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Faces at the track -- opening day 1971
On Monday, Aug. 2, 1971 — opening day — 19,413 people were in the clubhouse, box seats, grandstand and at the rail as Saratoga Race Course began its 103rd meet. Weather was cloudy and there was some humidity, but nobody seemed to be complaining. Barbara and Dick Verrutto of Rotterdam and Tony and Agnes Triplo of Glenville were among the stars in the stands. The Bendalls, McNeils, Doyles, Sykeses and Hennesseys — all of Schenectady — dressed for success. Posted on July 18, 2011.
In the crowd of 19,413 at Saratoga Race Course on Aug. 2, 1971, are, from left, Mr. and Mrs. George Petrus and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Bendall of Schenectady and Capt. and Mrs. Arthur Spellman. At the time, Spellman was commander of the U.S. Air Force Station at Saratoga. The station closed in 1977.
A young woman had the perfect accessory for a humid day with potential for rain at Saratoga — she brought her umbrella to the race track on Aug. 2, 1971.
Hats, ties, coats and smiles are part of Saratoga’s 1971 opening day for these two gents.
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence McNeil, left, and Mr. and Mrs. Dave Hennessey were part of a large Schenectady contingent in Saratoga Springs for the start of the 1971 racing season.
Glenville residents Agnes and Tony Triplo, center, entertain Mary and Bob Swanson of Orlando, Fla. at Saratoga Race Course on opening day in 1971. Agnes and Mary were sisters; the Swansons previously had lived in the Schenectady area.
Sunglasses, cold drinks and a racing program are part of the plan for Mr. and Mrs. Robert Doyle of Schenectady on Aug. 2, 1971. The Doyles had track-side seats in the Saratoga Race Course clubhouse on the meet’s opening day.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sykes of Schenectady look through their newspapers for a winning horse.
Patrons were dressed sharply and ready for the races on opening day at Saratoga Race Course in 1971.
Barbara and Dick Verrutto of Rotterdam are all smiles after watching the races at Saratoga Race Course on Aug. 2, 1971. They must have picked some winners.
