THE ALPHA MARE, commonly known as Marion E. Altieri, is a writer/activist who lives and breathes the art and sport of Thoroughbred horse racing.
In 19blah-blah, at age four, Mare first rode a horse—an American Quarter Horse, to be exact—on her cousin's farm in Stephentown, New York. That same year her Mother took her to Green Mountain Park, a now- (sadly) defunct Thoroughbred track in Pownal, Vermont. The seed was planted, a passion, born.
While she does have other interests, none hold a candle to the historic sport of racing Thoroughbreds—or to the intelligent, magnificent critters who make it happen. Marion invites you to not just to read the blog, but to comment, become involved and make Saratoga's racing scene your own. Take the online course, Racing 101. Check out the Calendar, and join in the fun. Find things to do on Dark Days, and every night after the races. The Insiders' Guide will help you feel knowledgeable, perhaps even brilliant. Together, we'll learn new things; grab some joy and grow this gorgeous sport. OK, everyone on four: "I got the horse right here, his name is Paul Revere…"
The Thoroughbred is a distinct, created breed of horse. Saratoga Springs, New York is a unique, pristine city in Upstate New York.
Put the two together, Thoroughbreds and Saratoga—and you have America's most prestigious, lushly beautiful and important racing meet. For six weeks every summer, the world's best horses, jockeys and trainers come together to compete for trophies, cash and fame.
In this blog, we'll discover All Things Thoroughbred and the lovely international community of horsepeople—both professionals and fans, alike—who set up camp in this city. Some come for six weeks, only. Others are here from April through November every year, when the Oklahoma's open. Yet others trek to town to race their mighty steeds—then fall in love with the place; buy a home and move here.
The Saratoga racing family of humans and horses is a year-round endeavour. You think that all the horses all go elsewhere after Labor Day? Then this blog is for you, too.
(Is the reference, "the Oklahoma" lost on you? Stay tuned, you'll feel like a pro in no time.)
Welcome to the only experience on Earth that can boast of such otherworldly beauty and heart-stopping thrills, all in the same breath: Thoroughbred racing in Saratoga.
Marion Altieri
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