As most of you know, my photography centers mainly around Thoroughbred horses. In Saratoga, though, we also have a harness track, right across the street from the flat track. I went a few times last year to take photos, and the ones in this post are my favorites. Click here to see my other photos taken at Saratoga Harness.
La Puddie A, driven by Larry Stalbaum
JK Lucky Charms, driven by Shawn Gray
Kill A Dragon
I used a panning technique to get this shot of Major Pocket A winning.
Track photographer Jessica Hallett is a friendly face at Saratoga Harness. Having been involved in harness racing her entire life, she is very passionate about the sport and writes frequently about it. In addition to being a photographer, she is also a talented illustrator, and draws images depicting harness races. In this photo she gives Wally the outrider pony a pet.
Barnello, driven by Jay Randall
Dandy’s Patriot, driven by Leon Bailey
The field heads down the stretch.
Seaside Caesar
Another field heads down the stretch.
Born Brilliant, driven by Mitchell Cushing
Cinderlane Shark, driven by Matthew Athearn
Loulouameri, driven by Brett Beckwith
The rest of the photos are from the annual charity match race night on July 27. This year, there were two races, a sulky race, pitting former Thoroughbred jockey Robbie Davis (above, in collared shirt) against driver Brett Beckwith; and an RUS (racing under saddle) race, pitting Thoroughbred jockey Katie Davis (Robbie’s daughter, above left) against Standardbred trainer Michelle Crawford.
Outrider Natalie Rutigliano sits aboard Wally the pony.
Brett Beckwith drives Foxe Ella in the sulky charity match race.
Robbie Davis drives Cross Creek Samara in the sulky charity match race.
The horses come down the stretch in the sulky charity match race, with Robbie Davis and Cross Creek Samara taking the win.
Katie Davis (pink silks) waves to the crowd from a golf cart, passing by before the start of the RUS charity match race.
Michelle Crawford smiles at the crowd aboard Feast Day.
Katie Davis waves to the crowd aboard Echo de Meautis FR.
Katie Davis beams as she and her mount cross the wire first in the RUS charity match race.
Katie waves to the crowd again as she and her mount are led off the track.
To see more of my equine photography be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook. All photos in this post © Samantha Decker and may not be reused without permission.
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Nice!