Mariano Rivera enjoys a day at Saratoga

New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera visited Saratoga on Friday, and the

New York Racing Association (NYRA) rolled out the red carpet for the all-time

great reliever.

Rivera's Spa experience began Friday morning with a tour of the backstretch.

Escorted by new Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, the 12-time All-Star and

five-time World Series champion  visited with trainers Todd Pletcher and

Kiaran P. McLaughlin. Rivera stopped by Darley Stables and met with Jimmy Bell,

president of Darley's American operations.

"I did enjoy that," Rivera said of the tour. "Johnny was tremendous with me

this morning...it was wonderful. I had a tremendous morning.

"I didn't know the nursing and care they do with these horses. It's amazing.

Today was like a school for me. I learned a lot. Next time I will know a little

bit more about horses."

Rivera complimented Velazquez upon his induction into the Hall of Fame, which

took place following the backstretch tour Friday morning.

"It takes special players and special people to do that. And he is one of

them," Rivera said.

Rivera took part in the winner's circle celebration and presented the trophy to

Dominguez. Track announcer Tom Durkin then turned it over to a reel of the

All-Star's highlights, as a lead-up to Richard Migliore's post-race interview

with Rivera.

"I have had a tremendous time here, it's a blessing," Rivera said. "For me,

it is my first time here, and I have enjoyed it tremendously."

Migliore asked Rivera about his homeland Panama's penchant for producing

great athletes.

"There is something in the water down there, definitely," Rivera agreed. "We

have a lot of them, and one of the best -- Pincay. So thank God for that."

The Yankee great spoke about the Mariano Rivera Foundation, which assists

underprivileged youth. He expressed his thanks to all those who support the

Foundation, and explicitly mentioned the great success of the benefit hosted by

Siro's Trattoria on Thursday night.

Video of Rivera's winner's circle interview is available

here.

Rivera is recovering from knee surgery following a season-ending injury in

May.