2025 Official Guide to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
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Welcome to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
Celebrating 75 Years of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame By Brien Bouyea
98
Hall of Fame
Class of 2025: Edward L. Bowen
By Brien Bouyea
104
Hall of Fame
Class of 2025: Arthur B. Hancock III By Brien Bouyea
58
Hall of Fame
Horses Roster
112
Hall of Fame
Class of 2025: Richard Ten Broeck By Brien Bouyea
Hall of Fame Jockeys Roster
Hall of Fame Trainers Roster
118
Hall of Fame Profile: Hanover, Class of 1955
By Brien Bouyea
126
Hall of Fame
Profile: Bill Boland, Class of 2006
By Jennifer Kelly
62
Hall of Fame Pillars of the Turf Roster
86
92
Hall of Fame Class of 2025: Smarty Jones By
Brien Bouyea
133
75 Objects for 75 Years: Treasures from the National Museum of Racing’s Collection By Annie
Davis
Hall of Fame Class of 2025: Decathlon By
Brien Bouyea
Hall of Fame Class of 2025: Hermis By
Brien Bouyea
172
Photo Finish: Selections from the Museum’s 2024 juried photo exhibition
183
Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor
Hall of Fame Class of 2025: George H. Conway By Brien Bouyea
186 Museum events and exhibitions
ON THE COVER
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame By Celeste Susany 2023 Watercolor and ink on paper
BEGINS BEGINS
Since 1877, The Adelphi has welcomed artists, icons, and dreamers through its doors. Now, for a lucky few, those doors lead home. With most residences spoken for, only a select few remain. Designed for those who value beauty, history, and belonging. From dramatic living spaces to private balconies, every detail honors the past while embracing the now.
Located in Saratoga Springs, New York, home of historic Saratoga Race Course, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame has been chronicling and promoting thoroughbred racing’s rich history for 75 years. Established in 1950, the Museum was initially housed within the Canfield Casino in Congress Park before moving to its permanent home on Union Avenue in 1955. Throughout its history, the Museum has preserved and interpreted the full spectrum of thoroughbred racing in America and honored the sport’s greatest achievers with racing’s most coveted and prestigious honor — enshrinement in the Hall of Fame.
The Museum features arguably the world’s finest collection of equine art, numerous comprehensive historical exhibits emphasizing prestigious trophies and artifacts, and a variety of interactive displays that convey the excitement of thoroughbred racing and educate fans of all ages. A state-of-the-art Hall of Fame featuring the immersive signature film “What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame” opened to the public in 2020.
As of Hall of Fame Induction Day 2025, the Museum’s Hall of Fame Gallery includes the interactive plaques and details the historic accomplishments of 230 thoroughbreds, 112 jockeys, 102 trainers,
and 50 Pillars of the Turf. This year, the Hall of Fame will induct the racehorses Decathlon, Hermis, and Smarty Jones; trainer George H. Conway; and Pillars of the Turf Edward L. Bowen, Arthur Hancock III, and Richard Ten Broeck
The 2025 induction ceremony will be held at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion on Friday, Aug. 1. For more information on the ceremony, please visit racingmuseum.org
We also invite you to experience the Museum’s newest exhibitions: Laying the Foundation: The Architecture of the National Museum of
Racing and Hall of Fame (Link Gallery, through December 2025); The Past is Present: 75 Years of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame (through December 2025); A Look Through the Eyes and Life of Charlotte C. Weber (McBean Gallery, through Nov. 2, 2025); and Keeneland Library’s Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers (von Stade Gallery, through Sept. 28, 2025).
We look forward to seeing you at the Museum.
By Junius A. Fuller
Jumping Race at Saratoga, 1882
Oil on canvas Museum Collection
Founded in 2016 and inspired by the 1800s tavern that once graced the property, Old Tavern Farm is a boutique thoroughbred breeding farm overlooking Saratoga Lake, on the former site of Palmer’s Maple Shade Farm. Now a thriving winery, distillery, and flower farm too, we are committed to our responsibility as stewards and storytellers, in honoring our land and its history, and continuing its legacy through an unwavering respect to craft.
We welcome you to celebrate these stories with us, and hope you’ll join us in writing the next chapter.
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CHESTER, NY
385 BROADWAY
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A Celebration 75 Years in the Making
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is recognizing its 75-year legacy of preserving and promoting the sport of thoroughbred racing throughout 2025
By Brien Bouyea Hall of Fame and Communications Director
Opposite page: Incorporated in 1950, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame opened in its current location on June 2, 1956. Above: Ground was broken on the Museum’s Union Avenue home in Saratoga Springs, New York, in November 1954, and the cornerstone (pictured) was laid the following April.
Thoroughbred racing in America experienced a banner year in 1950. Some of the sport’s most significant headlines occurred during the Triple Crown series that spring with King Ranch’s Middleground sandwiching victories in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes around an impressive Preakness Stakes win by Horse of the Year and future Hall of Fame inductee Hill Prince. Middleground’s classic victories were accentuated by the remarkable story of his jockey, a 16-year-old apprentice named Bill Boland, who also won that year’s Kentucky Oaks to kick off his Hall of Fame career.
Meanwhile, in Saratoga Springs, New York, plans were being conceptualized for a national site to permanently exhibit and honor the grand history of American racing — a Cooperstown for the thoroughbred sport.
Led by Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, a group of prominent racing
leaders developed a game plan for what became the National Museum of Racing. The Museum’s location of Saratoga Springs — home of the oldest active thoroughbred racetrack in America both then and now — proved to be an ideal setting. The following summer, amid a great deal of fanfare, the Museum made its public debut in a temporary location at the Canfield Casino in Congress Park on Aug. 6, 1951. Whitney was voted the Museum’s first president.
“The long-range purpose,” Whitney said at the opening in the famous old casino, originally opened by Saratoga racing founder John Morrissey in 1870, “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.”
Joining Whitney in the founding group that signed the charter for the Museum were Carleton F. Burke, Kenneth K. Burke, John C.
Clark, Nelson Dunstan, Donald P. Ross, F. Skiddy von Stade, John Hay Whitney, and George D. Widener, Jr. Also recognized as organizers of the Museum were Francis Dorsey, Spencer Eddy, Howell E. Jackson, Walter M. Jeffords, Robert F. Kelley, Paul Kerr, Addison Mallery, Denis Mansfield, Dr. Charles H. Strub, and Bryce Wing.
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.
The National Museum of Racing was popular from the beginning. During its first year 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.
When it was announced the Museum would move out of its original quarters in the Canfield Casino 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 for racing on a national level.
“If a board of turf writers, for instance, were to elect annually to the
Opposite page top: The National Museum of Racing’s first home was the Canfield Casino in Congress Park. Opposite page bottom: A postcard of the National Museum of Racing, ca. 1956. Above: Longtime Museum executive secretary Elaine Mann is pictured with a painting of Hall of Fame racehorse Kelso and his trainer, Hall of Fame member Carl Hanford, in 1964.
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.”
Jeffords, who succeeded Whitney as the Museum’s president, announced the new building would, indeed, include a Hall of Fame. 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.
Top photo: An exhibit from the early 1950s, when the Museum was housed in the Canfield Casino. Above: The old Silks Gallery at the Museum, ca. 1970s.
UPSTATE
Top left: Sidney Veitch admires the artwork and trophies at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1958. Top right: Elaine Mann places War Admiral’s Triple Crown trophy in a Museum exhibition in 1958. Above left: Main lobby of the Museum in 1976. Above right: Entrance to the old Patrons of the Turf Gallery, ca. 1957.
to the National Museum of Racing on 75 years of preserving and promoting the sport of thoroughbred racing and to the Hall of Fame class of 2025 for your remarkable achievements in the sport.
YEARS
Roy and Gretchen Jackson, Lael Stable
75 CONGRATULATIONS
The Museum and Hall of Fame underwent significant renovations in 2020 that included updated galleries and a new state-of-the-art Hall of Fame that features the signature film “What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame,” as well as interactive plaques for every inductee.
The inaugural class of inductees in 1955 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.
Ground was broken for the Museum’s permanent home during the final week of November 1954. The cornerstone was laid the following April and New York Gov. W. Averell Harriman presided over the formal dedication during the 1955 Saratoga racing season. Harriman spoke briefly prior to the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“Racing 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 National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame opened to the public on June 2, 1956. New York City architect Augustus Noel designed the building. The New York Times’ report on the dedication said the building cost $300,000. 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-l980s, the Museum functioned primarily as a diversified set of galleries and was open only during the summer. The Museum then 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.
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, were added throughout the Museum. The expansion pushed the Museum’s footprint to more than 45,000 square feet.
The Museum has evolved with the times while staying true to its core concepts — preserving and promoting the history of thoroughbred racing in America and honoring its most accomplished participants with induction into the Hall of Fame. Another major project was completed in 2020, when a dynamic new Hall of Fame and RaceDay Gallery opened to the public. The modernized Hall of Fame includes the
The New York Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund supports the outstanding efforts of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame to encourage reading in young students while bringing the sport of Thoroughbred racing to the classroom.
READERS UP is a free educational program available for grades K-12.
THE FUND’S MISSION STATEMENT:
To promote by monetary incentives the responsible breeding of quality Thoroughbred racehorses in keeping with the founding legislation to preserve New York’s irreplaceable farmland.
(518) 886-1013 | Email: nybreds@nybreds.com
immersive signature film “What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame,” which is narrated by iconic broadcaster Bob Costas. The reimagined Hall also features state-of-the-art interactive plaques for every Hall of Fame inductee that include a variety of multimedia content.
The Museum has benefitted from outstanding leadership since its inception. C. V. Whitney served as the institution’s first president 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, 2005 to 2014; Gretchen Jackson, 2014 to 2017; John F. Hendrickson, 2017 to 2024; and Charlotte C. Weber, 2024 to present.
The reimagined Hall of Fame has been one of many areas in which the Museum has evolved in the 21st century, including many major exhibitions that have drawn fans from around the world. The unique horse racing simulator was developed and opened to the public in 2006;
a new interactive Steeplechase Gallery opened in 2012; the Museum celebrated 150 years of racing at Saratoga with a two-year exhibit that opened in June 2013; in 2016, the Museum opened the Edward P. Evans Gallery, which displays some of the most coveted and prestigious trophies in the history of racing; in 2018, the Museum unveiled its renovated interior courtyard, named in honor of C. V. Whitney; in 2023, the Museum celebrated the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown sweep with both traveling and on-site exhibitions. A variety of special exhibitions and commemorative events will highlight the Museum’s 75th anniversary celebration throughout 2025.
Now in its eighth decade — with a state-of-the-art Hall of Fame centerpiece experience to inspire current racing fans and cultivate new ones — the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame continues to thrive as a dynamic and integral part of the sport it celebrates.
— Edward L. Bowen contributed to this article
The Museum’s Race Day Gallery introduces visitors to the essential elements of a day at the races and features a lush soundscape that adds detail and ambiance to the experience through the use of traditional sound elements found at the track, including famous race calls. Museum guests also have the opportunity to call some of the sport’s famous races just like a professional announcer in an interactive exhibit featuring an introduction by the legendary Tom Durkin.
Michelle Lange
Michelle Lange
John and Joseph Photography
We salute the National Musuem of Racing and Hall of Fame for 75 years of honoring the sport of thoroughbred racing and congratulate the 2025 Hall of Fame induction class.
John and Theresa Behrendt
From ASHADO to JUSTIFY it’s been an honor to stand alongside legends of the sport.
Starlight Racing celebrates this year’s inductees - an exceptional group of thoroughbreds and horsemen that have helped shape our sport.
PROUD SPONSOR OF CHAMPIONS!
Horses, Jockeys, Trainers, and Pillars of the Turf Rosters
Aristides Calvin Borel
HALL OF FAME TRAINERS
HALL OF FAME PILLARS OF THE TURF
With the induction of seven new members in 2025, the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame now includes 230 thoroughbreds, 112 jockeys, 102 trainers, and 50 Pillars of the Turf. They are the immortals of the sport, the best of the best. Their achievements and impact on the game are both rare and timeless.
Jonathan Sheppard
Ted Bassett
Prior to 1870 (13)
Foaled
Horse
Gender Foaled Career Dates Starts First Second Third Earnings Inducted
American Eclipse
Boston
Hindoo
Ruthless
(8)
(11)
Domino
Roseben
Sir Barton Sysonby
(15)
Horse Gender Foaled Career Dates
Blue Larkspur
Eight Thirty Gallant Fox Seabiscuit
Assault
Busher Citation Round Table
Horse Gender Foaled Career Dates Starts First Second Third Earnings Inducted
Buckpasser Damascus Fort Marcy Ta Wee
1970-1979 (24)
Horse Gender Foaled Career Dates Starts First Second Third Earnings Inducted
Alydar
Alysheba John Henry Zaccio
Horse
Cigar
Holy Bull
Inside Information Lure
(12)
American Pharoah
Frank D. Adams 1970 1944-1956
John H. Adams 1965 1934-1958
Joe Aitcheson, Jr. 1978 1957-1977
Chris W. Antley
Eight-time leading steeplechase rider, won 301 career steeplechase races
Three-time national riding leader, won 3,270 races, including the Preakness
Seven-time leading steeplechase rider, won record 440 career steeplechase races
2015 1983-2000 Won 3,480 races, including two editions of the Kentucky Derby, one Preakness
G. Edward Arcaro 1958 1931-1962
Ted F. Atkinson 1957 1937-1959
Braulio Baeza
1976 1960-1976
Jerry D. Bailey 1995 1974-2006
George Barbee 1996 1872-1884
Shelby “Pike” Barnes 2011 1885-1892
Carroll K. Bassett 1972 1929-1936
Russell Baze 1999 1974-2016
Walter Blum 1987 1953-1975
Six-time national riding leader, won 4,779 races, including record 17 in Triple Crown series, rode Whirlaway, Citation, Kelso
Two-time national riding leader, won 3,795 races, including Preakness and Belmont, rode Tom Fool, Nashua, Bold Ruler
Two-time Eclipse Award winner, won 4,013 races, including three editions of the Belmont, one Kentucky Derby
Seven-time Eclipse Award winner, won 5,893 races, including 15 Breeders’ Cup races, six Triple Crown events
Three-time Preakness winner, won Travers and Saratoga Cup twice each, Belmont once
Two-time national riding leader, won the Belmont, Travers, Alabama, and inaugural Futurity
Won more than 100 steeplechase races, including several aboard Battleship
Won record 12,842 races, national leader in wins 13 times, George Woolf Award winner
Two-time national riding leader, won 4,382 races, including Belmont, Santa Anita Derby, Whitney
Bill Boland 2006 1949-1969 Won 2,049 races, including two editions of the Belmont, one Kentucky Derby
Calvin H. Borel* 2013 1983-present Has won more than 5,300 races, including three editions of the Kentucky Derby, one Preakness, Travers, Haskell, Alabama
George H. “Pete” Bostwick 1968 1927-1949
Six-time amateur steeplechase riding leader, later trained Neji and Oedipus
Sam Boulmetis, Sr. 1973 1948-1966 Won 2,783 races, including seven stakes aboard Tosmah, four-time riding leader at Monmouth
Steve Brooks 1963 1938-1975 Won 4,451 races, including the Kentucky Derby, riding titles at Arlington, Churchill, Monmouth
Don Brumfield 1996 1954-1989 Won 4,573 races, including the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, 16 riding titles at Churchill Downs
Thomas H. Burns 1983 1895-1913
Two-time national riding leader, won 1,333 races, including three editions of the Manhattan Handicap
James H. Butwell 1984 1907-1928 Won 1,402 races, including two editions of the Belmont, one Preakness
J. Dallett Byers 1967 1916-1932
Three-time steeplechase riding leader, won races aboard Jolly Roger and Fairmount
Javier Castellano* 2017 1997-present Four-time Eclipse Award winner, has won more than 5,800 races, 12 Breeders’ Cup events, four Triple Crown races, record seven Travers
Steve Cauthen 1994 1976-1992 Eclipse Award winner, won 2,794 races, including Triple Crown with Affirmed, 10 English classics
Frank Coltiletti 1970 1919-1934 Won 667 races, including the Preakness, Travers, Futurity, Metropolitan Handicap
Angel Cordero, Jr. 1988 1962-1992
Three-time national riding leader, won 7,057 races, three Eclipse Awards, six Triple Crown events, 14 Saratoga riding titles
Robert H. Crawford 1973 1916-1928 Four-time leading steeplechase rider, won the American Grand National three times
Pat Day 1991 1973-2005 Four-time Eclipse Award winner, won 8,803 races, 12 Breeders’ Cup races, nine Triple Crown events, rode Easy Goer, Lady’s Secret
Edward J. Delahoussaye 1993 1967-2002 Won 6,384 races, including seven Breeders’ Cup races, five Triple Crown events, rode A.P. Indy and Princess Rooney
Jockey Elected Career Summary
Frank Adams
Chris Antley Braulio Baeza
Javier Castellano
Kent J. Desormeaux*
Ramon A. Dominguez
Lavelle “Buddy” Ensor
Victor Espinoza*
Laverne Fator
Earlie Fires
Jerry Fishback
2004 1986-present
2016 1996-2013
Three-time Eclipse Award winner, has won more than 6,180 races, including seven Triple Crown events, rode Best Pal, Big Brown, Real Quiet
Three-time Eclipse Award winner, won 4,985 races, including Saratoga record 68 in 2012, rode Havre de Grace and Gio Ponti
1962 1917-1945 Won 436 races, including Travers, Brooklyn, and Suburban, rode Exterminator and Grey Lag
2017 1993-present Has won more than 3,500 races, Triple Crown with American Pharoah, Kentucky Derby and Preakness with War Emblem, California Chrome
1955 1919-1933
Two-time national riding leader, won 1,075 races, including two editions of the Travers
2001 1965-2008 Won 6,470 races, all-time leading rider at Arlington Park with 2,886 wins
1992 1964-1987
Five-time leading steeplechase rider, won 301 career steeplechase races, rode Café Prince and Flatterer
Mack Garner 1969 1914-1936 Won 1,346 races, including two editions of the Belmont, one Kentucky Derby
Edward R. “Snapper” Garrison 1955 1882-1897 Famous 19th century rider, won the Belmont, American Derby, three editions of the Jerome Handicap
Avelino Gomez 1982 1944-1980 Sovereign Award winner, won 4,081 races, including four editions of the Queen’s Plate
Garrett K. Gomez 2017 1988-2013
Four-time national riding leader, won 3,769 races, two Eclipse Awards, 13 Breeders’ Cup races, including Classic with Blame
Henry F. Griffin 1956 1891-1897 Elite 19th century rider, won 569 races, rode Henry of Navarre and Clifford, won both Preakness and Belmont in 1896
O. Eric Guerin 1972 1941-1975 Regular rider of Native Dancer, won 2,712 races, including Kentucky Derby, Preakness, two editions of the Belmont
Anthony Hamilton 2012 1881-1904 Won American Derby and Futurity, as well as Brooklyn, Suburban, and Metropolitan handicaps
William J. Hartack 1959 1952-1974
Four-time national riding leader, won 4,272 races, including nine Triple Crown events, rode Northern Dancer, Tim Tam, Ridan
Abe Hawkins 2024 1851-1866 Rode Lecomte to defeat Lexington, won the Travers, Jerome, and two editions of the Jersey Derby
Sandy Hawley 1992 1968-1998 Eclipse and Sovereign Award winner, won 6,450 races, 12 Canadian Triple Crown events, 18 Woodbine riding titles
Lloyd Hughes 2014 1872-1883
Albert M. Johnson 1971 1917-1929
First jockey to win the Preakness three times, won the Belmont and Travers twice each, rode Duke of Magenta, Tom Ochiltree
Two-time winner of both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont, rode Exterminator and Crusader
William J. Knapp 1969 1901-1919 Won 649 races, including the Kentucky Derby with Exterminator, rode Upset to defeat Man o’ War
Julie Krone 2000 1981-2004 Won 3,704 races, first woman in Hall of Fame, first to win a Triple Crown race and Breeders’ Cup race
Clarence Kummer 1972 1916-1928 Won Preakness and Belmont twice each, rode Man o’ War, Sir Barton, Exterminator, Sarazen, and Zev
Charles E. Kurtsinger 1967 1924-1939
Two-time national riding leader, won 721 races, Triple Crown with War Admiral, Kentucky Derby and Preakness with Twenty Grand
John P. Loftus 1959 1910-1919 Rode Man o’ War, Sir Barton, and Pan Zareta, won Kentucky Derby and Preakness twice each, Belmont once John Longden 1958 1927-1966
Daniel A. Maher 1955 1895-1915
Three-time national riding leader, won 6,032 races, including Triple Crown with Count Fleet
Won 1,421 races in England and 1,771 overall, nine English classic wins, 1912 Irish Derby
Eddie Maple 2009 1965-1998 Won 4,398 races, including the Travers and Belmont twice each, seven editions of the Saranac Handicap
Darrel McHargue 2020 1972-1988 Won 2,553 races, Eclipse Award, set single-year earnings record, won Preakness, rode John Henry, My Juliet, Ancient Title
J. Linus “Pony” McAtee 1956 1914-1932 Won 930 races, including two editions of the Kentucky Derby, one Preakness
Jockey Elected Career Summary
Ramon Dominguez
Lavelle “Buddy” Ensor
Julie Krone
Danny Maher
Chris McCarron
Elected Career Summary
1989 1974-2002
Two-time Eclipse Award winner, won 7,141 races, including eight Breeders’ Cup races, six Triple Crown events
Conn McCreary 1975 1939-1960 Won 1,263 races, including two editions of both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness
Rigan McKinney 1968 1929-1939
James McLaughlin 1955 1876-1892
Walter Miller
Isaac B. Murphy
1955 1904-1909
Four-time leading amateur steeplechase rider, won American Grand National twice
Four-time national riding leader, won the Belmont six times, Travers four times, Kentucky Derby and Preakness once each
Two-time national riding leader, won 1,094 races, including Preakness, Travers, and Alabama, rode Colin
1955 1876-1895 First three-time Kentucky Derby winner, won American Derby and Clark Handicap four times each
Corey S. Nakatani 2023 1988-2018 Won 3,909 races, including 10 Breeders’ Cup events, 10 riding titles in Southern California, rode Lava Man, Serena’s Song, Shared Belief
Ralph Neves 1960 1934-1964 Won 3,772 races, including three editions of the Hollywood Derby, also won Santa Anita Derby, Santa Anita Handicap
Joe Notter 1963 1904-1918
Rode Colin, Fair Play, Maskette, Peter Pan, Regret, and Whisk Broom II
Winfield “Winnie” O’Connor 1956 1896-1923 National riding leader, won 1,229 races in America and Europe, won Futurity aboard Yankee
George M. Odom
1955 1898-1905
Frank O’Neill 1956 1901-1930
Ivan H. Parke 1978 1923-1931
Gilbert W. Patrick 1970 1836-1879
Craig Perret
2018 1967-2005
Won 527 races, rode and later trained a Belmont winner, trained Busher
Rode Beldame and Roseben before becoming an 11-time leading rider in France
Two-time national riding leader, later trained Kentucky Derby winner Hoop Jr.
