Fall 2024 at the Spa

Thorpedo Anna breezes with Danny Ramsey onboard in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.

After the hustle and bustle of the summer, Saratoga is a much quieter place in the fall, but no less magical. Although I didn’t spend as much time at the track as I did during the summer, I still got plenty of photos. In this post I will share some of my favorites.


Todd Pletcher trainee Black Rain


Todd Pletcher trainee Manhattan Twist, seen here being exercised by Danny Wright, broke his maiden at Saratoga first time out this summer. Owned by Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and the popular microshare ownership group MyRacehorse, the winner’s circle was overflowing with over 100 people!


Amanda Villfranco exercises Christophe Clément trainee Detonate.


A silhouetted pony rider


Emma Nordin exercises a George Weaver trainee.


Todd Pletcher trainee Julia Shining


Whitney winner Arthur’s Ride (outside) breezes in company with fellow Bill Mott trainee Timeout.


There’s no prettier time of year!


Emma Nordin heads out to the track on a George Weaver trainee early in the morning.


George Weaver trainees take a pause before their gallop.


Todd Pletcher’s first set heads out to the track. In front is Page Spangler on Untouchable, behind her is Humberto Zamorapinto on Illuminare, and in back is Adele (I don’t know her last name) on Jerry the Nipper.


Adele exercises Jerry the Nipper.


Humberto Zamorapinto heads off the track on Illuminare.


A fall dawn at the Spa.


Todd Pletcher trainee So Ready


Makaia Carpenter emerges from the fog on a Jennifer Paragallo trainee.


Adele heads out to the track on Todd Pletcher trainee Noble Confessor.


Juan Suarez exercises Todd Pletcher trainee Carmen’s Candy Jar.


A pair of Chad Brown trainees breeze in company.


Priscilla Schaefer, on Danny Gargan trainee Society Man, and Samantha Coe, on the pony, smile for the camera.


Todd Pletcher trainee Mentee is a full brother to Travers winner Fierceness.


Super filly Thorpedo Anna, nicknamed “The Grizzly” by her trainer Kenny McPeek, had a banner year, winning five Grade Is and finishing a very close second against the boys in the Travers. This fall she trained up to the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, where she finished out an already stellar year with another victory, all but clinching her title as Horse of the Year. Good news for her fans: Kenny McPeek has confirmed that she’ll race as a four-year-old!


I also made two videos this fall at Saratoga. The first, below, is comprised of footage I shot at 120fps. Email subscribers, click here to watch the video.


The second video is comprised of over 300 stills that I shot at the track. Email subscribers, click here to watch the video.


To see more of my equine photography be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook. All photos and videos in this post © Samantha Decker and may not be reused without permission.

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