horse race

Hello darling! This past weekend, my college hosted a 100 days post graduation event at the Saratoga Race Track. I know it sounds insanely early, but our class needed it. It was so refreshing hearing how well people are already doing and how eager they are to take on life.

For those who have never been to a horse race, it is quite an experience. The pure joy people get just by placing bets as low as $1 is phenomenal. If you’re like one of my friends you may win $80-$300 in a day or if you’re like me you’ll win $5. Regardless how much you win, it’s a blast.

My first time going was last year and I was thrilled that I was able to go again. This time I didn’t wear a floppy hat but instead a cute dress from Loft and this fun little necklace from J.Crew. (The necklace is on sale online for $24.55, but I purchased it for $14.99. Check the outlet store for a cheaper price).

What to bring: sunscreen, sunglasses, alcohol (no glass bottles are allowed), water, chair, and lunch.

You’re going to be out in the sun so make sure you hydrate and keep your skin protected! Alcohol is allowed to be brought in coolers but glass is prohibited. Most people go to the track very early and claim a table or area with chairs/table clothes. If you want a good spot, get there very early and bring a few chairs. You’ll thank yourself later in the day.

Tip: Go for lighter colors because it will keep you cool. Add a bright color accessory if you think your outfit is too dull.

I made the mistake of wearing a navy dress last year and was seriously regretting it. I was incredibly happy in this light colored dress. Plus, I was able to wear my fun new necklace! Rob kept telling me that it looked like a fishing lure… oh well, I like it!

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes.

There is a solid 50% girls who wear wedges/heels and another 50% who wear flats/sandals. I definitely recommend going for the comfier option because you’ll be on your feet most of they day placing bets or watching the actual race. The shoes I’m wearing might be super weird looking but oh-my-god nothing is comfier than these sandals. I talked about them two years ago and still am madly in love with them.

Tip: Wear something that is lightweight and you can easily move in.

Luckily for me, this adorable dress has a little peep hole in the back of the dress. The fun dress, romper, or skirt might be a great idea at the time but if you’re constantly pulling it down or having to readjust it you’re going to have a bad time at the track. Plus, don’t you want to focus that time on actually winning some mulah? Go for the option that you’re comfiest in.

Tip: Saratoga hotels are super expensive. Try staying in a neighboring city.

We actually bought our hotel super late so we weren’t able to get a hotel closer to Saratoga. I would recommend Malta or Ballston Spa. We ended up staying in the Hilton in Albany. We really enjoyed it mainly because we were able to eat brunch at Iron Gate. The Uber ride is about $47 to Saratoga, but we actually lucked out with one of our friends driving there. Definitely not that bad considering you’d save $100-$300 by staying further away.

Have you ever been to the track? Do you have any betting tricks up your sleeve? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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Hello darlings! This past weekend, I went to the Saratoga Race Track with some of my college friends. It was my first time ever going to a horse race and I thought it was such a thrilling experience.

We arrived to the track around 11 and made a big circle out of lawn chairs, coolers, and my lovely Siena blanket (I can’t go anywhere without that thing). After we set up shop, we decided to walk around and check out where everything is. In a weird way, it almost looks like it was set up like a classier warp tour. There are all these random concession stands everywhere and people scattered about.

While we were walking around, we got to see some jockeys walk by with their horses. I was shocked how close you could get to them. At other sporting events, you would be triple the length away from them and have to spend oodles of money in order to get that close.

I decided to go all out and get a hat for the track. Some women wore these crazy elaborate hats that could be spotted from a mile away. Clearly, they loved going to the track. I was actually really surprised that not many women wore hats. I’m still glad I spent a solid $12 at Target on my hat.

As for the dress, I decided to get this navy, lace dress. Abercrombie and Fitch is actually having a sale on the dress. It’s $24, in stores, and it is such an easy dress to just throw on and do whatever in it. I would love wearing this dress to brunch or even to date night with some red heels. I’m in love with the lace detailing and the cut out on the back. I was actually wishing I was going to get a tan on my back from the weird cutout. Unfortunately, the day we went was a little cloudy. Maybe next time.

The earrings are from J.Crew and I fall head over heels for them every time I wear them. I think they add just the perfect about of color to this otherwise neutral outfit.

Micky, Courtney, Sam, and I decided to all get matching camp chairs at Walmart. We want to iron patches all over them.

At the end of the day, I won $4 and lost about $10. The whole time I was there I was thinking about the betting as if I was at a concert. You would normally pay $60+ for a good concert. I only made dollar bets, but if I wanted to get risky I could have tried betting $10-$15. There were 11 races and I bet on 8 of them. I loved picking which horse was going to win. Trust me, it’s exciting when your horse actually wins.

As for my first time betting on something, I say it was a marvelous time. Have you ever went to a horse race? What is your opinion on horse races?

As always,

Tag: horse race

What to Wear to a Horse Race

Saratoga Race Track