Rode Boston, Lexington, Kentucky, and Ruthless, won inaugural editions of the Travers, Belmont, Saratoga Cup
Eclipse Award winner, won Kentucky Derby, Belmont, two editions of both the Travers and Queen’s Plate
Donald Pierce 2010 1954-1985 Won 3,546 races, including five editions of the Santa Anita Oaks, Santa Anita Handicap four times, Santa Anita Derby twice
Laffit Pincay, Jr. 1975 1966-2003
Vincent Powers 2015 1907-1923
Edgar S. Prado 2008 1986-2023
Seven-time national riding leader, won 9,530 races, five Eclipse Awards, seven Breeders’ Cup races, four Triple Crown events
Two-time national riding leader, won Kentucky Derby, also leading steeplechase rider and trainer
Three-time national riding leader, won 7,119 races, Eclipse Award, two editions of the Belmont, one Kentucky Derby
Samuel Purdy 1970 1800-1823 Amateur standout, rode American Eclipse to defeat Sir Henry in famous 1823 match race
John Reiff 1956 1898-1914 Won 1,016 races in America and Europe, including the Kentucky Oaks, English Derby, 2000 Guineas, French Derby, French Oaks
Alfred M. Robertson 1971 1927-1943 Won 1,856 races, including two editions of the Travers, rode Top Flight and Whirlaway
Randy P. Romero 2010 1973-1999 Won 4,294 races, including two editions of the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, rode Go for Wand and Personal Ensign
Joel Rosario* 2024 2003-present Has won more than 3,700 races, Eclipse Award, 16 Breeders’ Cup races, Kentucky Derby, Belmont twice
John L. Rotz 1983 1953-1973 Won 2,907 races, including the Preakness and Belmont, rode Gallant Bloom, Carry Back, and Ta Wee
Earl Sande 1955 1918-1953
Three-time national riding leader, won 968 races, including nine Triple Crown races, rode Gallant Fox, Grey Lag, and Zev
Jose A. Santos 2007 1984-2007 Four-time national riding leader, won 4,083 races, Eclipse Award, seven Breeders’ Cup races, three Triple Crown events, rode Funny Cide
John Sellers 2007 1955-1977 National riding leader, won 2,797 races, Kentucky Derby and Preakness with Carry Back, Belmont with Hail To All
Carroll H. Shilling 1970 1904-1912 National riding leader, won 969 races, including Kentucky Derby, Travers, two editions of the Alabama
Jockey
Walter Miller
Laffit Pincay, Jr.
John Reiff
Jose Santos
Elected Career Summary
William Shoemaker 1958 1949-1990
Willie Simms 1977 1887-1901
Ten-time national riding leader, won 8,833 races, Eclipse Award, 11 Triple Crown events, 11 editions of the Santa Anita Handicap
National riding leader, won 1,125 races, including two editions of both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont, one Preakness
Tod Sloan 1955 1889-1900 Rode both Hamburg and Clifford in America, starred in England, won Ascot Gold Cup and One Thousand Guineas
Mike E. Smith* 2003 1982-present
Alfred P. “Paddy” Smithwick 1973 1947-1966
Two-time Eclipse Award winner, has won more than 5,780 races, record 27 Breeders’ Cup events, Triple Crown with Justify
Four-time leading steeplechase rider, second all time with 398 steeplechase wins
Alex O. Solis 2014 1982-2017 Won 5,035 races, including three Breeders’ Cup races, Preakness, Dubai World Cup
Gary L. Stevens 1997 1979-2018 Eclipse Award winner, won 5,187 races, including 11 Breeders’ Cup events, nine Triple Crown races
James Stout 1968 1930-1954 Won 2,056 races, including three editions of the Belmont, one Kentucky Derby, rode Granville, Johnstown
Fred Taral 1955 1883-1908 Won 1,437 races, including the Kentucky Derby, Belmont, and two editions of both the Preakness and Travers
Fernando Toro 2023 1956-1990 Won 3,555 races, including 80 graded stakes, won stakes with Royal Heroine, Ancient Title, Cougar II, Manila
Bayard Tuckerman, Jr. 1973 1910-1930
Ron Turcotte
Outstanding amateur steeplechase rider, later a trainer, breeder, owner, first president of Suffolk Downs
1979 1961-1978 Won 3,032 races, Triple Crown aboard Secretariat, Kentucky Derby and Belmont with Riva Ridge, Preakness with Tom Rolfe
Nash Turner 1955 1895-1914 Won the Belmont, Alabama, Suburban, Jerome, and Clark in America before starring in France
Robert N. Ussery 1980 1951-1974 Won 3,611 races, including two editions of the Kentucky Derby and one Preakness
Ismael Valenzuela 2008 1951-1980 Won 2,545 races, including Kentucky Derby and Preakness twice each, rode Kelso
Jacinto Vasquez 1998 1959-1996 Won 5,231 races, including two editions of the Kentucky Derby, rode Ruffian, Forego, and Genuine Risk
Jorge Velasquez 1990 1963-1997 National riding leader, won 6,795 races, including Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Breeders’ Cup Classic
John R. Velazquez* 2012 1990-present
Thomas M. Walsh 2005 1956-1967
Jack Westrope
Two-time Eclipse Award winner, has won more than 6,700 races, 21 Breeders’ Cup events, six Triple Crown races
Two-time leading steeplechase rider, won 253 career steeplechase races, including six editions of the American Grand National
2002 1933-1958 National riding leader, won 2,467 races, including Santa Anita Derby, Hollywood Derby, Hollywood Gold Cup, and Suburban Handicap
James Winkfield 2004 1898-1932
George M. Woolf
Raymond Workman
Wayne D. Wright
Manuel Ycaza
*Active members
Two-time Kentucky Derby winner, also won Latonia Derby and Clark Handicap, later had success riding in France and Russia
1955 1927-1946 Won 721 races, including the Preakness and three editions of the Hollywood Gold Cup, rode Seabiscuit, Alsab, Challedon, and Whirlaway
1956 1926-1940
2016 1931-1949
Two-time national riding leader, won 1,169 races, including the Preakness, rode Equipoise, Top Flight, and Discovery
Two-time national riding leader, won 1,492 races, including Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont, Travers, Santa Anita Handicap
1977 1957-1983 Won 2,367 races, including the Belmont and four editions of Kentucky Oaks, rode Dr. Fager, Damascus, Fort Marcy, and Ack Ack
Jockey
Bill Shoemaker
Mike Smith
James Stout
John Velazquez
Steven M. Asmussen*
Roger L. Attfield*
Bob Baffert*
Lazaro S. Barrera
H. Guy Bedwell
Edward D. Brown
J. Elliott Burch
Preston M. Burch
2016 1986-present Two-time Eclipse Award winner, has won a record 10,800-plus races, eight Breeders’ Cup wins, Preakness twice, Belmont once
2012 1972-present Eight-time Sovereign Award winner, has won more than 2,000 races, including 22 Canadian Triple Crown events
2009 1979-present Four-time Eclipse Award winner, has won more than 3,475 races, including record 17 Triple Crown events, 19 Breeders’ Cup wins
1979 1945-1991 Four-time Eclipse Award winner, won 2,268 races, Triple Crown with Affirmed, Kentucky Derby and Belmont with Bold Forbes
1971 1907-1951
Seven-time national training leader, won Triple Crown with Sir Barton, also trained Billy Kelly
1984 1874-1903 Won the Belmont as a jockey, Kentucky Derby, two editions of the Kentucky Oaks as a trainer, conditioned Hindoo, Ben Brush
1980 1955-1985
1963 1902-1957
National training leader, won three editions of the Belmont, trained Sword Dancer, Arts and Letters, Fort Marcy, Bowl of Flowers
National training leader, won 1,236 races, including Preakness, trained Flower Bowl
William P. Burch 1955 1866-1926 Won Saratoga Cup, Maryland Handicap, Saratoga Handicap, Spinaway and Withers
Fred Burlew
1973 1889-1927
Matthew Byrnes 2011 1881-1900
Mark E. Casse*
Won 977 races, trained Beldame, won Kentucky Derby with Morvich
Trained Parole, Salvator, and Firenze, won the Belmont with Scottish Chieftain
2020 1979-present Record 16-time Sovereign Award winner, more than 3,900 wins, six Breeders’ cup victories, won Preakness and Belmont
Frank E. Childs 1968 1932-1972 Trained Kentucky Derby winner Tomy Lee, also won Kentucky Oaks, Blue Grass Stakes, Del Mar Oaks, and Hollywood Oaks
Henry S. Clark 1982 1929-1989
Won four editions of the Delaware handicap, two each of the Massachusetts and Diana handicaps, one Travers
W. Burling Cocks 1985 1941-1993 Four-time leading steeplechase trainer, won American Grand National six times, trained Zaccio
George H. Conway 2025 1926-1938 Trained Hall of Famers War Admiral and Crusader, won Dwyer, Pimlico Oaks, Jockey Club Gold Cup, Suburban twice each, Travers
James P. Conway 1996 1946-1984 Won the Kentucky Derby and Belmont with Chateaugay, also trained Miss Request, Grecian Queen, Pucker Up
Warren A. “Jimmy” Croll, Jr. 1994 1940-2002 Won 1,909 races, trained Holy Bull and Housebuster, won the Belmont with Bet Twice
Grover G. “Bud” Delp
2002 1962-2006 Eclipse Award winner, won 3,674 races, including the Kentucky Derby and Preakness with Spectacular Bid
Neil D. Drysdale *2000 1974-present Has won more than 1,560 races, six Breeders’ Cup races, Kentucky Derby and Belmont, trained A.P. Indy, Princess Rooney, Bold ’n Determined
William Duke 1956 1887-1925 Won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Travers, as well as five editions of the French Derby
Janet Elliot* 2009 1979-present Two-time leading steeplechase trainer, first woman trainer in the Hall of Fame, trained Census, Correggio, Flat Top, and Victorian Hill
Louis Feustel 1964 1908-1950 National training leader, conditioned Man o’ War, as well as Chance Play, Ladkin, and Rock View
Jack Fisher* 2021 1987-present 14-time leading steeplechase trainer in wins, 10-time leader in earnings, won 10 graded stakes with Hall of Famer Good Night Shirt
James “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons 1958 1894-1963
Five-time national training leader, won 2,275 races, Triple Crowns with Gallant Fox and Omaha, total of 13 Triple Crown race wins
Henry Forrest 2007 1938-1975 Won 1,837 races, including the Kentucky Derby and Preakness with both Forward Pass and Kauai King
Robert J. Frankel 1995 1966-2009 Five-time Eclipse Award winner, won 3,654 races, including six Breeders’ Cup races, trained Ghostzapper, won Belmont with Empire Maker
Trainer Elected Career Summary
Steve Asmussen
Edward D. Brown
Mark Casse
James E. Fitzsimmons
Trainer Elected Career Summary
John M. Gaver, Sr.
