Celebrating 65 Years! (1950-2015)

Upcoming Events:
March 18 – Student Art Show grades
3-7 opening reception, 6-7:30 p.m.,
free admission
April 22 – Student Art Show grades
8-12 opening reception, 6-7:30 p.m.,
free admission
April 25 – Countdown to the Triple
Crown, previewing the upcoming
Triple Crown races, 1 p.m., free
admission
May 2 – Kentucky Derby Party, 3:307:30 p.m..
Aug. 7 – Hall of Fame induction
ceremony, 10:30 a.m. (at the FasigTipton Pavilion), free admission
Aug. 14 – Annual Museum Ball
Upcoming Exhibits:
The Sanford Legacy, Contemporary
Racing Gallery
Treasures of the Vault: 65 years of the
National Museum of Racing, McBean
Gallery
Museum Postcard Circa 1950’s
Celebrating 65 Years! (1950-2015)
Led by Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney,
a group of people prominent within
the sport of thoroughbred racing
established the National Museum of
Racing in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., in
1950. Less than a year later, on Aug.6,
1951, amid a great deal of fanfare,
the Museum opened in a temporary
location at the Canfield Casino in
Congress Park.
“The long-range purpose,”
Whitney said at the opening
in the famous old casino “is to
build a permanent home for the
important memorabilia for the
sport whose beginnings in this
country antedate by 100 years
or more the United States of
America.” (Continued on next page.)
Hall of Fame Heroes, McBean Gallery
In 2015, the National Museum of
Paintings from the Charles H. Thieriot Racing and Hall of Fame — the
Collection, McBean Gallery
Museum officially added the Hall of
Fame in 1955 — will celebrate the
65th anniversary of its founding.
65th Anniversary Logo
Celebrating 65 Years! (1950-2015)
(Continued)
Four years later, in 1955, the Museum moved to
a newly constructed facility at 191 Union Avenue,
directly across the street from historic Saratoga
Race Course, which is now the oldest active
sporting venue in America. Through the decades,
the Museum has grown in size and scope and now
occupies a sprawling building with some 45,000
square feet of space.
Whitney served as the first president of the
Museum from 1950 to 1953. He was followed by
Jeffords, 1953 to 1960; Widener, 1960 to 1968; John
W. Hanes, 1968 to 1970; Gerard S. Smith, 1970 to
1974; Charles E. Mather II, 1974 to 1982; Whitney
Tower, 1982 to 1989; John T. von Stade, 1989 to
2005; Stella F. Thayer, from 2005 to 2014; and
Gretchen Jackson from 2014 to present.
The Museum was popular from the beginning.
During its first year of operation at the Canfield
Casino in 1951, the Museum attracted more than
8,000 visitors. At the end of 1952, the register
showed 11,500 names.
Cornerstone Dedication Ceremony
Joining Whitney in the founding group that
signed the charter for the Museum were George
D. Widener, F. Skiddy von Stade, Donald P. Ross,
Kenneth K. Burke, Nelson Dunstan, John Hay
Whitney, Carlton F. Burke and John C. Clark. Also
recognized as organizers of the Museum were
Walter M. Jeffords, Francis Dorsey, Howell E.
Jackson, Paul Kerr, Denis Mansfield, Dr. Charles
Strub, Bryce Wing, Spencer Eddy, Robert F. Kelley
and Addison Mallery, the mayor of Saratoga Springs
at the time.
The first gift for the Museum project was $5,000
from the Saratoga Association, which owned
and operated Saratoga Race Course. Harold O.
Vosburgh, a steward for the Saratoga Association,
donated the first piece of memorabilia, a shoe from
the legendary horse Lexington.
When it was announced the Museum would
move out of its original quarters in the Canfield
Casino and into a structure being built specifically
to house it, a Saratoga citizen, James E. Benton,
applauded. He sparked some of the impetus
toward a Hall of Fame with a letter to journalists
Nelson Dunstan and Gene Ward. He made
an eloquent plea, noting that some aspects of
Saratoga were changing — the demise of the
Grand Union and United States hotels, for example
— but that tradition was an important part of the
area and racing.
