Although we’ve lived in North Carolina for 20 years, we have many roots in the northeast and I always enjoy getting up there – especially at this time of year.
With our son Sean getting ready to head off to college, I figured this would be a good time for us to take a trip together. Sean loves New York City, so I dropped him off with his sister Alison for a few days as I headed further north to Saratoga Springs.
It was great to see Alison and her boyfriend Mike, and I got the extra bonus of seeing my brother and sister and their families.
I first photographed the racing in Saratoga in the mid-90s and I’ve wanted to go back for some time. Thanks to my brother Ben for helping me get credentials and then getting up at 5 a.m. to go to the track with me. (We got to play a little golf too).
It was so nice seeing everyone but I wish Betsy could have made the trip.
We also wanted to congratulate Alison on her new job in New York – we are very proud and happy for you!
![ny_0001 Sunrise on opening day at the Saratoga Race Course](http://blog.christopherrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ny_0001.jpg)
![ny_0002 An amazing sky greets riders breezing the race horses](http://blog.christopherrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ny_0002.jpg)
![ny_0003 Fantastic light made an early wake-up call worthwhile](http://blog.christopherrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ny_0003.jpg)
![ny_0004 Getting ready](http://blog.christopherrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ny_0004.jpg)
![ny_0005 Amazing animals](http://blog.christopherrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ny_0005.jpg)
![ny_0006 Working out](http://blog.christopherrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ny_0006.jpg)
![ny_0007 Saratoga bugler Sam Grossman prepares for opening day](http://blog.christopherrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ny_0007.jpg)
![ny_0008 Quality Road, arguably the best horse in the country, gets some morning air](http://blog.christopherrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ny_0008.jpg)
![ny_0009 A little TLC at the end of workout](http://blog.christopherrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ny_0009.jpg)
![ny_0010 Back in New York City, we ventured down to the Brooklyn Bridge](http://blog.christopherrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ny_0010.jpg)
![ny_0011 A magnificent night in New York](http://blog.christopherrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ny_0011.jpg)
![ny_0012 Detail of the Brooklyn Bridge](http://blog.christopherrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ny_0012.jpg)
![ny_0013 The Brooklyn Bridge frames Manhattan at twilight](http://blog.christopherrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ny_0013.jpg)
![ny_0014 The Manhattan Bridge](http://blog.christopherrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ny_0014.jpg)
![ny_0015 A pretty ride up the East River](http://blog.christopherrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ny_0015.jpg)
![ny_0016 Early morning in Brooklyn](http://blog.christopherrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ny_0016.jpg)
![ny_0017 Another view of the sunrise](http://blog.christopherrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ny_0017.jpg)