Discovering Saratoga: Travers traditions continue to bloom

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) – As we countdown to the 155th running of the Travers Stakes, we’re showcasing the many traditions associated with the highlight of the Saratoga Summer Meet. While there's no telling what the outcome of the big race will be just yet, we can count on these very special traditions being carried out.

Floating in the infield pond of the track, you'll find a canoe displaying the colors of last year’s winner of the Travers Stakes. It’s been a tradition since 1961, but how it started remains a mystery.

"Don’t know exactly how it happened, but it has become a beloved tradition that NYRA paints the infield canoe in the colors of that year’s travers winner... come Saturday evening, immediately following the race, they will get to work painting the canoe in the colors of this year’s winner,” said Pat McKenna, New York Racing Association vice president of communications.

There's no mystery surrounding the Travers Blanket flower blanket. Susan Garrett started the tradition of flower blankets for champion horses at Saratoga 30 years ago.

“I called NYRA in a flower shop and said how come we don’t have one and they said make one so that’s were it all started," said Garrett.