“If a board of turf writers, for instance, were to
elect annually to the Hall of Fame one or more
jockeys, horses, or trainers, it would be of national
importance,” Benton wrote. “An annual special
award would be coveted.”
By early 1955, it was announced by Jeffords that
the new building would, indeed, include a Hall of
Fame. (Continued on next page.)
Celebrating 65 Years! (1950-2015)
(Continued)
The Museum board had passed the following:
“Resolved that the National Museum of Racing
create and be custodian of racing’s Hall of Fame and
its president be empowered to appoint a committee
whose duties it will be to recommend to the board
of trustees ways and means of selecting candidates.”
Given that thoroughbred racing had been a part
of life in America since the colonial days, a bit of
catching up was needed. It was decided that the
first group of Hall of Fame inductees would be
comprised of horses which had raced prior to 1900
and jockeys and trainers who were no longer active.
The inaugural class of inductees included the horses
Ben Brush, Boston, Domino, Hanover, Hindoo,
Kingston, Lexington, Salvator and Sir Archy; jockeys
Laverne Fator, Edward Garrison, Danny Maher,
James McLaughlin, Walter Miller, Isaac Murphy,
George Odom, Earl Sande, Tod Sloan, Fred Taral,
Nash Turner and George Woolf; and trainers
William P. Burch, Thomas Healey, Sam Hildreth, A.J.
Joyner, John Rogers and James Rowe, Sr.
Cornerstone Dedication Ceremony
Ground was broken for the Museum’s permanent
home during the final week of November 1954. The
cornerstone was laid in April 1955 and New York
Gov. W. Averell Harriman presided over the formal
dedication on Aug. 16, during the Saratoga racing
season. Harriman spoke briefly prior to the ribboncutting ceremony.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
“Racing, in order to continue, must remain
as a sport,” he said, “and not as a commercial
enterprise. We must maintain the traditions of
racing, and Saratoga is rich in such traditions.”
The New York Times’ report on the dedication
said the building cost $300,000. The National
Museum of Racing opened to the public on June
2, 1956. The building was designed by New York
City architect Augustus Noel. In 1957, the first
addition, called the Patrons of the Turf Gallery,
was completed. More expansion followed. A third
wing was added in 1979 and became the home of
the Hall of Fame.
Until the mid-1980s, the Museum functioned
primarily as a diversified set of galleries and was
open only during the summer. In the 1980s, the
Museum began evolving into a professionally
managed institution. The Board of Trustees
raised $6.4 million and hired an English design
team experienced with thoroughbred racing to
completely renovate the building and develop
historical galleries covering three centuries of
racing in America. The renovation took 10 months
and the building reopened on July 14, 1988.
(Continued on next page.)
Celebrating 65 Years! (1950-2015)
(Continued)
Between 1999 and 2000, a major renovation and
a 10,000 square-foot expansion of the physical
plant costing $18 million improved collections
storage and created a changing exhibition space, a
curatorial workroom and a Children’s Gallery. The
storyline of the semi-permanent historical galleries
also expanded to include 20th century history and
current events in racing. Extensive audio and video
presentations, as well as interactive exhibits for all
ages, have been added throughout the Museum.
During the past 20 years there has been
tremendous change in all areas of Museum
operations. The unique horse racing simulator was
developed and opened to the public in 2006, a new
interactive Steeplechase Gallery opened in 2012
and the Museum celebrated 150 years of racing at
Saratoga with a two-year exhibit that opened in
June 2013.
With the 2014 election of jockeys Lloyd Hughes
and Alex Solis, horses Ashado, Clifford and Curlin,
trainer Gary Jones and Pillars of the Turf E. R.
Bradley and E. P. Taylor, the Hall of Fame honors
394 of racing’s legends. They, and the other greats
who follow, represent the courage of victory,
the glamour of the turf and the heartbeat of the
sporting world.
Sixty-five years after its founding, the National
Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame continues
to be a dynamic part of the vibrant sport it
celebrates. The Museum continues to evolve
while remaining committed to its core mission
of preserving the rich history of one of America’s
oldest and most revered sports.