1966 1936-1977
Two-time national training leader, won three editions of the Belmont, Kentucky Derby and Preakness once each, trained Tom Fool, Devil Diver
Carl Hanford 2006 1939-1968 Trained five-time consecutive Horse of the Year Kelso, winning 31 stakes with the immortal gelding
Thomas J. Healey
1955 1888-1941 Won the Preakness five times, the Belmont once, trained Equipoise and Top Flight
Samuel C. Hildreth 1955 1887-1929
Nine-time national training leader, won the Belmont and Brooklyn Handicap seven times each, Suburban five times, trained Grey Lag, Zev
Hubert “Sonny” Hine 2003 1948-2000 Won 1,314 races, including the Breeders’ Cup Classic and a total of 16 stakes with Horse of the Year Skip Away
Maximillian Hirsch 1959 1900-1969 Won 10 Triple Crown races, trained Triple Crown winner Assault, as well as Gallant Bloom, Grey Lag, Sarazen, Stymie
William J. “Buddy” Hirsch 1982 1932-1982
Trained Gallant Bloom, won two editions of the Santa Anita Derby, also won the Santa Anita Handicap and Hollywood Derby
Thomas Hitchcock, Sr. 1973 1895-1941 Steeplechase pioneer, won two editions of the American Grand National as a trainer/owner, trained flat standout Salvidere
Jerry Hollendorfer* 2011 1979-present Has won 7,774 races, three editions of the Kentucky Oaks, trained Songbird, Blind Luck, Shared Belief
Hollie Hughes 1973 1914-1975 Won six editions of the American Grand National, trained Kentucky Derby winner George Smith, won the Whitney with Round View
John J. Hyland 1956 1886-1913
Hirsch Jacobs
Two-time Belmont winner, also won three editions of the Futurity, trained Beldame and Henry of Navarre
1958 1926-1970 National training leader in wins 11 times and earnings three times, won 3,596 races, trained Affectionately and Stymie
H. Allen Jerkens 1975 1950-2015 Eclipse Award winner, won 3,859 races, 14 training titles in New York, trained Sky Beauty, Beau Purple, and Onion
Philip G. Johnson 1997 1943-2004 Won 2,315 races, including Breeders’ Cup Classic with Volponi, eight training titles in New York
William R. Johnson 1986 1801-1849 America’s most prominent pre-Civil War trainer, conditioned Boston and Sir Archy
LeRoy S. Jolley 1987 1958-2017 Won the Kentucky Derby with Foolish Pleasure and Genuine Risk, also trained Manila, General Assembly, and Ridan
Benjamin A. Jones 1958 1909-1953
Four-time national training leader, won nine Triple Crown races, trained Whirlaway, Citation, Twilight Tear, Armed, Coaltown
Gary F. Jones 2014 1975-1996 Won 1,465 races, 15 training titles in Southern California, trained Best Pal and Turkoman
Horace A. “Jimmy” Jones
1959 1926-1964 Five-time national training leader, won seven Triple Crown races, trained Citation, Bewitch, Tim Tam, and Two Lea
Andrew J. “Jack” Joyner 1955 1884-1943 National training leader, won two editions of the Preakness, enjoyed considerable success training in England
Thomas J. Kelly 1993 1945-1998 Won 1,553 races, trained 65 stakes winners, including Plugged Nickle, Noble Dancer II, and King’s Bishop
William Lakeland 2018 1877-1908 Trained Domino and Hamburg, won more than 110 stakes races, including the Preakness and three editions of the Futurity
Lucien Laurin 1977 1942-1990 Eclipse Award winner, won 1,161 races, Triple Crown with Secretariat, Kentucky Derby and Belmont with Riva Ridge, Belmont with Amberoid
King T. Leatherbury 2015 1959-2023
Won 6,508 races, 52 training titles in Maryland, 26 stakes with Ben’s Cat, five graded stakes with Thirty Eight Paces
J. Howard Lewis 1969 1901-1937 Trained Bushranger and Fairmount, won the Temple Gwathmey six times and the American Grand National five times
D. Wayne Lukas* 1999 1974-present Four-time Eclipse Award winner, has won more than 4,950 races, including 20 Breeders’ Cup races, 14 Triple Crown events
Horatio A. Luro 1980 1937-1984 Won the Kentucky Derby twice, Preakness once, three editions of the Queen’s Plate, trained Northern Dancer
Sam Hildreth
Allen Jerkens
Jack Joyner
D. Wayne Lukas
Trainer Elected Career Summary
John E. Madden 1983 1888-1912 Won the Kentucky Derby and Travers, trained Hamburg, bred 182 stakes winners, including 14 recognized as champions
James W. Maloney 1989 1935-1984 Trained 42 stakes winners, including Gamely and Lamb Chop, won the Travers, Santa Anita Derby, Hollywood Gold Cup
Richard E. Mandella* 2001 1974-present Has won more than 2,325 races, including nine Breeders’ Cup races, trained Beholder, Pleasantly Perfect, Kotashaan
Frank “Pancho” Martin, Sr. 1981 1947-2012 National training leader, won 3,241 races, trained Outstandingly, Sham, and Autobiography
Ronald L. McAnally* 1990 1956-present Three-time Eclipse Award winner, has won more than 2,590 races, trained John Henry, Paseana, Bayakoa
Frank McCabe 2007 1885-1907 Won the Belmont and Travers three times each, trained Hanover, Kingston, Miss Woodford, and Tremont
Claude R. “Shug” McGaughey* 2004 1979-present Eclipse Award winner, has won more than 2,375 races, including nine Breeders’ Cup races, Kentucky Derby, Belmont
Henry McDaniel 1956 1884-1947 Won the Kentucky Derby and Belmont, trained Exterminator, Reigh Count, Sun Beau, Sun Briar
MacKenzie “Mack” Miller 1987 1949-1995 Won 1,104 races, including the Kentucky Derby, two editions of both the Travers and Whitney, trained Sea Hero and Java Gold
Michael E. “Buster” Millerick 2010 1935-1984 Won 1,886 races, including 34 stakes with Native Diver, trained a total of 54 stakes-winning horses
William Molter 1960 1935-1960 Four-time national training leader, won 2,158 races, including the Kentucky Derby, trained Round Table and T.V. Lark
William I. Mott* 1998 1973-present Four-time Eclipse Award winner, has won more than 5,500 races, including 15 Breeders’ Cup events, trained Cigar, Royal Delta
W. F. “Bert” Mulholland 1967 1926-1967 Won the Travers a record five times, three editions of the Hopeful, Belmont once, trained Eight Thirty and Jaipur
Carl A. Nafzger 2008 1973-2022 Won more than 1,100 races, Kentucky Derby and Travers twice each, trained Street Sense, Unbridled, Banshee Breeze
Edward A. Neloy
1983 1945-1971
Three-time national training leader, trained Buckpasser, Gun Bow, Bold Lad, Successor
John A. Nerud 1972 1935-1978 Won 1,006 races, including the Belmont, trained Dr. Fager, Gallant Man, Ta Wee, Intentionally, Fappiano
Burley E. Parke 1986 1927-1966
Angel Penna, Sr. 1988 1950-1991
Jacob Pincus
Todd A. Pletcher*
John W. Rogers
Defeated Citation four times with Noor, also trained Roman Brother, Raise a Native, Occupation, Occupy
Trained Bold Reason, Private Account, Waya, Relaxing, and Allez France, won two editions of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
1988 1861-1907 Trained Iroquois, the first American-bred to win the Epsom Derby, also won the Belmont with Fenian, Travers and Jerome with Glenelg
2021 1996-present
1955 1880-1907
James G. Rowe, Sr. 1955 1876-1929
Eight-time Eclipse Award winner, has won more than 5,850 races, Belmont four times, Kentucky Derby twice, 15 Breeders’ Cup wins
Won the Preakness and Belmont, trained Artful, Clifford, Tanya, Burgomaster
Three-time national training leader, won 11 Triple Crown races, trained 10 Hall of Fame horses, including Colin, Miss Woodford, Regret
Flint S. “Scotty” Schulhofer 1992 1964-2002 Won 1,328 races, including two editions of the Belmont, trained Cryptoclearance, Lemon Drop Kid, Colonial Affair, Fly So Free
Jonathan E. Sheppard
1990 1966-2020
Robert A. Smith 1976 1894-1937
Tom Smith 2001 1933-1957
D. M. “Mikey” Smithwick 1971 1952-2006
Won 3,426 races, led all steeplechase trainers in earnings 29 times and in wins 26 times, trained Café Prince, Flatterer
Two-time national training leader, won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Travers, trained Cavalcade, High Quest, Psychic Bid
Two-time national training leader, trained Seabiscuit, Kayak II, won the Kentucky Derby with Jet Pilot
Twelve-time leading steeplechase trainer, conditioned Neji, Bon Nouvel, Jay Trump, Top Bid
John E. Madden
Richard Mandella
John Nerud
Todd Pletcher
Woodford C. “Woody” Stephens 1976 1936-1997
Meshach A. “Mesh” Tenney 1991 1935-1973
H. J. “Derby Dick” Thompson 1969 1918-1937
Harry Trotsek 1984 1931-1988
Jack C. Van Berg
1985 1955-2017
Marion Van Berg 1970 1945-1966
John M. Veitch
Sylvester E. Veitch
Thomas H. Voss
2007 1974-2003
1977 1946-1988
2017 1974-2013
R. W. Walden 1970 1872-1902
Michael G. “Mickey” Walsh 1997 1941-1990
Sherrill W. Ward
Eclipse Award winner, won 1,937 races, five consecutive editions of the Belmont, also won Kentucky Derby and Preakness
Two-time national training leader, won Kentucky Derby and Preakness, trained Swaps, Prove It, Candy Spots, Olden Times
Four-time Kentucky Derby winner, also won Preakness and Belmont, trained Blue Larkspur, Burgoo King
National training leader, won 1,690 races, including the Preakness, trained Moccasin, Hasty Road, Oil Capitol
Eclipse Award winner, won 6,523 races, Kentucky Derby, two editions of the Preakness, trained Alysheba
Fourteen-time leading owner in wins, four-time leading owner in earnings, owned most of the horses he trained
Won 76 graded stakes, trained Alydar, Davona Dale, Sunshine Forever, Proud Truth, Our Mims, Before Dawn
Two-time Belmont winner, trained Counterpoint, First Flight, Phalanx, Career Boy, What a Treat, Fisherman
Sidney Watters, Jr. 2005 1948-1999 Six-time leading steeplechase trainer, won 1,159 races, trained Slew o’ Gold, Hoist the Flag, Love Sign, Quick Call
Robert L. Wheeler 2012 1938-1992 Won 1,336 races, trained Silver Spoon, Bug Brush, Track Robbery, Tompion
Oscar White 2022 1940-1978 Won the Belmont twice, Travers and Alabama three times each, Saratoga Cup twice, trained One Count
Frank Y. Whiteley, Jr. 1978 1936-1986 Won 848 races, including two editions of the Preakness and one Belmont, trained Ruffian, Damascus, Forego, Tom Rolfe
Charles E. Whittingham 1974 1950-1999 Seven-time national training leader, won 2,534 races, three Eclipse Awards, trained five Hall of Famers, including Sunday Silence
Ansel Williamson 1998 1860-1881 Won the Kentucky Derby, Belmont, two editions of the Travers, trained Aristides, Norfolk, Asteroid, Tom Bowling
G. Carey Winfrey 1975 1917-1962 Won 940 races, trained Dedicate, Squared Away, Martyr, Son of Erin
William C. Winfrey 1971 1932-1978 National training leader, conditioned 38 stakes winners, won the Preakness and Belmont, trained Native Dancer, Bed o’ Roses, Buckpasser
Nicholas P. Zito* 2005 1972-present Has won more than 2,060 races, including the Kentucky Derby and Belmont twice each, Preakness once
*Active members
Trainer Elected Career Summary Visit racingmuseum.org
Woody Stephens
Frank Whiteley, Jr.
William C. Winfrey
Nick Zito
Elias J. “Lucky” Baldwin
James E. “Ted” Bassett III
August Belmont I
2018 Prominent California owner/breeder, opened the original Santa Anita racetrack, campaigned four American Derby winners, Hall of Famer Emperor of Norfolk
2019 Longtime Keeneland president, chairman of Keeneland board, president Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., Eclipse Award of Merit 1996
2018 Established Nursery Stud, influential in the creation of Jerome Park and Monmouth, as owner won the Travers twice, namesake Belmont once
August Belmont II 2013 Bred 129 stakes winners, including Man o’ War and Beldame, chairman of The Jockey Club from 1895 through 1924
Edward L. Bowen
James Cox Brady
Edward R. Bradley
2025 Eclipse Award-winning author of 22 books, president of the Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation, BloodHorse editor in chief, industry leader, historian
2022 NYRA chairman, leadership roles with Jockey Club and TRA, successful owner and breeder, Thoroughbred Club of America Honored Guest
2014 Bred 128 stakes winners, including 15 champions, won the Kentucky Derby four times as an owner
Cot Campbell 2018 Pioneer of racehorse ownership syndication with Dogwood Stables, won Preakness and Belmont, Eclipse Award of Merit 2012
Marshall Cassidy
Alice Headley Chandler
Christopher T. Chenery
Penny Chenery
J. Keene Daingerfield, Jr.
Richard L. “Dick” Duchossois
William S. Farish
John R. Gaines
John W. Galbreath
Harry F. Guggenheim
James Ben Ali Haggin
2022 Jockey Club executive secretary, NYRA racing director, devised the modern starting gate among many innovations
2020 Founder of Mill Ridge Farm, bred Epsom Derby winner Sir Ivor, Eclipse Award of Merit 2009, served as director of Breeders’ Cup, Keeneland, TOBA
2019 Established Meadow Stud, key figure in the restructuring of New York racing in the 1950s, bred 43 stakes winners, including Secretariat
2018 Campaigned Triple Crown winner Secretariat, served in leadership roles with TOBA, Grayson Foundation and others, Eclipse Award of Merit 2005
2020 Eclipse Award of Merit 1985, Jockey Club member, Kentucky Chief State Steward 1973 through 1985, association steward at 17 racetracks
2019 Purchased Arlington Park in 1983, led Arlington Million into international prominence, Special Eclipse Award 1989, Eclipse Award of Merit 2003
2019 Two-time Eclipse Award winner for Outstanding Breeder, Eclipse Award of Merit 2009, has bred more than 300 stakes winners, industry leader
2017 Organized the creation of the Breeders’ Cup, established Gainesway Farm as an elite international operation, Eclipse Award of Merit 1984
2018 Established Darby Dan Farm, first person to breed and own a Kentucky Derby and English Derby winner, Eclipse Award 1974, bred 91 stakes winners
2024 Campaigned Kentucky Derby winner Dark Star, Hall of Famer Ack Ack, bred 43 stakes winners, influential in New York racing reorganization in 1950s
2022 Campaigned Hall of Famers Firenze and Salvator, transformational breeder, won Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes as an owner
Arthur B. Hancock, Sr. 2018 Founded Claiborne Farm, bred 138 stakes winners, including 10 champions, leading breeder in wins eight times, earnings five times
Arthur B. “Bull” Hancock, Jr.
Arthur B. Hancock III
John W. Hanes II
Hal Price Headley
John Hettinger
Clement L. Hirsch
Joe Hirsch
2016 Bred 112 stakes winners at Claiborne Farm, which was leading stud farm in America four times under his direction
2025 Established Stone Farm, which has bred more than 200 stakes winners, campaigned Hall of Famer Sunday Silence, bred and raced Gato Del Sol, Risen Star
2023 Spearheaded creation of NYRA and New York racing revitalization in 1950s, Jockey Club steward, bred 19 stakes winners
2018 One of the founders of Keeneland, track’s president from 1936 to 1951, bred 88 stakes winners, including four champions
2019 Eclipse Award of Merit 2000, leading aftercare advocate, influential figure in Fasig-Tipton resurgence early 1990s, successful New York breeder/owner
2024 Co-founded Oak Tree Racing Association, organized modern Del Mar management structure, Jockey Club member, Special Eclipse Award, successful owner
2024 Multiple Eclipse Award winner, Daily Racing Form 1954-2003, founder and president National Turf Writers Association, author of five books
Name Elected Summary
August Belmont II
Christopher T. Chenery
Harry F. Guggenheim
James Ben Ali Haggin
Name Elected Summary
Leonard W. Jerome
James R. Keene
Frank E. “Jimmy” Kilroe
Paul R. Mellon
John Morrissey
Ogden Phipps
Gladys Mills Phipps
2023 Influential in the creation of three major New York tracks, president of both Sheepshead Bay and Morris Park
2019 Bred 113 stakes winners, including Colin, Sysonby, Kingston, Maskette, Commando, and Peter Pan, won the Belmont Stakes six times
2019 Revered racing secretary in both California and New York, Eclipse Awards of Merit 1979, Jockey Club member and steward
2013 Two-time Eclipse Award winner for Outstanding Breeder, only individual owner to win the Kentucky Derby, Epsom Derby, and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
2018 Bare-knuckle boxing champion and later politician, established racing at Saratoga in 1863 and presided over the sport in the village until his death in 1878
2019 Earned four Eclipse Awards, bred 108 stakes winners and 12 champions, including Buckpasser, Easy Goer, and Personal Ensign, Jockey Club chairman
2019 Established Wheatley Stable, bred 11 champions among 102 stakes winners, bred top sire Bold Ruler, leading owner by earnings 1964 Ogden Mills “Dinny” Phipps 2017 Chairman of The Jockey Club from 1983 through 2015, bred 89 stakes winners, including Inside Information, Eclipse Award of Merit 1978
Dr. Charles H. Strub
Edward P. Taylor
2018 Spearheaded the opening of Santa Anita Park and brought prominence to California racing, introduced the use of photo-finish cameras, electric starting gate
2014 Two-time Eclipse Award winner for Outstanding Breeder, bred more than 320 stakes winners worldwide, bred and owned Northern Dancer
Stella F. Thayer 2023 President of Tampa Bay Downs, has served in leadership roles with the National Museum of Racing, Thoroughbred Racing Associations, Jockey Club, etc.
Richard Ten Broeck 2025 Owned and managed Metairie Race Course, campaigned Hall of Famer Lexington, first American to win a notable race in England, admitted to English Jockey Club
Alfred G. Vanderbilt 2015 Bred and raced Hall of Famers Bed o’ Roses, Discovery, and Native Dancer, held various roles in the sport, including owner of Pimlico, NYRA chairman
Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney 2018 Bred 176 stakes winners, including five champions, won the Travers three times, Belmont twice, founder and first president of the National Museum of Racing
Harry Payne Whitney 2018 America’s leading breeder 11 times, leading owner eight times, bred 20 champions among 191 stakes winners, including Regret, Equipoise, Top Flight
Helen Hay Whitney 2019 Established Greentree Stable, won Kentucky Derby and Belmont with homebreds Twenty Grand and Shut Out, bred 79 stakes winners
John Hay “Jock” Whitney 2015 Bred 91 stakes winners, including four champions, campaigned Tom Fool and Belmont winner Stage Door Johnny
Marylou Whitney 2019 Eclipse Award of Merit 2010, Jockey Club member, as an owner won Belmont, Kentucky Oaks, and Travers with homebreds, industry leader
William Collins Whitney 2018 Led revitalization of Saratoga racing at the start of the 20th century, bred 26 stakes winners, including four champions, leading owner in 1903
George D. Widener, Jr. 2020 Chairman of The Jockey Club 1950 through 1963, as owner won five editions of the Travers and 1962 Belmont Stakes, bred 102 stakes winners
Matt Winn 2017 Formed a syndicate to purchase Churchill Downs in 1902, developed the Kentucky Derby into one of the world’s premier events, industry leader
William Woodward, Sr. 2016 Bred 101 stakes winners, including seven champions, chairman of The Jockey Club 1930 through 1950, won the Triple Crown with Gallant Fox and Omaha
Warren Wright, Sr. 2019 Bred 73 stakes winners at Calumet Farm, including 10 champions and eight Hall of Famers, leading owner seven times, leading breeder six times
Visit racingmuseum.org for more detailed information on each Hall of Fame member
James R. Keene
John Morrissey
Richard Ten Broeck
C. V. Whitney
The Pride of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania-bred Smarty Jones captured the hearts of millions during his memorable run to glory
By Brien Bouyea Hall of Fame and Communications Director
Smarty Jones was the horse everyone fell in love with. Hardcore racing fans, casual observers of the sport, and people who knew little or nothing about thoroughbred racing were all captivated by the spectacular Pennsylvania-bred who took the sports world by storm in the spring of 2004.
What a ride it was.
Bred in the Keystone State by Someday Farm, Smarty Jones (Elusive Quality—I’ll Get Along, by Smile) raced from 2003 through 2004,
winning eight of his nine career starts, including the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in his sophomore season, and was voted the Eclipse Award for Champion 3-Year-Old Male in 2004. Campiagned by breeders Roy and Patricia Chapman under their Someday Farm banner, Smarty Jones was trained by John C. Servis and ridden exclusively by Stewart Elliott.
“Smarty was a gift to everyone — my husband and me, the team around him, the fans, all of Pennsylvania, of course,” Pat Chapman
Opposite page: Smarty Jones, Stewart Elliott up, wins the 2004 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Above: Smarty Jones passes beneath the historic twin spires at Churchill en route to winning the Derby.
said. “Everyone who followed his story got swept up in that magic. He gave us so many thrills and so many memories that are cherished. To see him get recognition as a Hall of Famer is the perfect icing on the cake. Smarty has been a blessing.”
A chestnut colt, Smarty Jones announced his presence with authority immediately when he won his first two career starts at Philadelphia Park (now Parx Racing) in November 2003 — a maiden special weight and the Pennsylvania Nursery Stakes — by a combined 12¾ lengths. There was early buzz about the precocious colt, but it was only the beginning.
As the calendar turned to 2004, Smarty Jones began his road to the Kentucky Derby in New York with a stylish five-length January victory in the listed Count Fleet Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack. It was then off to Oaklawn Park for more winter magic. In Arkansas, Smarty Jones won the listed Southwest Stakes in February by three-quarters of a length and followed with a 3¼-length win in the listed Rebel Stakes in March.
Smarty Jones then made it 3-for-3 at the Hot Springs oval and punched his ticket to Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby with a 1½-length victory in the Grade 2, $1 million Arkansas Derby.
“Today, to me, this was the pressure race,” Servis said after the
Arkansas Derby. “If he didn’t run good today, he wasn’t going (to the Kentucky Derby). This was the pressure-cooker today.”
The Arkansas Derby was a stellar performance by Smarty Jones. As the even-money favorite, he was asked to carry his speed 1⅛ miles from the outside post (11) over an off track for the first time. The Oaklawn crowd of 62,254 roared as Smarty Jones took command in the stretch, bringing Roy Chapman to tears as he knew his horse was going to be bound for the Kentucky Derby.
“I just can’t tell you how it feels,” Roy Chapman said after the Arkansas Derby. “Unbelievable to see the way that horse ran today. And the team we have behind him … geez, it makes me happy.”
On May 1, 2004, Smarty Jones became the first undefeated Kentucky Derby winner since Seattle Slew in 1977 with a 2¾-length victory over Lion Heart before a crowd of 140,054 at Churchill Downs. He earned a $5 million bonus from Oaklawn Park for winning the combination of the Kentucky Derby and the three Derby preps at Oaklawn. Smarty Jones also became the second Pennsylvania-bred to win the Derby, joining Lil E. Tee (1992).
“An absolutely masterful ride,” Servis said of Elliott’s trip in the Derby.
Smarty Jones, Stewart Elliott up, wins the 2004 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. He won the race by a record 11½ lengths.
