This Week in Horse History - August 2nd Through August 8th

August 3rd, 1863 - Saratoga Racecourse opened in Saratoga Springs, New York. The opening meet was organized by John Morrisey, John Hunter, William Travers, and Leonard Jerome. Because it was so successful, it was repeated the following year, and was moved across a street so that the track could be enlarged and the expected crowds could be better accommodated. Saratoga would go on to earn the nickname of the "Graveyard of the Favorites," as famous horses such as Man O’War and Secretariat have had their rare moments of defeat when racing at Saratoga.

Information courtesy of Saratoga Racecourse Track Facts

Photo courtesy of Times Union

August 4th, 1863 - Regular service by horse-drawn streetcar began in Detroit today. Eight horse-powered cars traveled regular routes throughout the city, and the fare was five cents per passenger. The cars were sixteen feet long, lit by oil lamps, and straw was used to line the floors during the winter to warm the passengers’ feet. The cars traveled on tracks which were laid within the roads, making up the Detroit City Railway.

Information and photo courtesy of THE EARLY HISTORY OF PUBLIC TRANSIT IN DETROIT

August 8th, 2006 – A clone of the famous barrel racer, Scamper, was born today. Charmayne James, Scamper's rider, became the all-time leading barrel racing money maker, thanks to Scamper. Because Scamper was a gelding and therefore could not sire offspring, James paid ViaGen, Inc. $150,000 to clone him. Clayton, the cloned foal, was born on August 8th. James plans to breed Clayton to carry on Scamper's bloodlines, though she states that he will not be barrel raced because of his extreme value and the risk of injury.

Information and photo courtesy of NBC Sports