A PHOTO FINISH

Saratoga, whose world-famous thoroughbred track is America’s oldest sports venue, has long been known as the “Summer Place to Be.” But like most vacation destinations, that wasn’t the case last year as the COVID pandemic forced racing to go on without fans in the massive grandstand.

The New York Racing Association, the track’s operator, and the Saratoga Springs community, whose economy relies heavily on tourism, were thrilled when the 153rd racing season began July 15 in front of full grandstands, with fans lining up at midnight to get in. The meet typically draws more than 1 million people during its annual seven-week run from mid-July to Labor Day.

“This facility was frankly a shell of itself [last year],” Patrick McKenna, a spokesman for the New York Racing Association, said on Opening Day. “It’s the fans and patrons that make Saratoga so special. … It’s a significant moment for racing fans.”

This year, in addition to all the on- and off-track festivities, fans have another major attraction to enjoy. Directly across