My initial plan was to photograph during the Saratoga Race Course “Belmont” weekend (the track is hosting the Belmont Stakes and a few other days of racing while the Belmont track in New York undergoes renovations). I figured I do what I always do when the thoroughbreds race at Saratoga in August – bring my camera gear, set up near the rail, take some photos and be done with the day.
That was … until I saw the “do’s and don’ts” posting during the Belmont Stakes weekend.
And … this is not good.
See, my traveling camera equipment – especially at the flat track – invariably involves my Nikon Df camera gear and my Vanguard Tracker 4 tripod, along with several different camera lenses and whatnot. But this notice clearly states what is NOT permitted at the track that weekend, whether it’s Saturday for the Belmont, or any of the days of the Belmont meet.
Second from the bottom, left side. “Cameras with detachable lenses larger than 6″ in length.“
Meaning, if I brought my Nikon Df camera with me, I wouldn’t be able to bring my 80-200 f/2.8 telephoto lens along. So no close-up action shots on the rail.
But then … maybe I could still get some quality shots with a shorter lens.
Nope. Third from the bottom, right side. “Tripods or other professional camera equipment.“
So that eliminates both my Vanguard Tracker 4 tripod AND my Nikon Df.
So do I change plans and bring my Nikon F2S film camera (“Nikon Athena”) to the track? Maybe pack it with some infrared film and squeeze off a few shots here and there?
I dunno. That seems like too much of a PITA for something I could do in August without any worries or hassles. And although I could contact NYRA and get a photographer’s pass that would allow me to bring my digital camera gear and my tripod onto the race track during the Belmont meet …
It’s not worth my trouble.
I actually called the track, and spoke with security regarding the matter. Security let me know that although I could bring my camera gear and tripod to the track during the Saratoga August meet, the Belmont week operates under different parameters, and my pro camera gear wouldn’t be welcome.
I mean, I could counterbalance this by packing my Rolleiflex and shooting medium-format shots … I guess … perhaps …
Nah.
Let everybody else do the “Were you SEEN at Saratoga during the Belmont Stakes?” social gathering. I’m emotionally secure enough that if I’m not able to bring the kind of photography gear and equipment necessary for this kind of project, I’m not going to waste my time. I can shoot this stuff in August. It’s fine.
Besides, the Albany Patroons are hosting Raleigh in the playoffs this weekend.
And I’ll have exponentially more fun at the Armory than I would battling the hoi polloi and the nouveau bougeoise that weekend.
Gotta pick your shots where you can.
Chuck The Writer 
So if you brought a micro 4/3 camera with a 150mm lens on a monopod and didn’t sell the pictures you’d be good? Seems a bit strange to me. But yeah, the place will probably be too packed for comfort anyway.
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Yeah, i think they’re okay with personal pictures on a cell phone, but they don’t want someone taking high-quality pictures of the Belmont that could be sold without THEM getting a cut of the profits, I suspect. It’s fine. I’ll just wait for the August meet and photograph with all my camera gear.
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