Review of "Saratoga Days"

The historic race track in Saratoga Springs, New York, was established in 1863. The likes of such horses as Man O' War, Secretariat, Ruffian, and Cigar have pounded down the home stretch. The only race Man O' War lost was at Saratoga to a horse named Upset.

Before the racing season at Saratoga begins, the local bookstores are littered with books about Saratoga Springs. Books about the history of the track and the great horses that have raced there, about the city of Saratoga itself, with its grand hotels and visiting celebrities.

Recently I found a book of a different color about Saratoga, Saratoga Days, by Sean Clancy. Mr. Clancy is a steeplechase jockey turned writer. Saratoga Days is written in journal form. An entry for each day of the 1999 racing season.

With his journal Mr. Clancy leads his reader through the six week Saratoga racing season.

The reader learns about the high and low points of the season. The excitement of opening day, renewing old friendships, watching horses being pushed to their fullest potential on the track.

The journal also talks about the low points. Having to pull up your horse because of a life threatening injury and then watching said horse taken away in a horse ambulance. Seeing your friend and fellow jockey fall from his horse during a race and later the long wait in the hospital emergency room to find out if he's going to be okay.

The book is riddled with photographs of horses at work and rest, well known jockeys and trainers, as well as photos of the ordinary fan at the track.

The reader who has been to Saratoga will smile fondly at the recognition of street names and haunts Mr. Clancy mentions. If you've never been to Saratoga, this book is a great way to visit.