The track at Saratoga Race Course was relatively empty early Saturday morning. There wouldn't be a horse race for nearly four hours. Still, thousands were already milling about the grounds, and they had been since 7 a.m.

For Derek Smith of Ballston Lake, the early start is just part of the fun - and it's also practically required if you want a good view of the track on Travers Stakes day. "It's just the atmosphere. You can bring your family here and spend the day," he said. "It's just a good time."

Smith and his family were far from alone in starting Saratoga's biggest Saturday early. From course workers to business owners, the work began with the rising of the sun, and it won't end until well after the conclusion of the Travers Stakes, Saratoga's signature race. Post time for that race, the 11th of the day, is 5:44 p.m.

MORE TRAVERS DAY COVERAGE

Ruth Mattiello of Saratoga Springs has been doing the work for 14 years. At the 'May I Help You?' stand nearest the course's main gate, she's among the busiest people you'll see at the track. Saturday is what she refers to as a "premium day."

"It's a lot of fun," Mattiello said. "You learn something new every day. You meet all kinds of people." And you get all kinds of questions, logical and illogical. "Down at the end, we have the Big Red Spring," she points out. "People will say, 'Do you know where the red waters run?'"

Travers Day also brings the height of fashion to the track. You can't walk too far without seeing someone in a three-piece suit, or someone wearing an intricate, eye-opening hat. Teri Carroll of Ballston Lake, joining her family at the track, went for a simple, but elegant white hat with a red flower adorning it.

"I like simplicity, but definitely we plan the outfits in advance," Carroll said. "We love [the fashion] part of it."

Fashion was on display across the grounds Saturday, as it was a "Fashion Saturday" at Saratoga. Local businesses had their merchandise available at the pavilion, including Bumble B Boutique from Latham. Owner Karen Macielak diligently prepared her booth, knowing she'd be able to reach plenty of customers she wouldn't otherwise see at her store in Newton Plaza.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to showcase your merchandise to large amounts of people in a very informal, friendly atmosphere," Macielak said. "It's a whole new venue for me to come up here, because these are people who may not know about my store."

 

The work done around the track wasn't lost on Saturday's spectators, either.

"It appears they've invested in the infrastructure," said Michael Carroll, accompanying Teri to the track. "It's still a beautiful track. I don't see them taking any shortcuts."