The Museum Today
Museum Headlines
Lisa Troutt Joins the Museum as New Board Member
Lisa Troutt has been named to the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
The appointment was announced by Gretchen Jackson, President of the National Museum of Racing and
Hall of Fame.
Troutt devotes much of her time in racing to WinStar Farm in Versailles, Ky., owned by her husband of 21
years, Kenny Troutt. Mrs. Troutt is also actively involved in the Race Track Chaplaincy of America.
A graduate of the University of North Texas, Mrs. Troutt worked in the apparel business in sales,
marketing and design for companies such as Prophecy Corp., Leslie Fay, BIS by Gene Ewing, and Barboglio.
Mrs. Troutt is a founding board member for The Council for Life and serves on the boards of the
Salvation Army, New Friends New Life, Point of View, and Southern Methodist University Meadows School
of the Arts. She is also affiliated with the Park Cities Republican Women and the Laura W. Bush Women’s
Initiative Council.
Mrs. Troutt resides in Dallas with her husband and three children: Preston, 20; Grant, 18; and Savannah,
14.
Tom Durkin Named Honorary 2015 Ball Chairman
Tom Durkin has graciously accepted the position of
Honorary Ball Chairman for the upcoming 2015 Museum
Ball.
Durkin, who recently retired as announcer for the New
York Racing Association, is renowned for his recognizable
baritone call voice. He was the announcer for all three
NYRA tracks from 1990 to 2014, with his last call at
Saratoga on August 30, 2014. An iconic figure within the
sport, Durkin was honored with the Eclipse Award of Merit
on January 17th.
When not calling races, he has served on the board for the Backstretch Employee Service Team
(B.E.S.T.) which provides services such as medical care and counseling to backstretch workers at NYRA
tracks.
We look forward to honoring Tom and his legacy!
Museum Headlines - continued
May 2nd, 2015 - Bacon, Brews and, Brims
Kentucky Derby Party
With the support of a dynamic, local, and
influential working committee, the National
Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is hosting a
Kentucky Derby Party this May 2nd, 2015.
The theme is Bacon, Brews, and Brims, featuring
delicious samplings and a judging of signature
bacon dishes from local restaurants and
breweries. We are also encouraging our guests
to dress to impress, as a competition for the
most fashionable Derby attire will also take place
during the event.
While exploring the Museum and its local
connection, guests will also enjoy the hip sounds
of Funk Evolution in the prestigious Hall Of Fame
before a live airing of the 2015 Kentucky Derby race. This event is surely not to be missed!
Event Time & Date: May 2, 2015. From 3:30pm - 7:30pm.
Location: National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
191 Union Avenue
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Ticket Prices: $65 Museum Members
$75 Early Bird Special
$85 At the Door
$25 Designated Driver
All tickets will include food and beverage tastings, a chance to win raffle prizes, fashion judging, live
entertainment, live viewing of the Kentucky Derby in the Hall of Fame, plus much, much more!
Please call our Development and Membership specialist at 518-584-0400 ext. 109 or email at
[email protected] for further inquiry.
Curator’s Corner - with Victoria Tokarowski
Nashua at Saratoga
W. Smithson Broadhead
Oil on canvas, 1955
Gift: Mr. and Mrs. John T. Pratt, 1956.9.1
The first installment of the Curator’s Corner highlights a painting by W. Smithson Broadhead from the
Museum’s Permanent Collection that features not one, not two, but three members of our Hall of Fame.
Nashua, seen here in the paddock at Saratoga Race Course, holds the distinction of being the first
Thoroughbred sold for $1 million. Out of 30 lifetime starts, Nashua only raced twice at Saratoga, winning
the Hopeful and the Grand Union Hotel Stakes in 1954 en route to earning the title of Champion 2-YearOld Colt that year. His Hall of Fame trainer, James Edward “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons, can be found sitting
on the bench, giving his rider, Hall of Fame jockey Eddie Arcaro (who rode Nashua to victory in both
Saratoga stakes), some final pre-race instructions.
