Saratoga Springs, NY, is a great place to be in the summer, especially in August, when the Saratoga Race Course attracts locals and tourists alike. So far this season I have taken quite a few shots of the horses and the surrounding sights.
The shot below gives you an idea of the crowd during the day. This was on a weekend, so it was extra crowded.
Getting up to the rail a few minutes before post time allows you a great view of the horses. I used my 60D and my 135mm f/2 lens to get shots of the horses and jockeys coming out before the race and racing by later on.
Another great way to experience the track is at breakfast. You can enjoy a nice meal and watch the horses work out.
The crowds have yet to arrive for the day!
The back stretch is another great spot to watch the horses work out. You can get a tour if you’re interested in learning about how the horses are cared for. The horses were a little closer to where I was standing here, so I used my 6D with the 135mm for a slightly wider field of view (I have both cameras with me so I’m ready for any situation).
And finally, photographing the horses and trainers at sunrise at the nearby Oklahoma track is a real treat. There is a new viewing stand so you can see the horses from above or you can photograph from the side.
I took the photo at the very top of the post just as the sun was coming up.
