There are several ways one can describe the atmosphere at the Fasig-Tipton Select yearling sale in Saratoga Springs. Having had the pleasure of attending over the past 14 years or so, I have just one- Electric. Whether you are working as press or media, buying, selling or simply spectating, it is hard not to get caught up in the excitement of the annual event. The sale can be a spectator’s dream given the presence of many of the biggest names in the game, including Hall of Famers D. Wayne Lukas, Bob Baffert and Steve Asmussen; in addition to top trainers Todd Pletcher and Chad Brown, etc. Not to mention a bevy of leading owners, farm operators, horsemen and women, many of whom may not be as readily apparent to the casual fan, however, they play as integral a role in the racing game as any of the aforementioned luminaries.

For those uninitiated who have yet to attend and might be considering visiting next season, one word of advice: attend the Tuesday session (Day 2 of the sale), if you can. Monday’s initial session is absolutely mobbed. Given the fact that Saratoga races six days a week, including Mondays, it makes it far too easy for people to walk (or sometimes stagger) across the street to the sale’s grounds. Tuesday’s session is typically a little more relaxed and you may just make it close enough to the bar to actually buy yourself a drink, a salient point for most on a non-racing day.