 With its first run in 1901, the Saratoga Special was a winner-take-all race until 1959 when it became a standard stakes race.The race was held at Belmont Park on the Widener Course in 1943, 1944, and 1945.There was no race in 1911 and 1912 due to the New York State legislated ban on parimutuel betting that led to the closure of all New York racetracks.