The Jockey “Y”

WRITTEN BY BILL ORZELL

The rich history of Saratoga Springs is enchanting to comprehend. The forum of global Thoroughbred competition has spawned distinct local architecture, our palpable link to a splendid past. This makes it so admirable when familiar style-lines can be replicated in new structures, such as the Backstretch Clinic, a complementary design to the neighboring Recreation Center. This attractive building on the Oklahoma side of Union Avenue was an early twentieth century concept, providing backstretch workers amusement where they domiciled. The Y.M.C.A. was firmly established in Saratoga Springs, and folks discerned the need to spread the message of righteous living and good health at the track. A subscription drive was launched to build a facility, and a primary donor was the architect, Samuel Adams Clark, who donated his time and the design. Mr. Clark’s family were race fans and Saratoga summer cottagers, leasing Cady Hill before Marylou Whitney’s father-inlaw purchased the famous estate. Mr. Clark left a significant record of creativity at the Spa, having also designed the present Turf Terrace and Clubhouse at the track, and the War Memorial pavilion in Congress Park. During construction, the project became known as the “Jockey Y,” the term used interchangeably with the appellation Recreation Center. The facilities opened in 1928, with ‘separate but equal’ services. It was exactly that, a paired building preventing racial integration of the patrons. The only link between the two factions was a shared kitchen.

Conventions that were accepted at the time seem very out of place today, such as the strictures of racial separation, which was a rarity in upstate New York. It is difficult not to agree with Edward Hotaling, who stated in his landmark publication, They’re Off! Horse Racing at Saratoga, that the Jockey “Y” was, “an outpost of formal ‘segregation’ that evoked memories of the ancient Southern colony at Saratoga.” The grounds provided a ball diamond, and the back of the structure offered a fine space for an outdoor illuminated boxing ring. The activities for boxing training, including running, speedbag, heavy-bag, and sparring, are complementary to those required to keep a jockey fit. Both sports require strength, speed, and endurance, and also require the participants to make weight. The squared-circle of the boxing ring, and padded gloves, also provided an outlet to vent those small differences that arose in the close quarters on the backside. For many years boxing matches were staged at the Jockey “Y” between amateurs, which included jockeys, exercise riders and grooms. During the Great Depression, economic failures placed the Jockey “Y” under the operation of the Saratoga Association. The 1930s also saw the entrance of Francis John “Jock” Labelle, Saratoga native and star High School athlete, despite an unlikely 5’2” stature. He gained his lifelong nickname after he ran away from home with ambitions to become a jockey. Jock operated a lunch counter on Church Street and was a basketball official at scholastic/college games, where his humorous demeanor enchanted fans and earned him a tour with the Harlem Globetrotters. He acted as personal trainer to heavyweight boxing contender and Saratoga resident Bob Pastor and was in his corner as a second, in his championship challenge with Joe Louis in the Brown Bomber’s hometown of Detroit. Jock LaBelle organized the boxing programs at the Jockey “Y” and often acted as both announcer and referee. Jock also launched successful recreation programs at Hialeah, Delaware Park and Atlantic City racetracks. The decade of the 1940s began with the affable George Bull as President of the Saratoga Association and Anna Clare, who had recently been appointed Track Supervisor upon the death of her husband Tom, both strongly behind the broad operations of the Recreation Center. In the 1950s, established trainers such as Max Hirsch and Lucien Laurin would look to bring on exercise riders and grooms with boxing abilities, to improve their stable’s ring chances during August at the Spa. The public was always welcome at the bouts, and real interest was shown by many prominent persons in racing, who would sponsor prizes for the fighters. Notables included Prince Aly Khan and Alfred G. Vanderbilt, who even qualified as a boxing Ref! The boxing matches continued into the 1960s, but with jockeys more often acting as judges, rather than combatants. NYRA began a two-year modernization project at the Saratoga Race Course in 1963. The updates included ending the segregation at the Jockey “Y.” The next time you drive down Union Avenue, look for these notable buildings. SS