Both Fitzsimmons and Arcaro entered the Hall of Fame as the Class of 1958, and Nashua followed as part
of the Class of 1965.
This painting, along with five others, is currently featured in the special exhibit, The Paintings of W.
Smithson Broadhead, which is on display in the Link Gallery through 2015.
Ask the Historian - a Q & A with Allan Carter
Q. I remember Bold Ruler,
Round Table and Gallant Man
running against each other in the
1957. Have there been any other
instances in which three Hall
of Fame horses have run in the
same race?
A. This is a list of races I have
found in which three Hall of
Fame horses ran in the same
race. Since there is no scientific
method to determine this
question, this list may not be
complete.
Swift, June 18, 1887, Sheepshead
Bay. Hanover(1st), Kingston
(2nd), Firenze (3rd). (the only
three in the race).
Brooklyn Handicap, June 25,
1917, Aqueduct. Regret (2nd),
Old Rosebud (3rd), Roamer
(5th). This is considered by
many to be one of the best
fields ever assembled for one
race. In addition to the Hall of
Fame entrees, it included three
former Kentucky Derby winners
(Regret, Old Rosebud, and Omar
Khyyam). It also included such
top handicap horses as the
9-year-old Borrow (the winner),
Boots and Stromboli.
Havre de Grace Handicap,
September 25, 1926. Crusader
(1st), Sarazen (4th), and Princess
Doreen (8th).
Woodward, September 30,
1967, Aqueduct. Damascus (1st),
Buckpasser (2nd), Dr. Fager
(3rd).
Laurel Stakes, October 16, 1926.
Sarazen (2nd), Crusader (4th),
and Princess Doreen (8th).
Croyden was the winner, and
Mars was third.
Marlboro Cup Handicap, October
8, 1973., Belmont. Secretariat
(1st), Riva Ridge (2nd), and
Cougar II (3rd).
Pimlico Special, November 17,
1945. Armed (1st), Stymie (3rd),
and Gallorette (4th). First Fiddle
was second, and Polynesian was
sixth.
Butler Handicap, July 12, 1947,
Jamaica. Assault (1st), Stymie
(2nd), and Gallorette (3rd).
Sysonby Mile, September 29,
1948, Belmont. Citation (1st),
First Flight (2nd), and Coaltown
(3rd).
Kentucky Derby, May 4, 1957.
Gallant Man (2nd), Round Table
(3rd), and Bold Ruler (4th). This
is the famous race when Bill
Shoemaker stood prematurely on
Gallant Man, allowing Iron Liege
to win by a nose.
Trenton Handicap, November 9,
1957, Garden State. Bold Ruler
(1st), Gallant Man (2nd), and
Round Table (3rd) (the only
three in the race).
Governor, September 1, 1975.,
Belmont. Foolish Pleasure (2nd),
Ancient Title (3rd), Forego (4th).
Wajima won.
Marlboro Cup Handicap,
September 13, 1975, Belmont.
Forego (2nd), Ancient Title (3rd),
Foolish Pleasure (5th). Wajima
won, again.
Jockey Club Gold Cup, October
14, 1978, Belmont. Exceller (1st),
Seattle Slew (2nd), and Affirmed
(5th, saddle slipped). Great
Contractor was third.
Breeders’ Cup Distaff, November
4, 1989, Gulfstream Park. Bayakoa
(1st), Open Mind (3rd), and
Winning Colors (9th). Gorgeous
was second.
Have a question to ask
Allan? Email him at:
[email protected]
Exhibit Notes
Secretariat Bronze Conservation Work
Extensive conservation work was performed this June
on the John Skeaping bronze of Secretariat in the
National Museum of Racing’s courtyard to restore
the sculpture to its “Big Red” glory as its donor, Paul
Mellon, wished. Visitors to the Museum have the
chance to get up close and take photographs with this
iconic sculpture each year, and it remains one of the
highlights of any Museum visit. Its replica, also owned
by the National Museum of Racing, resides in the
paddock at Belmont Park.
