1973 Press Photo Beche De Mere in a deluge of rain at Saratoga's opening day.

When he signed up as a racehorse, Beche De Mere expected the usual slings and arrows incidental to a thoroughbred's career. He wasn't however, prepared for the ocean racing that took place when a deluge of rain greeted Saratoga's opening day Thursday. But Beche De Mere took it in stride, coming in first in the opening race under swimming coach - er, jockey - Jacinto Vasquez. Contrary to rumor, Beche De Mere doesn't mean "Get me a towel."

Photo is dated 1973.

Photo measures 9.25 x 8 inches.