Travers Canoes Launched At Saratoga Race Course

The Travers Stakes Race of 2012 brought us two winning horses, Alpha and Golden Ticket. Now, we have two canoes to celebrate?

According to a press release from NYRA, launching the canoes in the winning horses colors is a tradition.

For the first time in history, two canoes will float upon the infield pond at Saratoga Race Course in honor of Golden Ticket and Alpha, who hit the wire together in an electrifying finish resulting in the first dead heat in the Grade 1, $1 million Travers since 1874.

Alpha and Golden Ticket completed the 1 ¼ miles in 2:02.74 in the first dead heat in the “Mid-Summer Derby” since 1874, when Attila and Acrobat finished in a tie, with Attila winning a run-off to be awarded the official victory. Alpha is trained by Kiaran McLaughlin and was ridden by Ramon Dominguez. Golden Ticket is trained by Kenny McPeek and was piloted by jockey David Cohen.

The Travers is the oldest major stakes race in the country for 3-year-olds, dating back to 1864.

After reading this press release, I was left wondering 'Why a Canoe?' What other symbol do you feel would better represent a Travers Stakes winner?  Please leave your comments and suggestions in the comment box below.