Opinion - Thoroughbred Sculpture Park: The next step in promoting Saratoga

And that Saratogians must embrace this new project enthusiastically — our economy and reputation depend on it.

Everyone knows that the Getty station that previously occupied the proposed spot was an eyesore. A horrible vision for first-time visitors — and diehard Saratoga fans, alike — to see upon entering town. No amount of flora on the boulevard at the SPAC entrance on South Broadway could salve the eyes or prepare them for the horror show of that corner.

So we’ve managed to get rid of the Getty station. But something beautiful should be there, indeed—and Brida’s concept is brilliant. I recently spent several months in Lexington, Kentucky (that other horse place), and drove past Thoroughbred Park every day. It’s nice, it’s downtown — and it proclaims, for all the world to see —that Lexington is the horse capital of the world.

Please. Saratoga Springs’ identity is so tied with that of equines that unfortunately — many Saratogians forget the enormous economic, emotional, historic and spiritual value of horses.

When you’re standing in the forest, it’s easy to forget that you’re surrounded by beautiful trees.

Locals and visitors alike deserve to enter the city proper, greeted by an equine feast for the eyes.

This sculpture garden, let’s call it, of magnificent Thoroughbreds who made their marks here at our gorgeous, lush race course: I would suggest that, besides the Champions already named, we include other national Champions who achieved greatness here. Secretariat, who won the Hopeful in ’72 and Azeri, who became the highest-earning female Thoroughbred in the sport — at our track, in 2004 — for example. Our race course has hosted so much history that we often forget its significance — and that of the great steeds who’ve graced our oval.

A Thoroughbred sculpture park at that intersection must be created —and all of Saratoga should get behind Dennis Brida and the foundation. Our economy depends on it: indeed, many Thoroughbred industry groups are headquartered here. The City hosts many other equine-related meetings yearly. (My own organization, American Horse Publications — the major equine publishing membership group - convened here in June.) So much Thoroughbred biz is conducted in Saratoga that the necessity of this park-ambassador is crystal-clear. Only a profoundly short-sighted curmudgeon could think otherwise.

So the park must happen — and we Saratogians have to back it financially. I would also suggest that, rather than going with one sculptor — the foundation should designate how many horses will be honored — and assign each horse to a different sculptor. Several horses, a different take on each one. Saratoga is home to renowned equine artists and sculptors — they should be part of the plan.

By assigning a different artist for each bronze, we can avoid the sameness, the uniformity of boredom, that marks Lexington’s Thoroughbred Park. Not every Thoroughbred looks the same — has the same face, the same expression or conformation: assigning the sculptures to a single artist would almost guarantee that the horses honored would look like siblings —rather than each taking on a life of its own, because it grew from the heart and insight of its own creator.

As Saratoga moves into the 21st Century, we know that our greatness today is built heavily on the actions and insights of those in the 19th Century who created America’s first — and most beautiful —Thoroughbred race course. If we wish to continue to grow — even in an economically difficult time — we must allow our community pride to create more and better tourism venues. Saratoga’s Thoroughbred Park is one highly-visible way to confirm for locals and tourists, alike — that we are a lively, forward-thinking and creative destination. Those like Dennis Brida who come forth with ideas to help attain our goals in the future must be thanked and encouraged, today. Lexington is watching Saratoga at all times: we can do it better, and more beautiful — it is our heritage to show the way in American Thoroughbred Racing. It’s not only our heritage: it’s in our pedigree, itself.