First “Big Apple” citation in Saratoga: March 10, 1922

New York Morning Telegraph track writer John J. Fitz Gerald (1892-1963, born in Saratoga Springs, New York) used “big apple” in his columns since at least May 3, 1921. It meant the “big time” of New York racing. In his columns in 1924 and again in 1926, Fitz Gerald stated that he picked up the “big apple” term from “dusky” (black) stable hands at the Fair Grounds race track in New Orleans, Louisiana.
 
In The Saratogian (Saratoga Springs, NY) on March 10, 1922, it was announced that “thoroughbred sport ‘on the big apple’ will have its inaugural at the customary spot—Jamaica, on Wednesday, May 3.”
 
 
10 March 1922, The Saratogian (Saratoga Springs, NY), pg. 1, col. 7:
SARATOGA GIVEN
ENTIRE MONTH OF
AUGUST FOR RACING
(...)
Saratoga Springs, as usual, is alloted the entire month of August in the assignment of racing dates made yesterday in New York at a meeting of the stewards of the Jockey Club. The Saratoga Association is given twenty-seven days, the same as last year. The meeting will begin Tuesday, August 1 after a two-day intermission to permit owners to get their stables from Empire City on Sunday and Monday, July 30 and 31.
 
One hundred and fifty-four days of racing for the Empire State this year were sanctioned by the stewards. The thoroughbred sport “on the big apple” will have its inaugural at the customary spot—Jamaica, on Wednesday, May 3.