Servis and Elliott became the first trainer-jockey duo to win the Derby on their first attempt since Spectacular Bid won in 1979 for trainer Bud Delp and jockey Ron Franklin.
In the stands, the 77-year-old Roy Chapman got out of his wheelchair and shouted, “I can’t believe it!” as he received hugs from Servis, friends, and relatives. Chapman, hooked up to an oxygen tank because of emphysema (he died in 2006), then sat back down, taking deep breaths to calm himself, but smiling the whole time.
Two weeks after his Derby victory, Smarty Jones romped by a record margin of 11½ lengths in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course before a raucous crowd of 112,168. He earned a career-best 118 Beyer Speed Figure for the effort, the fifth of six times he achieved a Beyer of 100 or higher.
The BloodHorse reported, “Philly’s horse is fast becoming America’s horse.”
Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens, who finished a distant second to
Smarty Jones on Rock Hard Ten, marveled at the dazzling effort turned in by the winner.
“That horse is as good as any horse I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen some good ones, been on some good ones, and I was on a good one today,” Stevens said. “Smarty really reminded me of Secretariat the way he pulled away.”
“He just keeps getting better, the son of a gun,” Elliott said following the Preakness. “He did it so easy. He has really gotten it together. I just rode him with confidence.”
The margin of victory in the Preakness was the largest in the 129-year history of the race and remains the record through 2025, spanning 150 runnings of the second jewel in the Triple Crown series.
“I got goosebumps,” Servis said after the Preakness. “I was concerned about him coming back in two weeks, but he had no works, and I think it was a good move.”
Above left: Trainer John Servis and owner Pat Chapman are presented the 2004 Kentucky Derby trophy in the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs.
Above right: Smarty Jones, Stewart Elliott up, is led in into the winner’s circle after the 2004 Kentucky Derby.
A Belmont Park record 120,139 fans were on hand for a potential Triple Crown sweep in the 2004 Belmont Stakes, but 36-1 longshot Birdstone pulled off the upset, defeating Smarty Jones by a length.
Elliott sent Smarty Jones to the lead on the backside and was pressed hard, first by Jerry Bailey aboard Eddington, then by Alex Solis on Rock Hard Ten. Smarty Jones put both of those horses away, but Edgar Prado had Birdstone cruising easily and he came up on Smarty Jones’ outside with a furlong to go and gutted out the win.
“He kind of drug Stew to the lead,” Servis said after the Belmont. “He didn’t settle as easily as he had in his other races.”
Smarty Jones was retired on Aug. 2, 2004, with a record of 8-1-0 from nine starts and earnings of $7,613,155 (including the Oaklawn bonus). He won his eight races by a combined 47½ lengths.
Smarty Jones began his stallion career at Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, Kentucky, where for a time he occupied the same stall that once housed Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew. He is now 24 and standing at Equistar Training and Breeding Center in Annville, Pennsylvania.
More than 20 years after he was retired, Smarty Jones remains a popular figure in racing. He has been honored at Oaklawn since 2008 with the listed Smarty Jones Stakes in his honor and Parx Racing has held a Grade 3 Smarty Jones Stakes since 2010.
Smarty Jones is the fourth Pennsylvania-bred to be elected to the Hall of Fame, joining 19 th century legend Parole (1984), steeplechase sensation Flatterer (1994), and the spectacular filly Go for Wand (1996) .
Smarty Jones is pictured in the winner’s circle at Pimlico Race Course following his victory in the 2004 Preakness Stakes. The win improved the Pennsylvania-bred colt’s record to a perfect 8-for-8.
SMARTY JONES (PA)
Chestnut colt, born in 2001
(Elusive Quality—I’ll Get Along, by Smile)
Owner: Someday Farm
Breeder: Someday Farm
Trainer: John C. Servis
Jockey: Stewart Elliott
Notable:
• Eclipse Award Champion 3-Year-Old Male 2004
• Won the Kentucky Derby (G1) 2004
• Won the Preakness Stakes (G1) 2004
• Won the Arkansas Derby (G2) 2004
• First undefeated Kentucky Derby winner since Seattle Slew in 1977
• Won the Preakness Stakes by a record 11½ lengths
Racing
Top: Smarty Jones is depicted by artist Robert Clark winning the 2004 Kentucky Derby. Above: Smarty Jones became the first undefeated winner of the Kentucky Derby since Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew in 1977.
BARBARA D. LIVINGSTON PHOTO
SMARTY JONES
Hall of Fame Class of 2025
On behalf of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and horsemen across the Commonwealth & country, it is with great pride and admiration that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Smarty Jones, Someday Farm, John C. Servis & Stewart Elliott on the well-deserved induction of Smarty Jones into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
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Speed to Burn
Two-time champion sprinter Decathlon set numerous records with his blazing speed and won 25 races in his three years on the track
By Brien Bouyea
Hall of Fame and Communications Director
In the sport of track and field, the decathlon is a multi-discipline test for male athletes that combines four running events, three jumping events, and three throwing events. A diverse set of athletic talents are required for success. In the 1950s, a racehorse named Decathlon came along and thrived at thoroughbred racing’s highest levels, but the equine Decathlon only had one plus attribute — pure speed. It was all he needed.
Bred in Kentucky by the Nuckols Brothers and foaled at their
Hurstland Farm, Decathlon (Olympia—Dog Blessed, by Bull Dog) raced from 1955 through 1957, compiling a record of 25-8-1 from 42 starts and earnings of $269,530. Purchased at Keeneland in 1954 for $15,500 by Robert J. Dienst (the president of Ohio’s Beulah Park) and campaigned under his River Divide Farm banner, Decathlon’s blazing speed at short distances — he never competed beyond seven furlongs — resulted in consecutive honors as America’s champion sprinter in 1956 and 1957.
Opposite page: Decathlon, Gene Martin up, is pictured after winning the Tyro Stakes at Monmouth Park on July 4, 1955. Above: Decathlon, Martin up, is shown heading onto the track at Monmouth prior to the Tyro. He set a track record in the race of 1:04 for 5½ furlongs.
Trained by Rollie Shepp, the bay Decathlon won 18 stakes in his three years of racing. He set track records at Monmouth Park, Suffolk Downs, and Tropical Park, equaled two track standards at Tropical, and matched the world record for 5½ furlongs (1:031/5) at Tropical in the first division of the Inaugural Handicap in 1956.
Pedigree suggested Decathlon would be a good one. Olympia was a multiple stakes winner each year from 1948 through 1950, and sired standouts such as champion Pucker Up and stakes winners Air Pilot, Alhambra, Editorialist, My Portrait, Talent Show, and Winonly. He also sired champion steeplechaser Top Bid. On the dam side, Decathlon was out of Dog Blessed, a daughter of Bull Dog, America’s leading sire in 1943, and later a three-time leading broodmare sire.
Decathlon was known for his unusual gait, which was the result of having stepped on a nail with his right forefront as a yearling. While his running style was visually awkward, Decathlon’s speed was the stuff
of legend. He regularly opened races with a first quarter-mile in 21 and change, breaking the will of many opponents not long after the gate opened. Although not imposing physically at 15.3 hands and 950 pounds, Decathlon was a well-balanced colt. While his blazing early speed was his ultimate weapon, Decathlon also demonstrated he was capable of winning from off the pace on occasion and proved he could find the wire first if tested in the stretch. He also won in the mud and even won once on grass.
As a 2-year-old in 1955, Decathlon won his first five races and finished the year with a record of 8-2-1 in 16 starts and earnings of $54,220. His wins as a juvenile included the Bay State Kindergarten Stakes (Suffolk Downs track record of 58 seconds flat for five furlongs), Dade County Handicap, De Soto Handicap, Narragansett Nursery Stakes, and Tyro Stakes (Monmouth Park track record of 1:04 for 5½ furlongs).
Decathlon, with Dick Lawless in the irons, defeats Manteau in the Longport Handicap at Atlantic City Race Course on July 21, 1957.
As a sophomore in 1956, Decathlon won the Coral Gables Handicap (equaling the Tropical Park track record of 1:092/5 for six furlongs), Hibiscus Stakes, Hutcheson Stakes, Inaugural Handicap (equaling the world record), Oceanport Handicap, and Select Handicap. With a record of 10-5-0 from 17 starts and earnings of $119,137, Decathlon was voted Champion Sprint Horse.
Returning at age 4, Decathlon won the Oceanport Handicap for the second consecutive year (setting the Monmouth Park track record of 1:082/5 for six furlongs) and added wins in the Hialeah Inaugural Handicap, New Year’s Handicap (equaling the Tropical Park track record of 1:092/5 for six furlongs), John Alden Handicap, Longport Handicap, Princeton Handicap, and Rumson Handicap. He started nine times in 1957 with a ledger of 7-1-0 and earnings of $96,173, and was again voted Champion Sprint Horse.
Decathlon had win streaks of both six and five races during his career. During the six-race win streak that stretched from 1956 into 1957, Decathlon carried as much as 135 pounds to victory in the Hialeah Inaugural. He won seven races as a 4-year-old carrying 130 pounds or more. Overall, Decathlon won at nine tracks (Atlantic City, Garden State, Gulfstream, Hialeah, Monmouth, Narragansett, Rockingham, Suffolk, Tropical).
Following his racing days, Decathlon stood at Darby Dan Farm in Kentucky, where he sired 165 winners from 253 foals, including 12 stakes winners. He died in 1972 at the age of 19. Decathlon’s most accomplished son was Western Warrior, winner of 22 races for Tartan Stable and Hall of Fame trainer John Nerud, including the United Nations Handicap and Bernard Baruch Handicap.
DECATHLON (KY)
Bay colt, born in 1953 (by Olympia—Dog Blessed, by Bull Dog)
Owner: River Divide Farm
Breeder: Nuckols Brothers
Trainer: Rollie Shepp
Notable:
• Champion Sprint Horse 1956
• Champion Sprint Horse 1957
• Won 18 stakes
• Set track records at Monmouth Park, Suffolk Downs, and Tropical Park
• Equaled two track records at Tropical Park
• Matched the world record for 5½ furlongs (1:031/5) at Tropical Park in the 1956 Inaugural Handicap
• Carried 130 pounds or more in eight of his wins
Racing record:
Above left: Decathlon, Gene Martin up, enters the track at Saratoga Race Course in 1955.
Above right: Decathlon, Martin up, wins the Select Handicap over Itobe at Monmouth Park on June 23, 1956.
Honoring Hermis
Horse of the Year in 1902 and 1903, Hermis overcame a slow start to his career to become one of the greatest horses of the early 1900s
By Brien Bouyea
Hall of Fame and Communications Director
Opposite page: Hermis is retrospectively recognized as Horse of the Year in 1902 and 1903. Above: Hermis is pictured at Saratoga Race Course, where he won the 1902 Travers Stakes and equaled a track record in the Saranac Handicap.
Hermis wasn’t the precocious type on the racetrack, but when he finally put all the pieces to the puzzle together he became one of the most accomplished American thoroughbreds of the early 20th century.
Bred in Kentucky by H. A. Engman, Hermis (Hermence—Katy of the West, by Spendthrift) raced from 1901 through 1905, finishing his distinguished career with a record of 29-8-6 from 55 starts and earnings of $84,135. He was retrospectively recognized by The BloodHorse book The
Great Ones as Horse of the Year in 1902 and 1903; Champion 3-Year-Old Male in 1902; and Champion Older Male in 1903 and 1904.
Those accomplishments would have been difficult to imagine after Hermis concluded his juvenile season of 1901 with only four wins in 13 starts, none of them in a race worth more than $400. Although sturdy in build, Hermis was barely 15.3 hands and commonly referred to as “the little red horse.” Dismissed as a common runner early in his career, Hermis needed five attempts to break his maiden. He finally broke into
Hermis is pictured at Brighton Beach Race Course in 1904 after his victory in the Test Handicap. Under 133 pounds in the Test, he equaled the track record for one mile and defeated Hall of Famer Beldame.
Hermis won 29 of his 55 starts and placed in 14 others in his five-year career.
the win column with Hall of Fame jockey Jimmy Winkfield in the irons at Hawthorne Race Course on Aug. 30, 1901, earning a three-length victory at 5½ furlongs.
Hermis, however, emerged as a standout during his sophomore campaign. Trained for much of his 3-year-old season by Jack McCormick (Hermis had several owners and trainers throughout his career), the deep red chestnut colt won his final nine races of the year. The streak began with a pair of allowance wins at Brighton Beach and another at Saratoga Race Course for owner Henry Ziegler and trainer Charles Hughes. Hermis was then sold for $15,000 to Louis Bell, who turned the horse over to conditioner McCormick. Hermis began to thrive. In his first start for new owner Bell, Hermis earned a thrilling victory over Gold Cure in the 1902 Travers Stakes at Saratoga to stretch his win streak to four.
“The historic Travers Stakes, one of the oldest classic races of the American turf, was won by the 9-10 odds-on favorite Hermis, after a
most sensational struggle,” reported the New York Times. “Hermis, after being interfered with early in the race, came with a great rush in the last few strides and won at the post by a head.”
Hermis continued to roll throughout the summer and fall, following his Travers victory with wins in the Saranac Handicap (equaling Saratoga’s track record of 1:512/ 5 for 1⅛ miles), First Special, Ocean View, Jerome Handicap, and Mamaroneck Handicap. Hermis concluded his campaign with a record of 10-1-2 from 14 starts and earnings of $24,365.
After an extended break, Hermis began his 4-year-old season in June 1903. He returned to the races with a new owner (Edward R. Thomas, a banker who in May 1903 paid a record $60,000 for the horse) and trainer (Alexander Shields, who later became the horse’s owner). Winless in his first five starts of the year, Hermis baffled his new connections, only placing once and seeming disinterested.
14 stakes races in his career and found his way to the winner’s circle at eight different tracks.
Whatever the problem was, it was quickly resolved. Hermis returned to top form, winning nine of his remaining 13 starts that year. He defeated Molly Brant in a handicap at Saratoga, beat Irish Lad in the Merchants’ and Citizens’ Handicap, won the Ocean Handicap (carrying 127 and defeating Molly Brant), carried 134 pounds to victory in a handicap at Gravesend, and won both the Brighton Cup (at 2¼ miles)
and Edgemere Handicap (setting Aqueduct’s track record of 1:53 for nine furlongs).
As a 5-year-old in 1904, Hermis won the Brookdale Handicap (defeating Belmont Stakes winner Africander), Suburban Handicap (defeating Irish Lad and Africander), and Test Handicap. In the Test at Brighton Beach on July 6, he equaled the track record of 1:38 for one
Hermis won
Hermis had six different owners in his career, including Alexander Shields, who also trained the horse for part of his career.
mile while carrying high weight of 133 and defeating Hall of Famer Beldame, who caried 115. In arguably the greatest performance of his career, Hermis won by a length and just missed a world record.
“When Hermis broke first and went out with a lightning burst of speed from the lifting of the barrier, a tremendous cheer went up from the spectators,” the New York Times reported. “Through the entire running of the race, the tumult of applause grew louder, culminating in an uproar that rivaled summer thunder when Hermis shot past the winning post, ridden out, a bare length before the stout Beldame. … The time fell a fraction of a second behind the world’s record … but the performance, nevertheless, takes precedence as a track record, as Hermis equaled the time made by Voter, holder of the older mark, made as a 6-year-old, with 122 pounds.”
Returning at 6 in 1905 after recovering from a tendon injury, Hermis was sent to Brighton Beach in July and won two races there in four days, including the Islip Handicap under 132 pounds. Twelve days later, he attempted to repeat in the Test Handicap but was bumped badly in a rough race and finished fifth. Hermis was then retired.
Overall, he won 14 stakes, earned victories at eight tracks (Aqueduct, Brighton Beach, Gravesend, Hawthorne, Latonia, Morris Park, Saratoga, Sheepshead Bay), and carried 132 pounds or more in four of his wins. Hermis was a disappointment at stud, siring only two stakes winners in America. He was exported to France in 1910. Two years later, he was bought by Edmond Blanc for his Haras de Jardy, but a year later he was sent to Belgium. What became of Hermis after that is a mystery, as all knowledge of the horse’s whereabouts were lost during World War I.
HERMIS (KY)
Chestnut colt, born in 1899 (Hermence—Katy of the West, by Spendthrift)
Owners: W. A. Engman, H. A. Engman, Henry Ziegler, Louis Bell, Edward R. Thomas, Alexander Shields
Breeder: H. A. Engman
Trainers: Charles Hughes, Jack McCormick, Alexander Shields
Notable:
• Horse of the Year 1902
• Horse of the Year 1903
• Champion 3-Year-Old Male 1902
• Champion Older Male 1903
• Champion Older Male 1904
• Won 14 stakes races, including the Travers, Jerome, Saranac, Brighton Cup, Suburban, and Test
• Won at eight different tracks
Racing record:
Ready For His Shot
After several years as a trusted assistant, George Conway was ready for the spotlight and trained some of American racing’s best horses for Glen Riddle Farm, including Hall of Famers War Admiral and Crusader
By Brien Bouyea
Hall of Fame and Communications Director
When he took over as the head trainer for Sam Riddle’s prolific Glen Riddle Farm racing stable in 1926, George Conway was well prepared for the position he was elevated into. Decades spent around horses — beginning in the late 1880s as an exercise rider and later as stable foreman for both Louis Feustel and Gwyn Tompkins in the Riddle operation — gave Conway all the experience he needed to thrive in the high-profile job. And thrive is exactly what Conway did.
A native of Oceanport, New Jersey, Conway had tremendous success with the 3-year-old colt Crusader during his first year in charge of the Glen Riddle horses. A chestnut son of Man o’ War, Crusader didn’t make his sophomore debut until May 20, 1926. He started out a bit slowly — finishing second in his first two outings — before delivering a breakthrough performance in winning the Suburban Handicap by five lengths. Crusader’s stablemate, the standout American Flag, also trained by Conway, finished second.
Crusader followed his Suburban victory by earning the biggest purse of his career, $48,550, in winning the Belmont Stakes. He added victories in the Dwyer Stakes (setting a track record of 2:293/5 for 1½ miles), Cincinnati Derby (defeating Preakness winner Display in trackrecord time of 2:02 for 1¼ miles), Huron Handicap, Jockey Club Gold Cup, Havre de Grace Handicap (defeating older standouts and future Hall of Famers Sarazen and Princess Doreen in equaling the track record of 1:50 for nine furlongs), Maryland Handicap, and Riggs Memorial Handicap (carrying high weight of 130 pounds). Crusader completed his 3-year-old season with a record of 9-4-0 from 15 starts and earnings of $166,033. He was recognized as Horse of the Year and Champion 3-Year-Old Male for his efforts.
As a 4-year-old in 1927, Crusader was unplaced while carrying top weight in his first two starts. He returned to top form while carrying 127 pounds in winning the Suburban again, this time by seven lengths (no other horse won consecutive editions of the Suburban until almost
Opposite page: George Conway is pictured at Hialeah Park in an undated photo. Above: Col. Matt Winn presents the trophy to George Conway after War Admiral’s victory in the 1937 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
70 years later when Devil His Due accomplished the feat in 1993 and 1994). Crusader also won the Delaware Handicap at Havre de Grace that year. He was retired after his 1928 season with a career record of 18-8-4 from 42 starts and earnings of $203,261. Crusader was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995.