Sesquicentennial Exhibit Closing
The Alfred Z. Solomon Sesquicentennial Exhibit: Celebrating 150 years of racing in Saratoga officially
closed on Dec. 7. We would like to thank the following for helping us celebrate this momentous event
in racing history: the Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust, the Saratoga 150 Committee,
NYRA, our exhibition lenders, and the members and supporters of the National Museum of Racing
and Hall of Fame. Your support allows us to celebrate and honor the sport of thoroughbred racing in
America, and we look forward to seeing you all in 2015 as the Museum celebrates its 65th anniversary!
Collection Notes
Paul Mellon Bequest
The National Museum of Racing
and Hall of Fame received a gift of
several trophies from the estate of
Paul Mellon, following the death of
his widow, Rachel Lambert Mellon,
on March 17, 2014. A collection
of trophies won by Mill Reef and
Sea Hero, originally bequeathed
to the Museum in 1999, were
subject to a life estate and
remained in the care of Mrs. Mellon
until the time of her
passing.
This
newest
addition to the Museum’s trophy
collection includes Mill Reef’s
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and
Epsom Derby trophies, as well as Sea Hero’s 1993 Kentucky Derby trophy. All seven of these prestigious
racing awards are now featured in the Museum’s Sculpture Gallery.
Marilyn Newmark Bequest
The National Museum of Racing
and Hall of Fame received a bequest
of several original bronze sculptures
from renowned equine sculptor
Marilyn Newmark Meiselman
(1929-2013). Works accepted into
the Museum’s Collection include:
Leading the Field, To the Wire,
Trailing Home, Majestic Light and
Almost Teat Time. The majority of
these sculptures are now on display
within the Museum’s Sculpture
Gallery.
Honors
Jennie Rees, Jim Murray named to
National Museum of Racing’s Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor
Esteemed turf writers Jennie Rees and the late Jim
1955) and Sports Illustrated (1953 through
Murray have been elected to the National Museum of 1961). He also was a reporter for the Los Angeles
Examiner, as well as Connecticut’s New Haven
Racing’s Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor.
Register and Hartford Times. A native of Hartford,
Conn., Murray graduated from Trinity College in
Rees has covered horse racing for the Louisville
Courier-Journal since 1983 and has won Eclipse
Hartford.
Awards in four different decades, three as an
Murray’s legacy is honored today by the Jim
individual for writing and a fourth as the lead
journalist in the Courier-Journal’s 2008 multimedia Murray Memorial Foundation. The organization
Eclipse-winning package on horse safety. Rees is
provides annual scholarships to undergraduate
also a five-time winner of the Red Smith Award for journalism students. There are currently 28
college journalism programs that participate in the
Kentucky Derby coverage.
student essay competition for the scholarships.
A past president of the National Turf Writers
“I think Joe Hirsch would be pleased to have Jennie
Association (now the National Turf Writers and
Broadcasters Association), Rees has been recognized Rees and Jim Murray on his honor roll,” said
for career achievement by the NTWA, the Kentucky Edward L. Bowen, chairman of the Hirsch Selection
Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Committee. “They both typify the work ethic,
writing skills, and journalistic integrity that we all
Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders
and Maryland Jockey Club. She has twice been
respect.”
voted Kentucky Sportswriter of the Year. Rees grew
Previous selections to the Joe Hirsch Media Roll of
up in Lexington, Ky., and is a graduate of Indiana
University.
Honor include Steven Crist (2010), Bill Nack (2010),
Red Smith (2010), Charles Hatton (2010), Dr. Russ
Murray (1919-1998) wrote about thoroughbred
Harris (2011), Joe Palmer (2011), Jay Hovdey (2012),
racing and numerous other sports for the Los
Whitney Tower (2012), Andrew Beyer (2013), Kent
Angeles Times from 1961 to 1998. He won a Pulitzer Hollingsworth (2013) and George F. T. Ryall (2013).
The Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor Committee is
Prize in 1990 and was named Sportswriter of the
Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters comprised of Bowen, National Museum of Racing
Association 14 times. Murray was presented the J. G. trustees Leverett Miller and Ken Grayson, Cot
Taylor Spink Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame in Campbell of Dogwood Stable, retired turf publicist
Jane Goldstein and Dan Smith of the Del Mar
1987.
