Author of new book about Saratoga Race Course describes centuries of structural pageantry from Saratoga to Sydney and around the world

Author and thoroughbred race track historian Paul Roberts will be presenting a three-part lecture series in Saratoga that will paint a panoramic view of historic race courses and their architectural development over the last few centuries. The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) is sponsoring the lecture series hosted by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation.

Roberts, a director of London-based property and planning consultancy Turnberry Consulting, recently coauthored The Spa: Saratoga’s Legendary Race Course, which examines the architectural evolution of Saratoga Race Course from its 1847 beginnings to the present. Roberts and Turnberry Consulting have been appointed by NYRA to advise the direction of capital improvements to Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park and Aqueduct Racetrack.

The architectural historian kicks off the lecture series on Tuesday, July 26, with The Rebuilding of Ascot: The Royal Race Course at the Saratoga Arts Center. Attendees will learn about the royal commission of celebrated architect John Nash, the Five Schilling Stand, and the modern sweeping renovations of a charming medley of twentieth-century buildings resulting in the premier race course known today.

The second lecture, Eight Wonders of the Racing World: Here & Abroad, will take attendees on an historical journey through Paris, Sydney, Buenos Aires and beyond. Roberts will discuss how buildings tell the social, political, and economic story of thoroughbred racing through time. This lecture is scheduled for Tuesday, August 2, also at the Saratoga Arts Center.

The series concludes with a lecture co-sponsored by the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion discussing The Spa: Saratoga’s Legendary Track. This lecture highlights portions of Roberts’ new book of the same title, focusing on the original 1864 buildings to the present-day Saratoga Race Course. The lecture takes place August 10 at the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion at Fasig-Tipton.

Pre-registration for each lecture is recommended. Tickets are $10 for Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation members and $15 for non-members. A book signing will follow each lecture. To reserve seating, call 518-587-5030 or e-mail sbosshart@saratogapreservation.org.

Ascot: England’s Royal Racecourse
Tuesday, July 26
7:00 p.m.
Dee Sarno Theater, Saratoga Arts Center, 320 Broadway
Roberts will speak on the origins of the Queen’s racecourse from the first races in 1711, organized by Queen Anne, to the neoclassical royal stand erected in 1807 by George IV, and finally the expansion and modern developments completed in 2006. This illustrated lecture will examine the changing structure of the racecourse, its connection to the monarchy, and explore 300 years of building on the site.

Historic Race Courses of the World
Tuesday, August 2
7:00 p.m.
Dee Sarno Theater, Saratoga Arts Center, 320 Broadway.
Roberts will discuss the historic structures remaining in world racing, from the gracious courses of Europe such as Chantilly, France, and Freudenau, Vienna, to the intricate architecture of Australian courses and the golden age of American tracks at Santa Anita and Hialeah. This lecture will review a bygone age and identify how the precious buildings of world famous racecourses are being preserved and used today.

The Spa - Saratoga’s Legendary Track
Wednesday, August 10
7:00 p.m.
Fasig-Tipton, Humphrey S. Finney Sales Pavilion, 250 East Avenue
Roberts will lecture on the history and architectural developments of the Saratoga Race Course, the longest surviving sports venue in the nation. Roberts will discuss every phase of Saratoga Race Course’s remarkable past, including the personalities that helped shape it, the heydays and the low-points, and of course the 150 years of building on the site. A book signing will take place after the lecture. Books will be available for sale at each lecture location and at any time through the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation at 112 Spring Street.