Conway’s immediate success with Crusader was no surprise to those who knew him. He was hired by Feustel in 1917 and was the stable’s foreman during Man o’ War’s years of dominating the sport in 1919 and 1920. He quickly acclimated to his duties and became intimately familiar with all aspects of Riddle’s stable and breeding operation. Conway continued to patiently bide his time and enhance his reputation as a talented horseman when Riddle hired Tompkins to succeed Feustel.
Along with Crusader, Conway trained standouts Speed Boat, War Glory, and War Hero, among others, for the Glen Riddle operation. His notable wins included the Adirondack Stakes (1932), Huron Handicap (1932), Saratoga Cup (1932), Travers Stakes (1932), Walden Handicap (1932), Dwyer Stakes (1933), Kenner Stakes (1933), Lawrence Realization Stakes (1933), Maryland Handicap (1933), Saranac Handicap (1933), Test Stakes (1933), and Pimlico Oaks (1937).
Conway was entrusted with his horse of a lifetime, the mighty War Admiral, in 1936. In his three years with the future Hall of Famer, Conway conditioned the son of Man o’ War to a record of 21-3-1 from 26 starts, including a sweep of the 1937 Triple Crown, and earnings of $273,240.
As a 2-year-old in 1936, War Admiral hinted at his potential with victories in his first two starts at Havre de Grace and Belmont Park, respectively. He later won the Eastern Shore Handicap at Havre de Grace for his first career stakes victory and concluded his juvenile campaign with a record of 3-2-1 from six starts.
War Admiral became a sensation as a sophomore in 1937, winning all eight of his starts, including a sweep of the Triple Crown, the fourth horse to achieve the feat. After beginning his season with wins in an allowance and the Chesapeake Stakes a Havre de Grace, War Admiral took the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes in succession.
The Belmont provided plenty of nervous moments for Conway. War Admiral detested the starting gate, and his antics delayed the race for about eight minutes. He dragged a bewildered assistant starter through the starting gate several times before he was eventually settled. When the
George Conway, left, is pictured with owner Sam Riddle in an undated photo. Conway trained Hall of Fame horses Crusader and Triple Crown winner War Admiral for Riddle after spending several years as the top assistant in the Glen Riddle operation.
gate finally opened for the race, War Admiral was off balance, stumbled and cut away a section of the wall of his right forefoot.
The Belmont was shaping up to be a disaster for War Admiral. He had expended a great amount of energy before the race and now his legs and belly were saturated with blood from his misstep out of the gate. Every excuse to run a clunker was present, but instead, War Admiral delivered a virtuoso performance, rocketing to a three-length victory. He covered the 1½-mile distance in 2:283/5, equaling the American record for the distance and breaking his sire’s track record by one-fifth of a second, which was set 17 years earlier in the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
War Admiral’s Belmont victory was a heroic performance, but it came at a price.
“I don’t see how he can be brought back to the races before fall, and even that is doubtful. Time will prove the best healer, though we have to look out for infection, made doubly dangerous by the fact he raced the entire distance with the open wound,” Conway said in the aftermath. “He’s eligible for three stakes at Saratoga, including the Travers and Saratoga Cup, but it’ll take a miracle for him to be in condition. It’s a better guess to say he’ll race in September at Belmont, if at all. He’s probably not as great as his daddy, but a better horse than Crusader.”
As Conway predicted, War Admiral was sidelined until October, but he immediately returned to form, cruising to three more wins, including the Washington Handicap and Pimlico Special. Undefeated on the campaign, he was named Horse of the Year.
War Admiral began his 4-year-old season in brilliant fashion, extending his win streak to 11 with victories in an allowance and the Widener and Queens County handicaps. His win streak was snapped by the talented Menow in the Massachusetts Handicap, but War Admiral quickly rebounded to win the Wilson, Saratoga Handicap, Whitney, and Saratoga Cup in a four-week span at Saratoga. He then tacked on a three-length victory in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont before being defeated by Seabiscuit in the Pimlico Special, one of the most famous events in American racing history.
Following the loss to Seabiscuit, War Admiral raced twice more, winning the Rhode Island Handicap at Narragansett 11 days later in his final start at 4 and earning an allowance victory in February 1939 at Hialeah. War Admiral was then retired to stud at Riddle’s farm in Kentucky because of an ankle injury. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1958.
A week after War Admiral was retired, Conway decided it was time for him to retire, too. He had been suffering from heart trouble and returned to New Jersey, where he stayed with his sister, Ella Conway, in Oceanport. Conway, a lifelong bachelor, died at his sister’s house on June 20, 1939, at the age of 66.
Daily Racing Form said Conway was “one of the outstanding figures of turfdom for the last forty years.”
Known for his attention to detail and class, Conway was admired for his horsemanship and considerate nature.
“Among horsemen,” a writer noted in 1937, “Conway is known as a kindly old gentleman with a fine knowledge of horses. Seldom does one hear a swear word around his stable — not that the 64-year-old trainer doesn’t approve of it — but it just isn’t done. ‘Darn’ is a strong word for him to use.”
Above: George Conway shakes hands with Hall of Fame jockey Wayne Wright in an undated photo. Below: Conway leads War Admiral, Charles Kurtsinger up, prior to the 1937 Belmont Stakes.
GEORGE H. CONWAY
Born: July 7, 1873, Oceanport, New Jersey Died: June 20, 1939, Oceanport, New Jersey
Notable:
• Trained Hall of Fame members Crusader and War Admiral
• Won the Triple Crown with War Admiral (1937)
• Won the Belmont Stakes with Crusader (1926)
• Both Crusader (1926) and War Admiral (1937) were selected Horse of the Year
• Other notable wins included the Adirondack Stakes (1932), Huron Handicap (1932), Saratoga Cup (1932), Travers Stakes (1932), Walden Handicap (1932), Dwyer Stakes (1933), Kenner Stakes (1933), Lawrence Realization Stakes (1933), Maryland Handicap (1933), Saranac Handicap (1933), Test Stakes (1933), and Pimlico Oaks (1937)
CONGRATULATES THE 2025 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
SMARTY JONES
WINNER OF THE 2004 PREAKNESS STAKES
GEORGE CONWAY
TRAINER OF TRIPLE CROWN CHAMPION WAR ADMIRAL
PILLARS OF THE TURF
EDWARD L. BOWEN
ARTHUR B. HANCOCK III
RICHARD TEN BROECK
A Leader With a Way for Words
Ed Bowen was one of racing’s greatest wordsmiths, a popular personality, and a dedicated leader
By Brien Bouyea Hall of Fame and Communications Director
Ed Bowen was one of thoroughbred racing’s most prolific and beloved storytellers. If he had done nothing else to contribute to the sport, Bowen would have had an extraordinary legacy in the game. But he did do more — so much more.
Bowen was the author of a remarkable 22 books about racing … he led one of the sport’s most respected and important publications … he spearheaded significant fundraising that benefitted horses … he provided invaluable leadership to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame … he won the sport’s most coveted award for writers.
If someone had a historical question about racing, all one usually had to do was ask Ed Bowen. He was the human Google of racing history.
A southern gentleman with a kind soul, Bowen spent more than 60 years connected to racing in various capacities. At the time of his death in early 2025 at the age of 82, he was preparing for his 38th year as the chairman of the Hall of Fame Nominating Committee.
Born in West Virginia in 1942, Bowen grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Influenced by a father who liked horses, Bowen rode ponies as a boy and became a fan of thoroughbred racing from watching the sport on television and from reading the Black Stallion books by Walter Farley. In 1960, he attended the University of Florida to study journalism, then in 1963 transferred to the University of Kentucky, a move that allowed him to also write for the Lexington-based BloodHorse magazine.
Opposite page: Portrait of Ed Bowen by artist Sandra Oppegard. Above: Ed Bowen presents the Hall of Fame plaque for Lure to Walker Hancock and Dell Hancock in 2013.
In 1968, Bowen accepted a job in Canada as editor of The Canadian Horse. Two years later, he returned to Kentucky to work for The BloodHorse as its managing editor, remaining with the magazine for another 23 years and rising to be its editor in chief.
Winner of an Eclipse Award in 1972 for magazine writing, Bowen contributed chapters, forewords, or prefaces for 17 books about racing in addition to the 22 he authored. He also wrote two books on natural attractions open to the public. Before he died, Bowen contributed two chapters to an upcoming book about the history of America’s racetracks being published by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. His top-selling books included Matriarchs: Great Mares of the 20th Century, which was the first book published by Eclipse Press; along with Man o’ War from the Thoroughbred Legends series; and At the Wire: Horse Racing’s Greatest Moments.
In January 1987, Bowen succeeded his mentor, Kent Hollingsworth, as editor in chief at BloodHorse. Bowen held that post for five years, transitioned to senior editor in 1992, and left the publication in 1993.
Bowen began a new chapter when he was hired as president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation in 1994. From then until his retirement at the end of 2018, Bowen’s role at the foundation included raising sufficient funds to provide $22 million for research projects that benefited all horses, not just thoroughbreds — a mission important personally to Bowen. He oversaw the first year that the foundation was able to give out $1 million for equine research. At the time of Bowen’s retirement, the foundation was annually giving out at least $1 million per year.
A unique knowledge of racing and breeding history also made Bowen a one-of-a-kind asset to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. He was a Museum trustee and served as chair of the Hall of Fame Nominating Committee from 1987 until his death. Bowen also chaired the Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor Selection Committee and previously the Historic Review Committee, Pillars of the Turf Committee, and Steeplechase Review Committee.
In addition to the Eclipse Award, Bowen was honored with the National Turf Writers Association’s Walter Haight Award, Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders’ Charles Engelhard Award, Pimlico’s Old Hilltop Award, ForeWord magazine’s Gold Level designation (sports category), and the Ocala-Marion County Chamber of Commerce Journalism Award.
Bowen was honored as a Kentucky Colonel in 2022 and was a past president of the Thoroughbred Club of America and a former board member of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. He was the TCA Honor Guest in 2022. Bowen served six years in the U.S. Army Reserve and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant.
Tributes to Bowen came from throughout the sport after his passing.
“No one loved thoroughbred racing — the sport and the community — more than Ed Bowen,” Eric Mitchell wrote in The BloodHorse “Many share the veteran journalist and racing historian’s passion, but his dedication to capturing the stories of the sport’s colorful characters and the exhilarating feats of its athletes was unsurpassed.”
Claiborne Farm’s Dell Hancock got to know Bowen in the 1970s
Top: Ed Bowen presents jockey Eddie Maple with his Hall of Fame jacket in 2009. Above: Bowen is pictured at Keeneland Library.
when she was working as a photographer for The BloodHorse. Bowen and Hancock became great friends, and they again collaborated professionally when Hancock became chair of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.
“I never heard Ed say anything bad about anyone, and I never heard anyone say anything bad about Ed — and there are not a lot of people you can say that about when it works both ways,” Hancock said. “He was a true gentleman, he was smart, just so many things to so many people.”
Perhaps it was Bowen’s son, George, who said it best when describing his father’s impact on racing. During Bowen’s recognition in 2022 as the Thoroughbred Club of America’s Honor Guest, George introduced him and referenced an article in which his father was called a “steward” of the sport.
“That is such a beautiful compliment. A steward cares for something, you nurture something, but it really means you were given something, and you give it back better than how you received. I think we can agree the thoroughbred industry is better because of my father,” he said.
EDWARD L. BOWEN
Born: Dec. 23, 1942, Welch, West Virginia
Died: Jan. 20, 2025, Versailles, Kentucky
Notable:
• Eclipse Award for Magazine Writing 1972
• Author of 22 books about thoroughbred racing
• Chairman Hall of Fame Nominating Committee 1987-2024
• Thoroughbred Club of America Honor Guest 2022
• BloodHorse editor in chief
• Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation president
• Walter Haight Award
Ed Bowen earned numerous awards throughout his career, including an Eclipse Award for magazine writing in 1972. He was the author of 22 books about thoroughbred racing.
Congratulations to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame on your 75th Anniversary
Blazing His Own Trail
Born into a revered racing family, Arthur Hancock III created his own legacy through his establishment of Stone Farm and decades of leadership in the sport
By Brien Bouyea
Hall of Fame and Communications Director
Bloodlines and tradition in American thoroughbred racing are held scared. Arthur Boyd Hancock III certainly had the pedigree to become an influential figure in the game simply by following in the family footsteps, but circumstances dictated he journey down a different path.
Hancock’s grandfather, Arthur B. Hancock, founded Kentucky’s legendary Claiborne Farm, while his father, Arthur B. “Bull” Hancock, Jr., expanded the business to where it became arguably the most important breeding farm in the U.S. during the 20th century, and whose sales and influence also impacted European racing.
After graduating from Vanderbilt University, Hancock moved to the New York City area and worked for a year as an apprentice under future Hall of Fame trainer Edward A. Neloy. He then returned to Claiborne
as the assistant broodmare and yearling manager under the tutelage of his father. However, after Bull Hancock’s death, Claiborne’s leadership wasn’t passed to Arthur. Instead, those duties went to his brother, Seth.
“I wondered, ‘What in the world am I going to do with my life?’ I thought running Claiborne was what I’d been groomed for,” Hancock said in an interview with Paulick Report. “The two top advisors were big Claiborne clients, Mr. (Ogden) Phipps and Bill Perry. And Mr. Phipps thought Seth should run Claiborne. He was an advisor, and Daddy’s will said the executors should follow the advice of the advisors.
“Mr. Perry wanted the same thing, and I saw the writing on the wall, so I resigned. … I just felt that I had to do my own thing in life. I had to run things like I wanted to.”
While Seth took over Claiborne, Arthur went out on his own, leasing
Opposite page: Arthur B. Hancock III is pictured with Bold Forbes in 1977. Bold Forbes stood stud at Stone Farm, where he sired 13 crops that produced 304 winners, including 30 stakes winners. Above: From left, Arthur B. Hancock III, Arthur “Bull” Hancock, and Seth Hancock are pictured in an undated photo.
100 acres and launching Stone Farm into a respected and successful breeding and racing operation, which earned the family its first victory in the Kentucky Derby.
In partnership with one of his longtime clients, Manhattan real estate broker Leone J. Peters, Hancock bred and raced Gato Del Sol, who won the 1982 Derby. Hancock and Peters also teamed up to breed Risen Star, who won the 1988 Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes en route to the Eclipse Award for Champion 3-Year-Old Male.
A year after Risen Star’s championship season, through H-G-W Partners, Hancock owned and raced Hall of Fame member and 1989 Horse of the Year Sunday Silence, whose wins included the Santa Anita Derby, Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Hancock co-bred a third classic winner, Fusaichi Pegasus (2000 Kentucky Derby winner), and raised and sold a second Horse of the Year, Bricks and Mortar (2019). He has also raced in partnership Kentucky Oaks winner Goodbye Halo and Blue Grass Stakes and Haskell Invitational Handicap winner Menifee, among others.
In Europe, Stone Farm-raised standouts have included classic colt Hawaiian Sound, champion filly Rainbow View, and champion juvenile colt Air Force Blue. Stone Farm, which has grown to more than 2,200 acres, has produced nearly 180 stakes winners, including the winners of more than 75 graded stakes. In addition, Stone Farm was home to two-time leading sire Halo, who was the sire of Sunday Silence, a prolific international stallion in addition to his racing prowess.
The sport has recognized Hancock’s success and his role as an
industry leader. In 2020, he was selected as the Honor Guest by the Thoroughbred Club of America, becoming the fourth member of his family chosen by the TCA. Bull Hancock was the 1960 Honor Guest and his father, Arthur B. Hancock, Sr., the 1944 Honor Guest. Seth was honored by the TCA in 2000.
“It is especially moving for me to follow my grandfather, my father, and my brother Seth as the recipient of this cherished award,” Hancock said at the TCA dinner. “But when you see a turtle on a fencepost, you know he didn’t get there by himself, and I would like to thank the wonderful clients of Stone Farm for their support, and the loyal Stone Farm employees for their hard work and expertise which keep the farm going.
“But the greatest help and inspiration to me over the years has been my wife, Staci. Not only has she been the backbone of the family in raising our six wonderful children, she has worked very hard to help our industry as the organizer of WHOA (the Water Hay Oats Alliance). Also, she has been unwavering in her efforts to stop the slaughter of our horses, who give us our very livelihood. Thank you, Staci.”
In his capacity as a leader in racing, Hancock has served on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, as a director of Keeneland Association and Fasig-Tipton Company, and as a member of The Jockey Club.
Especially visible has been Hancock’s leadership in fostering integrity in racing. He co-founded the Water Hay Oats Alliance (WHOA), a group dedicated to eliminating performance-enhancing drugs in racing, with his wife. He is also an active supporter of thoroughbred aftercare. Hancock, who while at Vanderbilt University was co-captain of the
Arthur B. Hancock III, left, is pictured with his father, Arthur “Bull” Hancock, along with an unidentified horse and groom in an undated photo.
swim team and won the Southeastern Conference championship in the 100-yard freestyle, is also an accomplished songwriter and musician. He has produced several collections of original music, and performers such as Grandpa Jones, Willie Nelson, and Ray Price have covered his songs.
“Arthur could have been many things: song writer, musician, singer, poet; but chose instead to be a horseman,” said Helen Alexander of Middlebrook Farm. “Over the years we have had wide-ranging discussions on breeding horses and Arthur has always had strong beliefs on how things should be done and what will make a great horse. One of his theories led to his breeding Kentucky Derby winner Gato Del Sol, so how can you argue with that?
“Personally, I believe he just has an uncanny knack for seeing what’s best in a horse that’s often missed by others. Kentucky Derby winner number two, Sunday Silence, is an example of that, first having been purchased by Arthur (thinking he was doing a favor for the owner) and then being led out unsold on another occasion. I know it pained him to sell Sunday Silence and lose what he knew was going to be a great stallion, but it was the right thing to do at the time.
“The industry has a lot to thank Arthur for. His dogged persistence in trying to clean up racing will be a lasting legacy. He is always a man of his convictions.”
Hancock considers himself fortunate to have had such a long and prosperous career in racing.
“The very wise and wonderful horseman John Nerud used to tell me, ‘In this game, you have to position yourself for luck to run over you,’” Hanock said.
left: Arthur B. Hancock III, right, is pictured with trainer Vincent
Hancock established Stone Farm in 1970 and has been one of America’s most prominent breeders and a leader in the sport for decades.
ARTHUR HANCOCK III
Born: Feb. 22, 1943, Nashville, Tennessee
Notable:
• Established Stone Farm, which has produced more than 180 stakes winners, including 75 graded winners
• Bred, co-bred or owned Kentucky Derby winner Gato Del Sol; Preakness and Belmont winner Risen Star; Derby and Preakness winner Sunday Silence; Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus, among others
• Thoroughbred Club of America Honor Guest 2020
• Has served on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, as a director of Keeneland Association and Fasig-Tipton Company, and as a member of The Jockey Club.
Above
O’Brien. Above:
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Old Friends
Congratulations to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame on your milestone 75th anniversary and for all you do for the sport and to the 2025 induction class for your remarkable achievements in racing!
