Full Circle at 40!
Now, for the 40th time, I get to say how delighted, grateful, and honored I am to announce the new Travers Stakes poster - 2025! The earliest introduction ever.
Paula and I decided years ago that the 40th poster should bookend the Travers series. It should bring the poster collection and selected winners of the incomparable Travers full circle from 1986 Travers Silks I to 2025 Travers Silks II! We are already working on next year’s poster - so, no worries!
What a ride it has been. Thank you!
In 40 years so much has changed. But what never changes is fabulous summer days at Saratoga full of the best thoroughbreds, jockeys, and trainers in the world. All in the shade of the great trees and close enough to touch!
Here is the list, with grateful thanks to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame!
Travers 2025 - Travers Silks II (top to bottom, left to right)
Marylou Whitney
Birdstone (2004): Trained by Nick Zito, ridden by Edgar Prado
Winchell Thoroughbreds
Epicenter (2022): Trained by Steve Asmussen, ridden by Joel Rosario
Godolphin
Essential Quality (2021):Trained by Brad Cox, ridden by Luis Saez
Alpha (2012): Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, ridden by Ramon Dominguez
Rokeby Stable
Sea Hero (1993): Trained by Mack Miller, ridden by Jerry Bailey
Java Gold (1987): Trained by Mack Miller, ridden by Pat Day
WinStar Farm
Colonel John (2018): Trained by Eoin Harty, ridden by Garrett Gomez
William S. Farish III
Code of Honor (2019): Trained by Shug McGaughey, ridden by John Velazquez
Gary & Mary West
West Coast (2017): Trained by Bob Baffert, ridden by Mike Smith
Repole Stable
Fierceness (2024): Trained by Todd Pletcher, ridden by John Velazquez
Stay Thirsty (2011): Trained by Todd Pletcher, ridden by Javier Castellano
Claiborne Farm
Forty Niner (1988): Trained by Woody Stephens, ridden by Chris McCarron
Donegal Racing
Keen Ice (2015): Trained by Dale Romans, ridden by Javier Castellano
James B. Tafel
Street Sense (2007): Trained by Carl Nafzger, ridden by Calvin Borel
Unshaded (2000): Trained by Carl Nafzger, ridden by Shane Sellers
Warren A. Croll, Jr.
Holy Bull (1994): Trained by Warren A. Croll, Jr., ridden by Mike Smith
Juddmonte Farms
Arrogate (2016): Trained by Bob Baffert, ridden by Mike Smith
Ogden Phipps
Rhythm (1990): Trained by Shug McGaughey, ridden by Craig Perret
Easy Goer (1989): Trained by Shug McGaughey, ridden by Pat Day
Sackatoga Stable
Tiz the Law (2020): Trained by Barclay Tagg, ridden by Manny Franco
Can't wait for this year. See you at the track!
