Originally Posted by sumitas

a little side note. i believe up until a few years ago there was never a fence around the paddock at Saratoga. fans could wander around anywhere in the paddock while the horses were being saddled. it got too crowded so they put up a fence.

a couple of years ago i was standing by the paddock fence and a fellow said he was the owner of a horse about to run in a steeplechase. him and his family were not allowed in the paddock because they were all wearing shorts. not allowed...his horse won the race.