‘Butterflies’ in Saratoga as historic track prepares to host its first Belmont

The countdown was on Friday at Saratoga Race Course, which was a day away from hosting the 156th running of the Belmont Stakes. While Saratoga Springs hosts an iconic 40-day race meet each summer, a different level of excitement could be felt around the Spa City on Friday.

Just a few blocks away from Broadway, Susan Garrett of Champion Floral Blankets by Susan and her team of family and friends were putting the finishing touches on several floral arrangements.

“What it feels like to me is, like, butterflies,” she said. “It’s all I keep feeling.”

The detailed, handmade blankets that take about six hours to construct will adorn the horses that win some of Saturday’s biggest races.

“Woody Stevens, his silks were white with red polka dots,” Garrett explained as red carnations were sewed onto the blanket.

But racing fans will be looking out for the traditional blanket of white carnations. It’s synonymous with the Belmont Stakes race, and is crafted this year by Garrett.

“The Kentucky Derby is a run for the roses, and the Preakness is the black eyed-Susans, and the Belmont is the white carnations,” Garrett explained. “It’s been that way for 156 years.”

Back on Broadway, in the heart of Saratoga Springs, the energy was high.

“I’m so excited to have the big race here,” said Shelagh Conley, a Saratoga native. “This is just a historic town and the best place on earth. Of course, I’m a little biased.”

Devine Providence added, “It’s so much different because of the grandeur of it all, and all the people coming.”

That included people from across the country such as Rich Sundberg, who traveled to Saratoga from Rochester to meet family and friends.

“My wife’s sister came from Florida, and her other sister from Michigan,” he said. “All meeting here for the race.”

The Spa City pulled out all the stops to make it as special and memorable a week as possible.

“I was at Belmont a long time ago for the Breeder’s Cup,” Sundberg said. “But I think it’s going to be something special here.”

Spectrum News 1 will have coverage of this weekend’s races, including the Belmont Stakes throughout the day Saturday.