Thoroughbred Club.
Prior to his tenure with the Los Angeles Times,
Murray wrote for Time magazine (1948 through
2014 Museum Holiday Party
The 2014 Member and Volunteer Holiday Party
was a smashing success! Those in attendance were
treated to delicious food provided by Brook Tavern,
live music provided by Moriah Pickard, and festive
decor. We once again would like to thank our
generous and gracious members. Because of your
kind support, the Museum continues its mission in
providing access to unique equine art, interactive
displays, memorabilia, and film to visitors each year.
We look forward to seeing you all throughout the
year as well as the 2015 Holiday Party!
Above: Longest standing membership holders in attendance
Felix and Patricia Murphy - members for 26 years!
Top Right: Members enjoying delicious drinks and
hor’ dourves provided by Brook Tavern.
Bottom Right: Members from both near and far gathered
together to celebrate another sucessful
year for the Museum.
Bottom Left: The talented Moriah Pickard provided festive
holiday music throughout the entire party.
Many Thanks Moriah!
Education Department Notes
the national museum of racing presents “horsing around
with the arts” 21st annual juried student art show 2015
submission rules:
all entries must have an equine theme. no photographs or computer-altered imagery. please
check with us before using organic materials.
size: (including frames) no larger than 30 x 30 inches.
entry deadlines (no exceptions) grades 3-7: february 12, opening reception march 18 (6-7:30 p.m.)
grades 8-12: march 20, opening reception april 22 (6-7:30 p.m.) artwork may not be picked up until
the exhibition closes.
a photograph must be sent with a completed entry form . one per entry student, no collaborative
submissions. please do not deliver artwork until a museum representative contacts you to say it
is accepted. name and grade must be on the front of all artwork.
mail or email entry photo & form to: national museum of racing & hall of fame, karen wheaton,
education curator, 191 union ave. saratoga springs, ny 12866, [email protected], (518)584-0400 ext. 118 we gratefully acknowledge support for this exhibit provided by the price chopper golub
foundation and adirondack trust company community fund.
Entry Form: 2015 Horsing Around with the Arts (
unless individually submitted.)
Please fill in all information. Acceptance letters are mailed to the school
Student Name_____________________________________________________________ Grade______________
School__________________________________________ School Address_______________________________
Home Address___________________________________________________________________________________
School Phone Number_____________________________ Home Phone_________________________________
Art Teacher__________________________________ Principal___________________________________________
In submitting this entry, I agree that the National Museum of Racing may display my work in print and electronic media
for publicity purposes. The Museum is not responsible for any damage or loss.
Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian_________________________________________
Saratoga’s
Health, History and Horses
Educational Program for Grade Four
Presented by the National Museum of Racing, in collaboration with the Saratoga Springs History Museum
Health, History and Horses addresses
the following learning standards for
New State Social Studies:
HHH
is a three-part program. Each segment is presented on-site at a relevant historic venue. This year will
be the sesquicentennial celebration of Saratoga Race Course. Using the city as the classroom provides a unique and
memorable view of the city’s development from wilderness to world class resort town. Students will be treated to
hands-on or interactive presentations designed to make learning fun! A study guide to expand on the learning
experience in the classroom will be provided for each student.
Standard 1:
History of the United States and New
York
H
Standard 3:
Geography
qualifies for
BOCES
Arts and Education Funding and
Exploratory Enrichment Funding
This program highlights Saratoga’s past
and present in an interesting and vital
format that will complement the fourth
grade curriculum.
HHH is comprised of three segments
designed to utilize the city and historic
venues
to
experience.
enhance
the
learning
ealth: “Saratoga’s Mineral Springs: The Wonders from Down Under!” How and why did
the discovery of mineral water influence the growth of this city? Students will taste mineral water from at least one
spring and will learn about the waters’ unique mineral and gas content through some simple experiments. At the
Visitor Center, the former Drink Hall, students will be encouraged to compare Saratoga during the 19th century with
the 21st century city and to think about the lasting influence of the early settlers on this area. Location: The Saratoga
Springs Visitor Center and Heritage Area. Fee: $3.50 per student; no charge for faculty or chaperones. To register call
Margaret McIntyre at 587-3241.
