JC / Railbird

Saratoga, 1939

Inspired by Brooklyn Backstretch’s look back at Saratoga 100 years ago on opening day eve, I headed to the LIFE photo archive in search of historical pictures. An extensive series from 1939 turned up (unfortunately, missing labels and descriptions), which show the Spa, much the same, 71 years ago.

Cooling out.

There are many photos of this horse in the series. Someone noteworthy, or a horse who happened to catch the photographer’s fancy?

Harrowing the track.

The backyard.

Turf terrace.

Superterrific and Swifty, in a previous incarnation?

Stewards talking to a jockey.

Yearling auction.

The press box, open to the air.

All photos LIFE/Alfred Eisenstaedt. Follow the links to view the originals.

Posted by JC in Saratoga on 07/23/2010 @ 7:59 am / Follow @railbird on Twitter

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