It was a mixture of old and new as more than 60 St. John’s
University alumni spent a day at Saratoga Racetrack in Saratoga
Springs, NY. This historic location has been steeped in tradition
since it’s opening in 1864, and has been a long-favored destination
for thoroughbred racing fans from around the world.
“The Saratoga event is becoming more popular every year,” noted
Susan Damiani ’87CBA, Director, Office of Gift Planning. “The
alumni really get into dressing up in outfits similar to those worn
by the racing fans of yesteryear. It’s like a trip back into time,
but with all of the modern amenities that we’ve come to expect at a
contemporary event.”
Those amenities included the opportunity for alumni to mix and
mingle at an elaborate buffet while enjoying the excitement of
thoroughbred races from an exclusive trackside vantage point in the
At The Rail Pavilion, an air conditioned indoor/outdoor facility
complete with its own betting windows, located at the rail near the
finish line.
Alumni from the Albany and mid-Hudson regions mingled with those
from the greater New York metropolitan area, happily sharing
memories about their time at St. John’s while hoping to get lucky
and pick a winner at one or more of the races.
“There’s not much that compares with spending a beautiful summer
day in such a remarkable location,’ remarked Damiani. “Our alumni
really look forward to this event, and so do I. At the end of the
day, it really doesn’t matter whether our bets pay off. The
real winning is just about getting together and having fun with
other members of our St. John’s family.”