H
istory: “A Day in the Life Of...” Students will tour the Saratoga Springs History Museum to gain
insight into the daily life of children, early residents and visitors in Saratoga Springs. Chores, food, games and other
aspects of daily life, as it might have been to a child of the 19th century will be discussed. Artifacts and exhibits will
be used for discussion. Location: Saratoga Springs History Museum. Fee: $4.00 per student; no charge for faculty or
chaperones. To register call Mary McIntyre at 587-3241.
H
orses: “Horsing Around with History” A guided tour of the historic Oklahoma Training Track and
a visit to the National Museum of Racing will give students an understanding of the history of Thoroughbred racing
and its place in the growth of the city. The role played by children and minorities in the historic context of
Thoroughbred racing will be discussed. Science and careers related to the industry will also be covered. Location:
National Museum of Racing. Fee: $5.00 per student. No charge for faculty or chaperones. (NOTE: Please advise
chaperones that bringing additional children of any age is prohibited.) To register call Karen Wheaton at 584-0400
ext 118.
Gift Shop and Volunteer Notes
The Museum gift shop once again
had a wonderful holiday season!
Come visit us next spring to
browse our wide selection
of Thoroughbred racing art,
photography, and collectibles!
A tremendous thank you to all
our wonderful and dedicated
volunteers!
Your commitment to the Museum
and to the mission it represents is
greatly appreciated!
Interested in becoming a
volunteer in our upcoming
65th anniversary year?
Contact our volunteer
coordinator Karen at
(584)-0400 ext. 118 to find
out more information!
FACILITY RENTALS
FOR ALL OCCASIONS
Rental facilities available for meetings, seminars,
luncheons, wedding and cocktail receptions, and
dinners. Our facilities can accommodate groups
from 5 to 400 people.
For more information please call
(518) 584-0400 ext. 101 or visit us at
www.racingmuseum.org/rentals.
Museum Information
National Museum of Racing
(518) 584-0400
and Hall of Fame
1-800-JOCKEY4 or
191 Union Avenue
1-800-562-5394
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-3566
Fax (518) 584-4574
Email: [email protected]
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is dedicated to interpreting the history
and conveying the excitement of Thoroughbred racing in America to the broadest
possible audience. The Museum fosters education and understanding of racing by
providing public access to equine art, artifacts, memorabilia, film, historical archives,
and interactive displays. The Museum is also the Official National Thoroughbred
Racing Hall of Fame, honoring Horses, Trainers, Jockeys, and Pillars of the Turf.
Letter from the Director
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will
commemorate and celebrate its 65th anniversary in 2015 with
several exciting events and new exhibitions. As we recognize and
honor our past, we also look forward to what promises to be a
vibrant year for the Museum.
Along with inducting a new class of racing legends into the Hall of
Fame in August, the Museum will proudly unveil some wonderful
new exhibits in 2015, including: The Sanford Legacy, chronicling the
important contributions of one of racing’s most prominent families; Treasures of the Vault,
celebrating 65 years of the Museum; and Hall of Fame Heroes, illustrating the compelling
careers of racing’s greatest stars.
The annual Museum Ball will be held Aug. 14, and it is our pleasure to pay tribute to
Honorary Ball Chairman Tom Durkin, who retired in 2014 after an incredible 43 years of
being one of the iconic voices of our sport. Tom has been a wonderful ambassador for racing
and we are proud to recognize his achievements and impact on the game.
Another event that promises to be one of our highlights this year is our inaugural Kentucky
Derby celebration, which will serve as a prominent fundraiser for the Museum to help us
further our mission of preserving the sport’s history and aid in the development of future
exhibits and educational initiatives.
It is also my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to the newest Museum trustee, Lisa Troutt,
who, by virtue of her proven leadership and reputation, will be an outstanding representative
of our institution.
We look forward to seeing you at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2015.
Sincerely,
Chris Dragone, Director