[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 12250]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          SARATOGA RACE COURSE

  (Mr. TONKO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, ``and they're off.'' That traditional refrain 
as horses come out of the gate ushered in yet another Saratoga season 
just days ago--this time a very special season.
  I recognize Saratoga Race Course as it celebrates 150 years of 
thoroughbred racing in Saratoga Springs, New York.
  On August 3, 1863, a son of Irish immigrants, John Morrissey, who 
served two terms in this body, staged the first horse race at what is 
now known as the Oklahoma Track, giving birth to the oldest continually 
active sporting venue in the United States.
  Notable sportswriter Red Smith once said of the Saratoga Race Course, 
``From New York City you drive north for about 175 miles, turn left on 
Union Avenue and go back 100 years.''
  Racing in Saratoga produces over 2,000 jobs, nearly $15 million in 
tax revenue and an economic boost of $200 million to the surrounding 
region each year.
  I am honored to recognize 150 years of tradition and community spirit 
that come to life in a most unique and exciting way, that have a 
special place in our American story.
  Let me close, Mr. Speaker, the following way: ``And down the stretch 
they come.'' Happy 150th, Saratoga.

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