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.
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.