We look forward to seeing you at our two locations:
Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm 1841 Paynes Depot Road Georgetown, Kentucky (502) 863-1775
Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division 483 Sandhill Road Greenfield Center, New York (518) 698-2377
Bellamy Road at Old Friends, Georgetown, Kentucky
A Titan of the Turf
The colorful Richard Ten Broeck influenced thoroughbred racing as an owner/breeder, racetrack operator, and international pioneer
By Brien Bouyea Hall of Fame and Communications Director
Richard Ten Broeck’s deep and fascinating imprint on thoroughbred racing in both America and England “confronts the historian,” John Hervey wrote in Racing in America, 16651865, a book commissioned by The Jockey Club. “Fitly to summarize or characterize such a man, and such a career as his, a separate volume would be required.”
Simply stated, Ten Broeck was an original — and his stamp on racing was distinctive and has resonated for generations.
Ten Broeck’s racing accomplishments were marveled at. He was celebrated as the owner of Hall of Fame member Lexington, one of the most accomplished racehorses of the 19th century and unquestionably the most impactful stallion in American history. Ten Broeck powered the sport through his successful ownership tenures of multiple southern
racetracks, including the famous Metairie Race Course, the grandest track in the country in the pre-Civil War days. He then achieved international acclaim as a pioneering American horse owner who enjoyed success racing in England.
There was also Ten Broeck’s flair for the dramatic and his unconventional adventures such as leaving West Point as a cadet under murky circumstances. He subsequently lived a vagabond life for many years and became a renowned gambler who both won and lost fortunes. Later in life, he descended into periods of mental strife and self-isolation, experiencing a dismal final chapter in an otherwise remarkable existence.
Born into a conservative Dutch family around 1811, in Albany, New York, Ten Broeck graduated from Albany Academy and was accepted in the United States Military Academy in 1829. His tenure at West
Opposite page: Portrait of Richard Ten Broeck by Charles Baskerville from the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s collection. Above: Ten Breock campaigned Hall of Fame member Lexington, who later became a 16-time leading sire in America.
Point, however, was brief. Less than eight months into his time there, Ten Broeck was recorded as “Resigned, February 28, 1830.” Various reports indicated he assaulted an instructor after perceiving he was being insulted. Ten Broeck then challenged the instructor to a duel that never took place. Normally such behavior would have led to an expulsion, but it is generally assumed the influence of his wealthy family allowed him to resign instead. Ten Broeck’s conduct at West Point led to permanent estrangement from his family.
Little is known about Ten Broeck’s specific whereabouts for much of the next decade, but he supposedly went on the road as a gambler and amassed a fortune. During the late 1830s, Ten Broeck became associated with Col. William R. Johnson of Virginia, one of America’s most renowned racing figures. By 1840, Ten Broeck was racing horses in his own colors of orange and black sash in New Orleans, New York, and St. Louis.
Ten Broeck’s stable began to flourish, and he was becoming known as an influential turfman throughout the South when he took over management of the Bingaman (Louisiana) and Bascombe (Alabama) courses in 1847. In 1851, Ten Broeck purchased Metairie Race Course in New Orleans for $27,000. Under his management, Metairie became the premier track in the country in the decade prior to the Civil War. Ten Broeck increased purses and drew top horses from Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia, and Missouri. He renovated and expanded the track’s grandstand and encouraged the social elite of New Orleans, including women, to support racing by offering lavish facilities.
As a racing promoter, Ten Broeck had few, if any, peers. His greatest
promotion of Metairie was the interstate stakes race known as the Great State Post Stake on April 1, 1854. Ten Broeck had traveled to Kentucky the year before looking to buy a colt to run in the race. He purchased the talented Darley, bred and owned by Dr. Elisha Warfield. The colt was renamed Lexington and soundly defeated Lecomte in the Great State Post Stake for $20,000.
In a rematch, Lecomte defeated Lexington (his only career loss) at four miles (setting a world record), but Lexington later lowered that world mark to 7:19¾ in a match against Lecomte’s time. In their third and final meeting, Lexington earned another victory over Lecomte. The mighty son of Boston was regarded as America’s finest horse when retired to stud and went on to become a 16-time leading sire in America. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1955 as part of institution’s inaugural class.
Ten Broeck purchased Lecomte, Prioress, and Starke to race in England, and he became the first American owner to win an important race in that country. Prioress, at quoted odds of 100-1, finished in a triple dead heat in the 1857 Cesarewitch Stakes. Prioress won the run-off, and the victory received extensive coverage in American newspapers as the horse became the first bred and owned by an American to win on the British turf. Prioress also won the Great Yorkshire and Queen’s Plate in England. Ten Broeck pocketed $80,000 betting on Prioress in the Cesarewitch.
Ten Broeck’s English racing “invasion,” as reporters called it, produced mixed results on the track and took a great toll on his stable. Lecomte and Pryor died soon after arriving in the country and Prioress initially struggled with the English racing style, which at the time was more
Richard Ten Broeck purchased Metairie Race Course in 1851 and led the track through several successful years prior to the Civil War.
speed-favoring than the American distance events of three to four miles that Ten Broeck’s horses were accustomed to.
Ten Broeck raced in England for around 25 years, experiencing ebbs and flows in his level of success. He was received warmly there and became the first American member in the English Jockey Club. Starke gave him victories in the Goodwood Stakes, Warwick Cup, Brighton Stakes, and Goodwood Cup, among others. With Optimist, Ten Broeck won the Ascot Stakes, Palatine Cup, and Royal Stand Plate.
The efforts of Ten Broeck in British racing paved the way for other American owners to send their horses to England. Pierre Lorillard notably became the first American owner to win a British classic with Iroquois in the 1881 Epsom Derby. Ten Broeck later served as counsel to James R. Keene when he raced Foxhall successfully in England and France, winning the Grand Prix de Paris and Ascot Gold Cup.
Hervey described Ten Broeck as the “uncrowned king of the American sporting world,” and “an elegant figure always fastidiously garbed but without a trace of flash or swagger. In deportment he was cool, quiet, self-contained and bore himself like what in reality he was — a man of high breeding.”
Ten Broeck regularly returned to America between English racing seasons and purchased 525 acres near Louisville, Kentucky, naming it Hurstbourne in honor of the Duke of Portland’s estate in England. While living at Hurstbourne, Ten Broeck’s wife, Pattie, died of cancer in 1873. He remarried in 1877 to Mary Smith, a woman 44 years his junior. The marriage produced two children — a daughter who died during infancy and Richard Ten Broeck III — but the union was volatile, and Mary eventually left.
Estranged from his wife and son, Ten Broeck sold Hurstbourne and moved to San Mateo, California. It was reported he began experiencing mental illness and financial troubles. He became, according to Hervey, “a broken-down man … destitute, soured, embittered, misanthropic, given to fits of ungovernable choler, looking with suspicion and hostility upon humanity en masse.”
Once one of racing’s most essential figures, Hervey said Ten Broeck was “ … in self-chosen solitude and isolation from the world, his only resources the few remaining souvenirs of a vanished past that from time to time he parted with for the means of subsistence.” He died alone in the summer of 1892. Ten Broeck’s body was returned to Kentucky, and he was buried in Louisville’s Cave Hill Cemetery.
Despite the sad final chapter of his life, Ten Broeck was fondly remembered by the newspapers. The San Francisco Call stated, “Internationally looked up to and beloved, the turf and the world in general would be better off if they possessed more men of the stamp of Richard Ten Broeck.”
“He was easy, graceful, and erect in form and figure,” the Charlotte Observer said. “He might have been a commander of an army or occupant of a throne for wherever he appeared he was easily the master of the situation.”
The Louisville Courier Journal added, “Richard Ten Broeck was a man who would hold on at any time against the frowns of fortune, and so he stayed until two nations were electrified by his victory in the Cesarewitch.”
Richard Ten Broeck became the first American to win a notable race in England. At long odds, Prioress won the 1857 Cesarewitch Stakes. Ten Broeck campaigned horses in England for around 25 years and became a member of the English Jockey Club.
Born: ca. 1811, Albany, New York
Died: Aug. 2, 1892, San Mateo, California
Notable:
• Owned Hall of Fame member Lexington
• Owned Metairie Race Course as well as two other racetracks
• Won the 1857 Cesarewitch Stakes in England with Prioress
• Won several other significant races in England, including the Ascot Stakes, Brighton Stakes, Goodwood Cup, Goodwood Stakes, Palatine Cup, Royal Stand Plate, and Warwick Cup
RICHARD TEN BROECK
Photo:
The Reign of Hanover
An all-time great as both a racehorse and a sire, Hall of Fame legend Hanover was one American racing’s most accomplished thoroughbreds of the 19th century
By Brien Bouyea Hall of Fame and Communications Director
As a racehorse, Hanover dominated his competition before being retired in 1889 as America’s greatest money earner. As a stallion, he further enhanced his remarkable legacy by topping the national sire standings four consecutive years, something no other horse achieved until Bold Ruler came along almost 70 years later. Few thoroughbreds have achieved such elite status both on the racetrack and in the breeding shed. Hanover was a giant of his time — and of all time. Bred in Kentucky by Ezekiel F. Clay and Catesby Woodford and foaled at historic Runnymede Farm on April 3, 1884, Hanover was a chestnut son of Hall of Famer Hindoo out of the Bonnie Scotland mare Bourbon Belle. In May 1885, brothers Michael and Phil Dwyer purchased Hanover for $1,350 and placed the horse in the care of Frank McCabe, one of the era’s finest trainers and a future Hall of Famer. Hanover was a force to be reckoned with from the beginning. He had a light but impressive season as a juvenile in 1886, winning all three
of his races in a 17-day span — the Hopeful Stakes, July Stakes, and Sapling Stakes — before being put away for the year. The Dwyers, who were notorious for pushing their horses through grueling schedules, didn’t overburden Hanover as a 2-year-old because his stablemate, Tremont, was winning everything in sight en route to a perfect record from 13 starts in just eight weeks. The precocious Tremont, however, suffered a career-ending injury and Hanover assumed the mantle as the stable star for the Dwyers heading into 1887.
In the book The Great Ones, Hanover was described as “a free-running colt of boundless strength and flash and fury.” In summary of his sophomore campaign that began in May 1887 and concluded that October, The Great Ones said, “As did Citation, Hanover beat older horses early in his 3-year-old season; as did Man o’ War, he won most of his races by wide margins and was under a hold in the final furlong; and as have many great colts, he gave huge weight advantages to good rivals and beat them hollow.”
Opposite page: Hanover, James McLaughlin up, from a painting by Charles L. Zellinsky, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Collection. Above: Hanover won the first 17 starts of his career and is retrospectively recognized as the 1887 Horse of the Year.
from an 1888 print,
Ken Grayson.
Hanover delivered one of the most heroic campaigns in the sport’s history in as a 3-year-old. He won both the Belmont Stakes and Brooklyn Derby by 15 lengths; the Coney Island Derby and Swift Stakes by 10 lengths each (defeating Hall of Famer Firenze in the latter); and the Tidal Stakes by six lengths (defeating Hall of Famer Kingston). He added wins in races such as the Spindrift, Lorillard, Stockton, Barnegat, and Stevens stakes before finally suffering a defeat on July 30, 1887, in the Raritan Stakes at Monmouth, in which he conceded 17 pounds to the winner. It was the sixth start of the month for Hanover and his 15th of the year. The Raritan loss ended Hanover’s run of 17 consecutive victories to begin his career. Between May 17 and July 26, Hanover won a whopping 14 stakes races.
Following the Raritan defeat, Hanover was given an 11-day break before winning the 1½-mile United States Hotel Stakes at Saratoga. He then returned to Monmouth and defeated Firenze and Volante in the 1½-mile Champion Stakes. The Dwyers continued to race Hanover through a punishing schedule, and the colt predictably began to wear down. Following the Champion Stakes, Hanover lost twice in a week, prompting Turf, Field and Farm to report that “Hanover’s third defeat
won 32 of his 50 lifetime starts and was retired as the sport’s all-time earnings leader
on Thursday of last week will probably at last open the eyes of his owners to the fact, which has been apparent to everyone else for a month, that their colt is not only out of condition, but that something is radically wrong. Hanover has this year been set a task never before asked of a 3-year-old either in this country or in England. How well he has responded, the records show.”
Hanover was granted a month’s rest before returning to the races. Upon his return, he added wins in the Second Special, Breckinridge Stakes, and Dixie Stakes to finish the year with 20 wins from 27 starts and earnings of $87,632 (a record for a 3-year-old). He finished worse than third only once.
Foot problems shut down Hanover as a 4-year-old, as he finished second in all three of his starts before sitting out the remainder of the year. He returned to top form in 1889 as a 5-year-old, compiling a record of 9-6-1 from 17 starts and earnings of $15,470. His wins included the Coney Island Cup, Coney Island Stakes (defeating Kingston), California Stakes, Merchants’ Stakes, and Express Stakes.
Hanover was retired after the 1889 season with a lifetime mark from 32-14-2 from 50 starts and the all-time earnings record of $118,887.
Hanover,
courtesy of
The son of Hall of Famer Hindoo
with $118,887.
Following his racing career, Hanover became America’s leading sire four consecutive years from 1895 through 1898. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1955.
In 1890, the Dwyers decided to end their partnership and operate separate stables. Neither brother had any interest in the breeding aspect of the sport, so Hanover was sold. Sent to auction on Nov. 1, 1890, Hanover was pinhooked for $15,500 before being sold to Col. Milton Young of Kentucky for $20,000. Col. Young brought Hanover to his McGrathiana Stud, where he became America’s top sire each year from 1895 through 1898.
Among the top horses sired by Hanover are Hall of Famer Hamburg, Kentucky Derby winner Halma, and Preakness Stakes winner Half Time. Other accomplished Hanover runners include Ben Holladay (who set a world record for 1¾ miles at Morris Park in 1897), The Commoner (winner of 18 races), Compute (winner of the 1902 Withers), David Garrick (winner of the Chester Cup in England), Han d’Or (winner of the 1898 Latonia Derby), Handspring (winner of the 1896 Brooklyn Derby), and Yankee (winner of the 1901 Futurity). Additionally, Hanover was the damsire of Hall of Famer Sir Barton, America’s first Triple Crown winner, as well as damsire of the great filly Tanya, the 1905 Belmont winner.
Hanover developed a stomach disorder that led to his euthanization on March 23, 1899, at the age of 15. He was initially buried at McGrathiana, but his skeleton was exhumed and donated to the University of Kentucky, where it was displayed for many years. It was moved to the Kentucky Horse Park in the 1990s.
The National Museum of Racing inducted its inaugural Hall of Fame class in 1955. Hanover (along with his sire, Hindoo) was among the first to earn racing’s greatest honor.
HANOVER (KY)
Chestnut colt, 1884-1899 (Hindoo—Bourbon Belle, by Bonnie Scotland)
Owner: Dwyer Brothers Stable
Breeder: Ezekiel F. Clay and Catesby Woodford
Trainer: Frank McCabe
Notable:
• Horse of the Year 1887
• Champion 3-Year-Old Male 1887
• Began career with 17 consecutive victories
• Won the Belmont Stakes 1887
• Retired with record career earnings of $118,887
• America’s leading sire 1895-1898 Racing record:
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In Memory of
John Hendrickson
A gentleman of grace, vision, and compassion
With Gratitude
Susan Naylor
Honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of John Hendrickson— devoted husband, passionate advocate for thoroughbred racing, and cherished friend.
His unwavering dedication and generous spirit left an indelible mark on the sport and everyone he touched.
Forever in our hearts
An Historic Double
Seventy-five years later, Hall of Fame jockey Bill Boland reflects on his 1950 victories in the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby as a teenage apprentice
By Jennifer Kelly
Opposite page: As a 16-year-old apprentice in 1950, Bill Boland won the Kentucky Oaks with Ari’s Mona and the Kentucky Derby with Middleground (pictured). Boland and Middleground went on to win the Belmont Stakes. Above: Composite of the 1950 Kentucky Derby won by Middleground and Bill Boland.
Hall of Fame jockey Bill Boland never tires of reminiscing about the famous Churchill Downs double that brought him to stardom in the saddle 75 years ago. “Oh yeah, I’d love to do it now,” Boland said of piloting Ari’s Mona to victory in the 1950 Kentucky Oaks and Middleground to glory in that year’s Kentucky Derby as a 16-year-old apprentice rider.
A native Texan, Boland enjoyed a prolific Triple Crown season in 1950. Along with his Oaks/Derby double, Boland and King Ranch’s Middleground went on to victory in the Belmont Stakes. A rough trip in the Preakness Stakes — in which he finished second to Horse of the Year Hill Prince — prevented a shot at the Triple Crown.
Born on July 16, 1933, William Norris Boland spent his early years in
Corpus Christi, Texas, where he first fell in love with horses. His family lived “about maybe 10 blocks from a rodeo ground and I used to get up early in the morning and go help take care of the cowboys’ horses, feed them in water, and then I’d come back and go to school,” Boland said.
When Boland’s family moved to Rivera so that his father Joe could work as a sharecropper, his mother Elva took a job as a server at a nearby seafood restaurant. There, she met the veterinarian for the legendary King Ranch, James Northway, and “she got friendly with him, and then she told him one day, ‘I have two boys that can ride anything, so how about giving them a chance?’ He said, ‘Bring them over and we’ll interview them and see what happens.’”
It was 1947, a year after King Ranch’s Assault won the Triple Crown,
when both Boland brothers, Bill and Joe, went to the expansive cattle ranch and breeding farm and came away with two different experiences. Joe left after a few days, homesickness hastening his return home, while young Bill stuck around to learn the ropes.
“I went to work for the King Ranch, so I thought it was going to be a cowboy because I loved horses and cattle,” Boland said. “I really didn’t have any idea of becoming a jockey.”
The following March, a teenage Boland spent eight days on a train with the farm’s racehorses traveling from Texas to New York for spring racing. It was an eye-opening experience for Boland.
“When we left Kingsville, I think it was like 80 degrees,” he remembered. “And we got to New York, it was snowing.”
The then-14-year-old started riding professionally that spring, using a forged birth certificate since he was not officially of age to ride.
Boland spent his first five years in the saddle under contract to King Ranch and Hall of Fame trainer Max Hirsch. Even though he was underage, Hirsch’s influence in New York racing allowed the young
Texan to ride in his first race, a 28-horse sprint down the Widener chute in 1948. Boland got his first victory on May 13, 1949, aboard Safe Arrival at Belmont Park. The following year, the future Hall of Famer rode the stable’s good handicapper Better Self to victory in the Gallant Fox Handicap, the apprentice’s first stakes win.
That win on April 29 followed a great start to 1950 for the apprentice Boland: “I went to California that winter, and I did very well. When I came back, I was the leading rider in New York against [Eddie] Arcaro and [Ted] Atkinson and the local gang. Then we ran an entry in the Gallant Fox, and Arcaro rode the other part of the entry. I was supposed to put my horse on the lead, and then he was supposed to come along and win the race. But I went to the lead and never looked back.”
Boland arrived in Louisville on a roll and would return to New York riding high, his first Kentucky Derby experience a most memorable one.
The 14-horse field for the 67th Kentucky Derby included secondchoice Hill Prince, owned by Christopher Chenery’s Meadow Stable, and Middleground, who was part of the King Ranch entry with On the Mark.
Boland piloted the filly to victory in that year’s Kentucky Oaks, setting a track record of 1:43.60 for 1 1/ 16 miles.
