NORTHFIELD — Chip Ainsworth remembers his heart pounding. He remembers the tremendous rumbling as the thoroughbreds thundered past the grandstand and the people in the stands leapt to their feet to cheer for their favorite horses.
To Ainsworth, a Recorder sports columnist and Northfield resident, Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., is “heaven on earth.” He’s been going to the track for years, and had the opportunity to share his experience with a dozen seniors interested in taking their first trip.
Northfield’s Council on Aging decided to organize the Aug. 10 trip with hopes of planning more events of interest to men, and reached out to Ainsworth to give a presentation Thursday in Town Hall.
Ainsworth spoke of what potential travelers should expect, what sights they should see and how to pick a horse to bet on.
At over 150 years old, Saratoga is the third oldest racetrack in the United States. Ainsworth described the track as having over 1,000 television monitors, a spring of mineral water, beautiful elm trees, expansive flower beds and tasty food.
“If I were you, I’d walk around,” he said. “Take it all in.”
The group will spend Irish American Day at the track, when there will be lots of live Irish music.
Bill McGee, a member of the Council on Aging’s board, said the 30-seat bus will depart at 8 a.m. and return by 8 p.m. Each bus ticket will cost $96, though McGee said if more than 25 people sign up, tickets will go down to $79. Individuals must sign up and hand in their money to the Council on Aging before July 19.
Heather Tower, director of the Council on Aging, said that while the trip is sponsored by the senior center, they won’t turn anyone away, regardless of their age or what town they live in. She intends to invite the senior centers in Erving and Bernardston to participate as well.