Saturday, August 23rd, 2008. A day that created memories for many capital region residents and track attendees, alike.

The race was won by a nose, but the bigger win may have been off the track.

A Saratoga Track official tells CBS 6 that the 2008 turnout for the Travers Stakes beat out last year, by about 2000 attendees.

40,723 people packed into the track versus last year's 38,909 race fans.

The on-track handle reflected the higher number of attendees, $8,287,014.14.

The grand total, including off-track betting was a high $37 million.

The on-track winner, Colonel John, beat out Mambo in Seattle in a finish for the history books.