Dave Gorman had ridden the colt for all but one of his 2-year-old starts, but issues with weight made him unavailable for Middleground’s 1950 campaign. Arcaro opted to ride Hill Prince in the Derby, which meant that Boland would get the mount on the King Ranch colt in the big race.
Boland had ridden Middleground in his debut the year before, so he was familiar with the son of Bold Venture. Boland remembers the colt as “very gentle, easy to get along with. If you wanted to go slow, you could go slow. If you wanted to go fast, all you did was ask him, and he was answering me. He was very, very kind.” The pair started the year at Jamaica Race Track, finishing second in three straight races before going to Churchill and again finishing second in the one-mile Derby Trial.
King Ranch did not have a filly in that year’s Kentucky Oaks, so when the chance to ride Ari’s Mona in the distaff stakes arose, Boland took the mount.
“Doug Dawson was riding her. He was a pretty good top rider in Kentucky at the time, and for some reason, he didn’t make the weight or whatever,” Boland remembered. “The day before the race, the owner [J. C. Hauer] came to the barn and asked me if I’d ride his filly in the Oaks. I said, ‘sure.’ He told me, ‘Don’t rush her and have something at the finish.’ Well, she went to the lead and never looked back.”
The next day, Boland was back at Churchill Downs for his ride on Middleground, his only mount of the day. Trainer Max Hirsch was a veteran of the Kentucky Derby with two wins in the Run for the Roses already — Bold Venture (1936) and Assault (1946). The young rider had a good rapport with his boss and remembered him as “very stern. A lot of people called him a grouch, but he was tough. But he was also easy to ride for. He just gave you orders. If you rode like he wanted you to ride, he would stick up for you. If he told you he didn’t want you in front, you better not be in front because you wouldn’t ride for him again.”
In the paddock, Hirsch told Boland “I don’t want you near the lead. I want you at least eight lengths off the lead by the time you turn down the backside. Those were the only orders I had.” Breaking from the outside post, Boland hustled Middleground into fifth before the half-mile mark and then moved into third behind Your Host and Mr. Trouble as they approached the far turn. Boland went around a tiring Your Host entering the stretch and took command as Hill Prince and Arcaro were making their move. Middleground had enough momentum to hold the Chenery colt at bay, winning the Derby by 1¼ lengths.
Boland became the second apprentice to win the Derby; Ira Hanford was the first 14 years earlier, riding Middleground’s sire Bold Venture to victory in the 1932 edition. The 16-year-old also became the first apprentice and the third jockey to win both the Oaks and the Derby in the same year. That moment became the Hall of Famer’s fondest memory of many successful years in the irons. Winning the Derby is “like money in your pocket. The prestige of it, you go back to New York, and it was easy to get good mounts.”
Two weeks later, Boland and Middleground persevered through a troubled trip in the Preakness that led to a second-place finish behind Hill Prince. The hopes of a Triple Crown for Boland and the King Ranch colt were dashed. “We went into the first turn and Mr. Trouble bolted and took me to the outside fence,” Boland recalled.
Back at Belmont Park on June 10, Hill Prince went off as the favorite for the 1½-mile Belmont Stakes and took an early lead before giving way in the stretch, Middleground coming on late to win by a length while the Chenery colt straggled home in seventh. Their win in the Belmont sealed a historic Triple Crown season for Boland, who would meet his wife Sandra not too long after his classic wins and then would leave King Ranch’s employ once his five-year contract was up. His partnership with
Above left: Bill Boland is pictured with some of his golf trophies at Saratoga Race Course in 1957. Above right: Boland and Middleground in the post parade for the Kentucky Derby, May 6, 1950.
Middleground set the Texas native up for a career that landed him in the Hall of Fame in 2006.
Bill Boland retired from life in the saddle in 1969, logging 2,049 victories from 17,233 mounts and career earnings of $14,856,095. In 1959, turf writers awarded him the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award, given to the jockey who demonstrates high standards of personal and professional conduct both on and off the racetrack. He added a second Belmont Stakes win with Amberoid in 1966 and rode Beau Purple to victory over five-time Horse of the Year Kelso three times, including the 1962 Man o’ War Stakes at Belmont Park. Afte his riding career, Boland trained for 19 years then worked as a New York Racing Association official before saying goodbye to the sport and moving to Florida. He spends his time today playing golf and working around the home he shares with Sandra, fond memories of his time in racing still part of his life.
Seventy-five years after his winner’s circle moments with Ari’s Mona and Middleground, Boland still fondly recalls those magical two days. He remembers his Derby victory as “a great day,” one he still enjoys talking about all these years later. Boland’s winning turns in that Oaks and Derby brought him to a new level in this sport.
“I remember the Monday after the derby, it was at Belmont,” Boland said. “The horse I was on, as we were going to the post, when he got on the track, the people applauded, so it was very nice.”
Left: Helen Kleberg Groves of King Ranch is pictured with Middleground, Bill Boland up, after the colt’s victory in the 1950 Belmont Stakes. Above: Boland won 2,049 races in his career and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.
BILL BOLAND
Born: July 16, 1933, Corpus Christi, Texas
Career Dates: 1949–1969
Career Wins: 2,049
Career Earnings: $14,856,095
Notable:
• Won the Kentucky Derby Belmont Stakes in 1950 with Middleground
• Won the 1950 Kentucky Oaks with Ari’s Mona
• Won the Belmont Stakes with Middleground (1950) and Amberoid (1966)
• Rode Beau Purple to three victories against Hall of Famer Kelso
• Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006
Preserving History
Celebrating the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s 75th anniversary through 75 objects from the Museum Collection
Kentucky Derby trophies
• 1926 Kentucky Derby Trophy, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hexter / 1971.3.10 / won by Reigh Count
• 1989 Kentucky Derby Trophy, gift of Charles Whittingham / 1994.17.31 / won by Sunday Silence
• 1934 Kentucky Derby Trophy, gift of the Estate of Isabel Dodge Sloan / 1962.1.114 / won by Cavalcade
Inaugurated in 1875, the Kentucky Derby is the longest continuously run sporting event in the United States, and the only known event to award a solid gold trophy to the winner.
The Home of Racing’s Treasures
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame features the most prestigious collection of thoroughbred racing artifacts in America
At its establishment in 1950, the National Museum of Racing was envisioned to be the trusted custodian for the collection, preservation, and enjoyment of American thoroughbred racing’s vast historical record. As the Museum founders recognized a vital need within the sport to provide a home for the game’s legacy, their mission became to provide a hallowed sanctuary for racing’s most significant artifacts from the sport’s origins in the Colonial era through present day.
Opening to a large crowd at Saratoga Springs’ Canfield Casino in Congress Park on August 6, 1951, the Museum presented a grand display of artwork, trophies, and other memorabilia. The first item donated to the collection was a horseshoe worn by Lexington, presented to the Museum by Harold O. Vosburgh, a steward for the Saratoga Association.
As the Museum evolved — moving to its current location on Union Avenue in 1955 — the mission held strong, and the collection has grown ever since. Now, in its 75th year, there are more than 30,000 items in the Museum’s permanent collection, including numerous original paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, trophies, silks, racing equipment, and ephemera. The Museum is home to approximately 20,000 photographs and its research library holds nearly 4,000 books, periodicals, series, and other reference material. We hope you enjoy this sampling of 75 items from our collection in celebration of our 75th anniversary.
— Annie Davis Collections Manager National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
Man o’ War as a Two Year Old, by Franklin Brooke Voss Oil on canvas
Museum Collection
2004.65
Man o’ War was Horse of the Year in 1920, when he won the Preakness, Belmont, and Travers, among others. He won 20 of his 21 lifetime starts and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1957
VISA Three-Year-Old Championship Series trophy, by Jonathan Moeller
1996.25
Gift of Triple Crown Productions
From 1996 through 2000, horses were challenged to win this series by competing in 46 stakes races, concluding with the Travers, with points awarded for finishing in the top three of the designated races, with the greatest number of points awarded in the Triple Crown series. The names of each winner — Skip Away (1996), Silver Charm (1997), Victory Gallop (1998), Charismatic (1999), and Fusaichi Pegasus — were cast in bronze and placed around the base of the trophy.
Jockey
crops
• Scapa Flow crop / Museum Collection / 1992.9.4
• Don Pierce crop / gift of Don Pierce / 2010.12.2
• Ralph Neves crop / gift of Gary Neves / 2000.44.3
• Johnny Longden crop / gift of Ken Grayson / 2003.89.2
• Ted Atkinson crop / Museum Collection / 2001.16.1
• Joe Bravo crop / Museum Collection / 2002.63.11
• Angel Cordero, Jr. crop / gift of Angel Cordero, Jr. / 2002.46.1
Battleship
, by
William Smithson Broadhead
Gift of Marion duPont Scott 1955.25.1
Battleship, depicted here at the Montpelier Estate in Virginia, was the first winner of the 1938 English Grand National to be bred and owned by an American — Marion duPont Scott. Battleship was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969.
Oil on canvas
Miche, by Milton Menasco Oil on canvas
Gift of Muriel Vanderbilt Adams 1955.40
Miche, an Argentine thoroughbred imported to America in 1948, was owned by Muriel Vanderbilt. He won the 1952 Santa Anita Handicap.
Tom Fool, owned by Greentree Stables, was Horse of the Year in 1953 and a 1960
Boston, by Edward Troye Oil on canvas Gift of Courtney Burton in Memory of Crispin Oglebay 1962.3.1
Boston, sire of Lexington and Lecomte, among others, was inducted in the inaugural Hall of Fame class in 1955. He won 40 of his 45 lifetime starts.
Tom Fool, by Milton Menasco Oil on canvas Gift of John Hay Whitney 1973.7
Hall of Fame inductee.
Edward Troye palette Gift of Walter M. Jeffords 1955.12.1
Edward Troye calling Cards Gift of Walter M. Jeffords 1955.12.9
Edward Troye was one of the most revered equine artists of the 19th century, working at a time before cameras to capture the likeness of turf giants of the era. Spending much time in the South, with many southern families as patrons, he painted racehorses such as American Eclipse, Boston, Kentucky, and Lexington, among others.
Hanover was Horse of the Year in 1887, winning the Belmont Stakes that year. He won 32 of his 50 lifetime starts and later was a four-time leading sire. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1955.
Hanover, by Henry Stull Oil on canvas Gift of Walter M. Jeffords 1960.2.2
Citation, by Richard Stone Reeves Oil on canvas
Gift of Mrs. Warren Wright 1955.59
Citation became America’s eighth Triple Crown winner in 1948. Bred and owned by Calumet Farm, he was the first horse to earn $1 million and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1959.
Omaha, by Martin Stainforth Oil on canvas
Gift of William Woodword 1957.4.1
Omaha was America’s third Triple Crown winner in 1935. Owned by Belair Stud, he was inducted into the
Hall of Fame in 1965.
Steeplechase at Cedarhurst, by Fredrick Remington Oil on canvas
Gift of Joseph M. Roebling 1956.5.1
Originating in Ireland in the 18th century, the term “steeplechase” refers to races between church steeples and is a popular genre of thoroughbred racing.
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John T. Pratt 1956.9.1
Bred by William Woodward, Sr., Nashua was trained by Hall of Famer James “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons. He won the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes and was Horse of the Year in 1955. Nashua was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1965.
Nashua, by William Smithson Broadhead Oil on canvas
William R. Travers, by unknown artist
Oil on canvas Gift of Mrs. Harriet Harper 1957.2.1
In 1864, William Travers helped John Morrissey establish Saratoga Race Course. The Travers Stakes, first held that year, was named in his honor. Travers co-owned the inaugural Travers winner, Hall of Famer Kentucky.
Leonard Jerome, by unknown artist
Oil on canvas
Collection of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame 1996.2.29
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023 as a Pillar of the Turf, Leonard Jerome founded Jerome Park and was influential in the creation of both Morris Park and Sheepshead Bay. He was also the grandfather of Winston Churchill.
Isabel Dodge Sloane, by Constantine Alajalov
Oil on canvas
Gift of Mrs. Isabel Dodge Sloane 1960.12.2
Isabel Dodge Sloane owned Brookmeade Stable. Prevalent in both flat and steeplechase racing, she won prestigious races such as the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, and American Grand National.
Silks and Satins of the Turf, by Alfred J. Munnings
Oil on canvas
Gift of the Estate of Charlotte Dorrance Wright 1977.1.25
Alfred J. Munnings was often referred to as one of England’s finest equine artists. He exhibited 300 paintings at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition during his career.
Secretariat, by Richard
Oil on canvas
Stone Reeves
Gift of the Christopher T. Chenery Estate 1977.3.1
Richard Stone Reeves painted approximately 1,000 racehorses throughout his career. Of the seven Triple Crown winners he painted, he called Secretariat “the most properly proportioned thoroughbred” he had seen.
1983.3.1
Saluting the Stewards, by Lee Townsend
Oil on canvas
Gift of Robert Spiegel
Racetrack Crowd, by Lee Townsend
Oil on canvas
Gift of Richard Stone Reeves 1992.1
Lee Townsend painted scenes from the racetrack, from the grandstand to the paddock and beyond. He did not often create portraits of horses as he preferred to paint what he saw, not compromising his vision for what others might want represented.
Gift of the Estate of Harry
Priam, by John E. Ferneley, Sr. Oil on canvas
LaMontagne 1959.1.1
Artist John E. Ferneley, Sr. specialized in sport horse paintings and was regarded in Britain as one of the greatest equine artists.
Stars of Brookmeade, by Milton Menasco Oil on canvas 1963.7.1
Gift of the nieces of Isabel Dodge Sloane
This painting features standouts from Isabel Dodge Sloane’s Brookmeade Stable, from left, Sunglow, Going Away, Bold, Greek Ship, Ouija, trainer Elliott Burch, More Sun, Blue Hills, Dart By, and Atlanta.
Saratoga Paddock, by Larry Wheeler Oil on canvas Gift of Larry Wheeler 1993.14
Larry Wheeler provides a glimpse into the historic Saratoga Race Course paddock.
Brighton Cup 1900, by Henry Stull Oil on canvas Museum Collection 1996.2.25
Ethelbert defeats Hall of Fame member Imp in the 1900 Brighton Cup at Brighton Beach Race Course.
Marske was the sire of Eclipse. George Stubbs intensively studied the anatomy of the horse, creating some of the most naturalistic/lifelike representations of thoroughbreds.
Gift of the Saul Steinberg Foundation Saul Steinberg was well known for his drawings which observed modern life in periodicals such as The New Yorker and in gallery exhibitions. In 1952, he visited Saratoga Race Course, on commission from Harper’s Magazine, to provide drawings for an article about the Spa track.
,
Racing from 1818 through 1823, American Eclipse won all eight of his career races en route to a spot in the Hall of Fame. He is portrayed with owner Cornelius Van Ranst and Hall of Fame jockey Samuel Purdy.
Weighing in at Saratoga, by John Fitzsimmons Oil on canvas Gift of the Fitzsimmons family 1968.4.2
American Eclipse
by Alvan Fisher Oil on canvas Gift of Augustus Van Cortlandt 1963.2.1
The First Futurity, by Louis Maurer Oil on canvas Gift of George Widener, Jr. 1955.15.1
Proctor Knott, Shelby “Pike” Barnes up, wins the inaugural running of the Futurity Stakes at Sheepshead Bay in 1888. The race paid out $41,675 to the winner, a record at the time. Until 1956, the Futurity annually had a larger purse than the Belmont Stakes.
In
Deputed Testamony (with Danny Miller, Jr. up, at Pimlico), by Jean Bowman Oil on canvas Gift of Francis and Barbara Sears family 2023.38
1983, Deputed Testamony, with Danny Miller in the irons, defeated Kentucky Derby winner Sunny’s Halo in the Preakness Stakes, becoming the most recent Maryland-bred to win the second jewel of the Triple Crown.
Belmont Stakes trophy, won by Birdstone, 2004
Gift of the Estate of John Hendrickson 2025.1.6
Man o’ War Cup, won by Birdstone, 2004
Gift of the Estate of John Hendrickson 2025.1.6
Marylou Whitney’s Birdstone, at odds of 36-1, denied Smarty Jones the Triple Crown in 2004 with a monumental upset in the Belmont Stakes. Birdstone then won a memorable Travers Stakes at Saratoga as a latesummer thunderstorm turned the sky almost pitch black. Secretariat, by Jocelyn Russell Bronze
Travers Stakes trophy, won by Attila, 1874 Gift of F. Skiddy von Stade 1960.1.1
Pierre Lorillard’s Attila finished in a dead heat with K. W. Sears’ Acrobat in the 1874 Travers at Saratoga at 1¾ miles in a time of 3:09. Instead of settling for the tie, the owners agreed to a runoff to decide the matter. Attila won in 3:08¾ to claim the victory and the trophy for his owner.
Saratoga Special trophy, won by Regret, 1914 Gift of the Estate of John Hendrickson 2025.1.2
Owned by Harry Payne Whitney, Regret won the Saratoga Special, Sanford Stakes, and Hopeful Stakes as a 2-year-old at Saratoga in 1914 and the following year became the first filly to win the Kentucky Derby en route to her spot in the Hall of Fame.
California Breeders’ Champion Stakes (1986) and Charles H. Strub Stakes (1987) trophies, won by Snow Chief Gift of California Thoroughbred Foundation 2024.17.13-14
Owned by Carl Grinstead and Ben Rochelle, Snow Chief’s major victories included the Preakness Stakes, Florida Derby, Santa Anita Derby, Strub Stakes, and California Breeders’ Stakes
Whitney Memorial Cup Gift of Walter M. Jeffords 1955.13.6
The Whitney Memorial Cup was for many years awarded to the winner of the Whitney Stakes, inaugurated in 1928 at Saratoga Race Course.
Ben Ali Handicap trophy, won by Exterminator, 1919 Gift of Mrs. J. K. Ellison 1955.30.14
The Ben Ali Handicap was contested from 1917 to 1932 at the Lexington Association track. The race was named after James Ben Ali Haggin, one of America’s most prominent breeders and owners. Once the racetrack closed, a race of the same name became a fixture at Keeneland Race Course.
Triple Crown trophy, won by Count Fleet, 1943 Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hexter 1975.3.1
Count Fleet was America’s sixth Triple Crown winner in 1943. He went on to become America’s leading sire in 1951 and earned induction into the Hall of Fame in 1961.
The Victoria trophy
Gift of William S. Roebling 1980.3.10
One of the most unique trophies in the Museum collection, this boomerang engraved with various Australian scenes was awarded in 1966 to Joseph Roebling’s Wyoming Wildcat at Aqueduct Racetrack.
Hialeah Park Flamingo Stakes vase
Gift of Mrs. Marion duPont Scott 1985.1.3
Hialeah Park became well known for its flamingos and pink accents, featured here on the Flamingo Stakes vase won in 1974 by Marion duPont Scott’s Bushongo.
Phar Lap, by Louis Paul Jones
Bronze Gift of California Thoroughbred Foundation 2024.17.12
Phar Lap was an Australian racehorse who won 37 of his 51 lifetime starts, including the Melbourne Cup and two editions of the Cox Plate.
