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Saratoga Grazing Co’s Board Games
HORSE FOR THE COURSE Greater, Later
HALL OF FAMER EXTERMINATOR WON FOUR CONSECUTIVE SARATOGA CUPS— STARTING AT THE AGE OF 4. BY BRIEN BOUYEA
From its inaugural running in 1865 through its final edition in 1955, the Saratoga Cup was one of the most prestigious Thoroughbred races in America. During its celebrated history, the Spa fixture was won by 16 horses who went on to be immortalized in the Hall of Fame, including Triple Crown champions Gallant Fox and War Admiral. But when it comes to standouts in the Saratoga Cup specifically, the magnificent Exterminator stands alone.
A chestnut gelding bred in Kentucky, Exterminator was one of the most accomplished and popular racehorses of his or any era, achieving star status when he won the 1918 Kentucky Derby at odds of 30-1. He had a slow start at Saratoga—he was winless in three starts as a 3-year-old, as well as in three starts as a 4-yearold, before finally breaking through with a sensational performance in the 1919 Saratoga Cup, equaling the stakes record of 2:58 for 1¾ miles in defeating the standout Purchase, who won eight stakes races that year. And that was only the beginning.
Exterminator went on to win the Saratoga Cup in 1920, setting a course record in a 10-length romp over the filly Cleopatra, and was the lone horse entered in the 1921 Cup, making for an easy third victory in the race. His fourth
mane man This image of
Exterminator is by noted photographer C. C. Cook from the collection of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Cook was known to send Christmas cards to friends and associates of famous horses of the era. Several of his “Christmas Cookies” will be on display at the National Museum of Racing throughout December.
and final run in the Saratoga Cup, however, was a significant challenge for the veteran campaigner. As a 7-year-old, Exterminator was second choice at odds of 7-5 in the betting for the 1922 Cup behind 3-5 favorite Mad Hatter, the champion 3-year-old of 1921. Mad Hatter gave “Old Bones” Exterminator everything he could handle in a furious stretch duel before the elder statesman dug deep and prevailed by half a length, achieving what The New York Times called “a feat unique in American turf annals”— four consecutive Saratoga Cup titles.
Exterminator retired following his 1924 season with 50 wins in 100 starts, and in 1957 was inducted into the Hall of Fame, right across the street from where he made horse racing history.
Home for Winter
Saratoga Signature’s enviable home décor collection boasts gorgeous gift ideas—for others and yourself.
WHETHER YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR THE PERFECT GIFT,
OR LOOKING TO IMPROVE YOUR WINTER “RETREAT”
(your home!) in time for winter, Saratoga Signature is stocked and ready with an impeccable collection.
“For our ‘gifty’ items, we carry a wide selection of home accents and décor items,” says owner Nancy Smith, who also offers gift cards. “Lawn jockeys and desk (mini) jockeys are always popular—they can be custom painted or pre-purchased for the recipient to design later in the year.”
Shopping for yourself? Smith says that’s a good idea. “Spending so much time indoors during winter can make you feel down, especially if you aren't in love with your space. Adding a few fun toss pillows can have a huge effect. Or add a small spot table and a source of light—then all that's left is to snuggle up with one of our beautiful throw blankets.”
If looking for a new statement piece, Smith is ready for that as well. “Our current obsession is the Kennebunkport sofa by Ambella,” she says. “It is absolutely stunning. We are also in love with recliners right now. We love to cozy up, especially in the winter, and we have some of the most comfortable recliners in stock and available today!” ■
518.581.0023 | saratogasignature.com | 82 Church Street Saratoga Signature celebrated 30 years in business with a lawn jockey, which is a popular holiday gift.
PRACTICING MORE THAN 20 YEARS AND CELEBRATING 10 YEARS IN DOWNTOWN SARATOGA SPRINGS!
Alfred W. Hollis, D.D.S., PLLC
PREVENTIVE AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY Your dental health matters to us. We are committed to providing exceptional, comprehensive dental care.
157 LAKE AVENUE
SARATOGA SPRINGS www.alfredhollisdds.com 518.584.1400 contact@alfredhollisdds.com
Board Games
SARATOGA GRAZING CO’S ERIKA DIBBLE
BECAME A BONA FIDE INSTAGRAM STAR JUST IN TIME FOR HER BUSIEST SEASON: THE HOLIDAYS.
BY NATALIE MOORE photography by ELIZABETH HAYNES
theme spark “You can be
