Travers dead heat means 2 canoes for Spa pond

This time, there will be two canoes.

In keeping with Travers tradition, New York racing officials will commemorate the dead heat in the $1 million race with two canoes in the infield pond at Saratoga Race Course in the colors of the winning owners.

Alpha and Golden Ticket finished in a dead heat in Saturday's Travers. After the race, Alpha's trainer Kiaran McLaughlin wondered ''Who gets the canoe, how are they going to paint the canoe?''

Two canoes will be launched Wednesday, one painted in the royal blue and white of Alpha's owner Godolphin Racing, the other in the green, blue and orange colors of Golden Ticket's owner Magic City Thoroughbred Partners.

The canoe was first painted in the colors of the winning owner in 1961, according to the New York Racing Association.