NEWSLETTER
With Acclaimed Authors Brien Bouyea and Michael Veitch
Nov. 14 Event Offers Unique Insights, Stories, and Book Signing to Benefit the Museum
Saratoga Springs, NY – The Saratoga Springs History Museum will host a special event on Thursday, Nov. 14, celebrating the rich history and enduring legacy of the Travers Stakes,
America’s oldest thoroughbred race for 3-year-olds. Featuring racing historians and acclaimed authors Brien Bouyea and Michael Veitch, this unique event will showcase their latest book, The Travers: Saratoga’s Midsummer Derby, 1864 – 2023, a comprehensive, visually stunning coffee table book chronicling the first 154 editions of Saratoga’s legendary race. Thoroughbred Racing Commentary’s Charles Hayward describes it as “the best racing book since Seabiscuit.”
Throughout the evening, Bouyea and Veitch will dive into the storied past of the Travers Stakes and discuss its significance in both Saratoga Springs and American racing history. The book highlights incredible stories, such as the remarkable 1938 Travers winner
Thanksgiving, a horse who survived a lightning strike and was trained by Mary Hirsch, the first woman licensed by The Jockey Club. Attendees will also hear of legendary moments like Jim Dandy’s dramatic 100-1 upset in 1930, the record-breaking 2016 race of Arrogate, and the race’s resilience through wars, economic shifts, and a global pandemic.
"This is more than a race," explains Bouyea. "The Travers Stakes reflects Saratoga's racing spirit and America's love of sport.” Veitch adds, “Each edition holds its own story, its own heroes and legends, and we're thrilled to share this with fans and historians alike.”
In addition to the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A, meet the authors, and purchase signed copies of The Travers: Saratoga’s Midsummer
Derby. A portion of book sales will directly support the Saratoga Springs History Museum’s mission to preserve local history.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, Nov. 14
- Location: Saratoga Springs History Museum, 1 E. Congress St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
- Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The event is ideal for racing enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone intrigued by the heritage of Saratoga. For additional information or to RSVP, please head to the Saratoga Springs History Museum’s website at saratogahistory.org/events.
About the Authors:
Brien Bouyea is the Hall of Fame and Communications Director at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, contributing editor to Saratoga Living, and award-winning former executive sports editor for The Saratogian.
Michael Veitch served four decades as The Saratogian's lead racing writer, is a trustee of the National Museum of Racing, and chairs its Hall of Fame Historic Review Committee.
**About the Saratoga Springs History Museum:**
The Saratoga Springs History Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich
history of Saratoga Springs and its notable figures. Through exhibits, educational programs, and community events, the Museum aims to engage and inform the public about the city’s historical legacy.
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Contact:
L.F. Leon
Director of Communications Saratoga Springs History Museum
(518) 584-6920
lleon@saratogahistory.org saratogahistory.org