from the sale of the third edition of The Spa: Saratoga’s Legendary Race Course, underwritten by a grant from the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust, will support the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to preserve the Saratoga Race Course as the New York Racing Association moves forward with capital improvements.
Tickets for the lecture are $25 for SSPF and NMRHOF Members and $30 for non-members. Copies of The Spa: Saratoga’s Legendary Race Course (Third Edition) will be available for purchase at the event for $25.
Roberts will be available to sign books following the presentation.
Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.
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