Louis Paul Jones was a taxidermist and sculptor, working on projects such as the African elephant display at the American Museum of Natural History as well as the Sinclair Dinoland at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
Julie Krone, by Linda Stinson
Bronze
Gift of Julie Krone and Linda Stinson 2018.20
One of the sport’s most popular and inspirational figures, Krone won 3,704 races during her career as a jockey and was the first woman inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.
Racing buttons
• Charismatic Button / gift of VISA / 1999.46.3
• Real Quiet Button / gift of Guy Sterling / 2021.13.1
• Rachel Alexandra Button /Museum Collection / 2010.16
• Kelso Button / gift of Russell Brown / 2019.47.32
• Rachel Alexandra Button / gift of Ken Grayson / 2016.2.13
• Secretariat Button /gift of Russell Brown / 2019.47.37
• Forego Button / gift of Russell Brown / 2019.47.32
• Ruffian Button / In Memory of Tom Gilcoyne / 2019.30.13
Buttons are one of the many ways racetrack fans show support for their favorites to win, memorializing the impressive feats of their favorite horses.
Coney Island Jockey Club pin Museum Collection 1955.20.2
The Coney Island Jockey Club, founded by Leonard Jerome in 1879, initially held races at Prospect Park in New York City before moving to the Sheepshead Bay track when it opened in 1880.
Anthony Hamilton button
Gift of Kate Cravens 2002.26.13
Willie Simms button
Gift of Kate Cravens 2002.26.12
1894
Brooklyn Jockey Club program
Museum Collection 1994.1.54
This Brooklyn Jockey Club program from 1894 shows the time in racing when Black jockeys dominated the sport before they were largely pushed out at the turn of the century. Hall of Fame members Anthony Hamilton and Willie Simms were two of the top riders of the era. Simms was the only Black jockey to win each race from the Triple Crown series, also winning many other prestigious races of the time. Hamilton dominated the New York tracks, and scored victories in the Manhattan, Brooklyn, Suburban, and Metropolitan.
Saratoga racing centennial armband Museum Collection 1955.1.5
An armband celebrating the Saratoga racing centennial, 1863-1963.
Union Race Course match race scarf, 1823 Gift of W. C. Langley 1955.10
A scarf commemorating the 1823 match race between American Eclipse and Sir Henry. The race took place at Long Island’s Union Race Course. American Eclipse won the best-of-three contest before a crowd of 60,000.
Calumet Farm jacket Museum collection 2003.12.48
Calumet Farm jacket, ca. 1950s. The iconic Kentucky-based farm has produced 10 Kentucky Derby winners, including Triple Crown champions Whirlaway (1941) and Citation (1948).
John Cox Stevens racing silks Museum Collection 1995.27.2
The oldest set of silks in the Museum collection belonged to John Cox Stevens, whose horses competed in the early 19th century.
Bing Crosby racing silks Museum Collection 1996.14.114
Entertainer Bing Crosby was the co-founder and president of the Del Mar Turf Club, the operator of Del Mar Racetrack. Crosby also formed Binglin Stable with Lindsay Howard.
Queen Elizabeth II racing silks
Gift of The Royal Studs 2023.1
These racing colors were used by Queen Elizabeth II, her father King George VI, and great-grandfather King Edward VII. They are now used by her son, King Charles III.
Sanford family racing silks
Museum collection
1996.14.161
Based in Amsterdam, New York, the Sanford family was influential in racing for more than 70 years through multiple generations of family members. Sanford horses won the Kentucky Derby, English Grand National, and Whitney Stakes, among others.
Fred Astaire racing silks
Museum collection
1996.14.113
A famous actor and dancer, Astaire had a tremendous passion for racing and owned 1946 Hollywood Gold Cup winner Triplicate, among others.
Meadow Stable racing silks
Museum collection
1996.14.342
Meadow Stable began under Christopher Chenery and was later directed by his daughter, Penny. Meadow Stable campaigned immortals such as Secretariat, Riva Ridge, Hill Prince, and Cicada — all Hall of Famers.
Boots of Hall of Fame jockeys
• Kent Desormeaux Boots / gift of Kent Desormeaux / 2005.32
• Julie Krone Boots / gift of Julie Krone / 2000.42
• Laffit Pincay, Jr. Boots / gift of Laffit Pincay, Jr. / 2000.9
• Ron Turcotte Boots /Museum Collection / 1994.1.235
• Angel Cordero, Jr. Boots /Museum Collection / 1999.19.2
Jorge Velasquez goggles Gift of Jorge Velasquez 2000.12.5-6
Hall of Fame jockey Jorge Velasquez was in the top 10 in earnings nationally for 20 consecutive years, winning races such as the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and the New York Filly Triple Crown series. He won a total of 6,795 races.
Julie Krone’s helmet Gift of Julie Krone 1999.14.2
Julie Krone was the first woman jockey to win a Triple Crown race, the first two win a Breeders’ Cup race, and the first to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.
Red Pollard’s leg brace Gift of Norah Christianson 2001.10.3
A leg brace used by jockey Red
who rode Seabiscuit, fashioned for himself so he could ride again after an injury.
Pollard,
Seabiscuit’s saddle
Gift of Lieut. Col. Mike Howard 2000.6.3
The saddle worn by Hall of Famer Seabiscuit in the 1940 Santa Anita Handicap, with Red Pollard up, when he set the track record for a mile and a quarter.
Seattle Slew saddle, helmet, crop, and boots
Gift of Bill Casner 2025.7.1-4
Hall of Fame member Seattle Slew was America’s 10th Triple Crown winner and the first to complete the series with an undefeated record. He retired in 1978 with earnings of $1,208,726.
American Pharoah halter
Gift of Ashford Stud 2017.8
American Pharoah won the American Triple Crown in 2015, becoming the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to sweep the series.
Track clock
Museum Collection 1994.1.23
Before the electronic tote board, the scheduled start time for races had to be posted in a simpler fashion, using a track clock such as this.
Belmont Park grandstand brick
Gift of the Dickinson Family 2022.52.1
A commemorative brick from the grandstand at Belmont Park from prior to the track’s renovations in the 1960s.
Twenty Grand Concorde Vintage California Grape Brandy
Gift of Bob Lemke 2001.11.18
Twenty Grand Petroleum Jelly
Gift of Bob Lemke 2001.11.21
Twenty Grand Fine-Cut Tobacco
Gift of Bob Lemke 2001.11.22
Many horses have become celebrities in the eyes of the nation — Twenty Grand being no exception. Featured here are three uses of his name and imagery, showing the Hall of Famer’s impact on American culture through the Great Depression. Hall of Fame jockey bobbleheads • Steve Cauthen / gift of Janet Haas / 2003.18.1 • Angel Cordero, Jr. / gift of Beth Sheffer / 2007.15 • Jerry Bailey / gift of Richard Hamilton / 2002.36 • Edgar Prado / gift of Richard Hamilton / 2003.82 • John Velazquez / gift of Richard Hamilton / 2004.45 • Earlie Fires / gift of
• Chris McCarron / gift of Allen Gutterman / 2001.40.2
Jockey bobbleheads have long been a popular giveaway at the racetrack. The Museum collection features dozens of these commemorative items.
Wheel of Fortune pari-mutuel game
Gift of Bob Lemke 2001.11.2
Racetrack culture also entered households in ways beyond radio and television. Board games featuring popular horses, odds, and betting allowed for friends and family to enjoy the thrill of horse racing away from the track.
Harry Payne Whitney’s binoculars
Gift of Whitney Tower 1955.29.1
Harry Payne Whitney was one of horse racing’s most involved participants. With 192 stakes winners bred, including 10 American Triple Crown series race winners, Whitney was voted into the Hall of Fame as a Pillar of the Turf in 2018.
Horseshoes worn by Salvator
Gift of Jean Tilt Sammis
2024.48.1-2
These horseshoes were worn by Hall of Famer Salvator in his 1890 Match Race against Tenny and that year’s Suburban Handicap.
Takedown purses
Collection of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
1994.1.9
Gift of Mr. Henry S. Clark III
1999.8.104
The term “purse” in racing today simply means the amount of money paid out to the horses in a race. Its origin lies in the silk purses that held the money that was “hung up” by the finish line and “taken down” for the winner.
James E. “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons pocket watch Gift of heirs of James E. Fitzsimmons 1966.2.4
James E. “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons chair Gift of Charles R. Crotty 1999.24
James “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons finished his career with 2,275 verified wins, including 13 Triple Crown events. He swept the series in 1930 and 1935 with Gallant Fox and Omaha, respectively. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1958.
Sword Dancer Invitational — With Anticipation
Gift of George Strawbridge, Jr. 2002.45.2
Test Stakes — November Snow 1999.40.13
Museum Collection Vagrancy Stakes — Sky Beauty 1999.40.1
Gift of Mrs. H. A. Jerkens
Saddle cloths
Marylou
Hat worn by the iconic Marylou Whitney when her horse Birdstone won the 2004 Travers Stakes at Saratoga.
Lexington’s plate
Gift of Harold O. Vosburg 1964.1
Lexington’s plate was the first item accessioned into the collection of the National Museum of Racing. It was worn during the race in which he set the record time for a four-mile heat.
Fire alarm box Museum Collection 1994.1.184
Fire alarm box used at Saratoga Race Course from 1900 through 1965.
COMING SUMMER 2025!
Featuring contributions from 35 of the most accomplished writers and historians in the sport, The Racetracks of America: From the Pre-Civil War Days to the 21st Century comprehensively details the rich history of thoroughbred racing’s most iconic venues, including Arlington, Belmont, Churchill, Del Mar, Hialeah, Keeneland, Monmouth, Oaklawn, Pimlico, Santa Anita, Saratoga, and dozens more.
Hardcover — 440 pages
THE RACETRACKS OF AMERICA
Featuring contributions from:
Michael Blowen • Brien Bouyea • Edward L. Bowen • Caton Bredar • Andrew Champagne • Bill Christine • Sean Clancy • Don Clippinger • Steven Crist • Mary Eddy • Bob Ehalt
Roda Ferraro • Tracy Gantz • Teresa Genaro • David Grening • Bill Heller • Jay Hovdey • Dick Jerardi • Jennifer Kelly • Byron King • Jody Lamp • Ed McNamara • Jim Melia
Joe Nevills • Dorothy Ours • Josh Pons • Jay Privman • Nicole Russo • Mark Shrager • Lynne Snierson • Michael Veitch • Natalie Voss • Gary West • Jon White • Kim Wickens
by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in partnership with Keeneland Library
2024 Photo Finish
Since 2019, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame has presented Photo Finish, an annual juried photography exhibition. Amateur and professional photographers are invited to submit entries for consideration; the only requirement is that all photographs must relate to the sport of thoroughbred racing in North America. Now entering its
sixth year, the next Photo Finish exhibition will debut in the von Stade Gallery in time for Breeders’ Cup weekend in November 2024. We hope you enjoy these selections from the 2023 Photo Finish exhibition. More images from the exhibition can be found on the Museum’s website at racingmuseum.org
1. Society in Motion, by Tim Sudduth; 2. Selfie Moment, by Michelle Benson; 3. Bubblegum on Her Nose, by Gary Tasich; 4. Five More Minutes, by Michelle Benson; 5. And They’re Off, by Chuck Schaub; 6. Now That’s Just Funny!, by Gary Schwartzwald; 7. This is Where it Starts, by Peggy Kohn; 8. Excitement on Old Hilltop, by Tim Sudduth; 9. The Savage, Part III, by Heather C. Jackson; 10. Lanfranco Dettori Heads Out of the Big A Tunnel, by Nancy Rokos; 11. Aurora at the Spa, by Samantha Decker; 12. A Fight to the Finish, by Jim McCue; 13. Heritage, by Holland J. Smith; 14. The Jockeys, by David Fingerhut; 15. Colorful Keeneland, by Casey Laughter; 16. Horse and Butterfly, by Marc Jacobs; 17. 2023 Diana, by Dan Heary; 18. Sheldon Russell and his daughter Edy, by Jeffrey Doyle; 19. Future Stars on the First Turn, by Kylie Wellington; 20. Standing Vigil, by Peggy Kohn
Thank you to the numerous sponsors and vendors who supported the 2025 Derby Party fundraiser!
We were so grateful to welcome more than 400 guests to celebrate the 151th running of the Kentucky Derby in the Hall of Fame. The event was a tremendous success, raising significant funds for the Museum. We thank our numerous community partners and the guests who made this event a memorable occasion.
SAVE THE DATE for the Tenth Annual Derby Party: Saturday, May 2, 2026!
Casino Night Casino Night
Monday, august 18th 2025
6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
at the national museum of racing and hall of fame
Catering Donated by:
Marablue Farm and A. Douglas Henderson congratulate the Museum for 75 years of education and excellence!
Benefiting:
Register here:
Let’s roll the dice for a great cause!
MR. THOMAS AND DR. CAROLYN RICE
CONGRATULATE THE MUSEUM FOR 75 YEARS OF PRESERVING AND PROMOTING THOROUGHBRED RACING HISTORY
JOE HIRSCH Media Roll of Honor
During a career that encompassed the eras of Citation and Native Dancer to the beginning of the 21st century, Joe Hirsch received every conceivable honor that could have been bestowed upon someone who considered himself merely lucky to be able to write about the sport he loved.
A native New Yorker and a graduate of New York University, Hirsch made his mark in thoroughbred racing as both a tireless reporter for Daily Racing Form and a peerless ambassador of the game. His signature work occurred each spring when he followed the quest for the American classics in his “Derby Doings” for the Form, but beyond that the entire racing world was his oyster. He was instrumental in the creation of the Arlington Million in 1981, a midsummer classic for older runners that reached out to the best stables of Europe. Likewise, Hirsch was there at the dawn of the Japan Cup, the Breeders’ Cup, and the Dubai World Cup, stamping each event with the imprimatur of his formidable reputation.
Thoroughbred Club of America’s testimonial dinner. The National Turf Writers Association, which was founded by Hirsch in 1959, honored him with the Walter Haight Award for excellence in turf writing (1984), the Joe Palmer Award for meritorious service to racing (1994), and the Mr. Fitz Award for typifying the spirit of horse racing (1998).
A grateful racing industry gave Hirsch both an Eclipse Award for Outstanding Newspaper Writing (1978) and the Award of Merit (1992) for a lifetime of service. His British colleagues recognized Hirsch’s international reach with the Lord Derby Award (1981).
Hirsch won the Big Sport of Turfdom Award (1983), The Jockey Club Medal (1989), and was the 1994 Honor Guest at the
The Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is not the only institution that bears the imprint of Hirsch’s name. Press boxes at Saratoga Race Course and Churchill Downs have been named for him, along with the Joe Hirsch Breeders’ Cup Writing Award, the Joe Hirsch Scholarship of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational, and a major grass race run each fall at Belmont Park. Hirsch retired from Daily Racing Form in 2003 and died in 2009 in New York, at the age of 80.
The National Museum of Racing’s Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor was established in 2010 to recognize individuals whose careers have been dedicated to, or substantially involved in, writing about thoroughbred racing (non-fiction), and who distinguished themselves as journalists. The criteria has since been expanded to allow the inclusion of individuals who have contributed to racing through other forms of media.
THE JOE HIRSCH MEDIA ROLL OF HONOR
Steven Crist (2010)
Charles Hatton (2010)
William Nack (2010)
Walter “Red” Smith (2010)
Dr. Russ Harris (2011)
Joe Palmer (2011)
Jay Hovdey (2012)
Whitney Tower (2012)
Andrew Beyer (2013)
Kent Hollingsworth (2013)
George F. T. Ryall (2013)
Jennie Rees (2014)
Jim Murray (2014)
Steve Haskin (2015)
Raleigh Burroughs (2015)
Maryjean Wall (2016)
Jim McKay (2016)
Michael Veitch (2017)
Jack Whittaker (2017)
Barney Nagler (2017)
Joe Burnham (2018)
Tom Hammond (2018)
Charlsie Cantey (2019)
Billy Reed (2019)
Pierre “Peb” Bellocq (2020)
William Leggett (2020)
Walter Haight (2021)
Jack Mann (2021)
Jay Priivman (2021)
Heywood Hale Broun (2022)
Bert Morgan (2022)
Damon Runyon (2022)
John L. Hervey (2023)
Dick Jerardi (2023)
Paul Moran (2023)
Tim Layden (2024)
Ed Schuyler, Jr. (2024)
Saddle up for a Winning Stay!
Just minutes from Saratoga Race Course, enjoy premium comfort, boundless amenities, and top tier customer service.
Book now and beat the crowd - because the only thing better than winning at the track is relaxing in style afterward.
YOUNG CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
July 7-25th
Ages 4-7
CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
Half-Day: July 7-18th
Ages 7-10
Full Day: July 28- August 15th
Ages 9-12
INTENSIVE
Ages 12 & up
July 21-August 15th
In Memory of
Historian, Gentleman and Friend
& Jack Oxley Edward L. Bowen
Debby
Event Highlights
See retired racehorses demonstrate their new skills in front of the grandstand!
The Down Broadway award will be presented to New York’s Retired Racehorse of the Year in the winner’s circle
Get to know our aftercare partners, whose dedication makes this all possible
Take a selfie with the Down Broadway winner in the Horse Sense stall Join us for the
Events and Exhibits at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
Saturday Morning Socials
When: Every Saturday July 5 through Aug. 30, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
About: The Museum will offer free admission and there will be complimentary coffee and doughnuts courtesy of Stewart’s Shops and water courtesy of Saratoga Spring Water. These morning programs will feature author and artist meet and greets, handicapping with Daily Racing Form , and a variety of additional programming.
Thoroughbred Farm Tours
When and where: July 12 — McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds; July 19 — Mill Creek Farm; Aug. 17 — North Country Farm; Sept. 13 — Old Tavern Farm; Oct. 11 — Song Hill Thoroughbreds. All tours include admission to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
About: Join the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame as we visit some of the top thoroughbred farms in the Saratoga region. These farm visits will give you the chance to meet with some of racing’s top athletes, getting up close and personal with real thoroughbred racehorses. This will be a guided tour of the farm. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended on this tour.
Racing and Rosé Fashion Show with Miss Scarlett Boutique
When: Saturday, July 19, 11 a.m.
Rood & Riddle Tours
When: July 22 and Aug. 16
About: Explore a one-of-a-kind equine medical facility at Rood & Riddle Hospital. Serving the community since 2013, Rood & Riddle provides equine patients with quality medical care and excellent service. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is proud to partner with Rood & Riddle to offer guests an inside look at the fascinating world of equine science and health. This is an exclusive, limited-edition tour, and will only be offered twice in 2025. A Q&A session with your guide will follow the tour.
Authors and Artists Weekends at the Museum
When: July 25–26 and Aug. 16-17, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
About: Meet some of racing’s top authors and artists and purchase autographed thoroughbred racing books and artwork in a casual environment.
Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
When: Friday, Aug. 1, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Fasig-Tipton, 153 George Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
About: Join us for a fashion show and brunch party at the Museum featuring racinginspired designs by Miss Scarlett Boutique’s Jennifer Marcellus. The VIP ticket includes early arrival at 10:30 a.m. to meet and mingle in the Museum’s Beautiful Pleasure Courtyard, a custom floral fascinator with Old Tavern Farm Flowers, and Old Tavern Farm Winery rosé. This ticket includes reserved seating for the fashion show. The main event starts at 11 a.m.: sip on rosé, snack on light fare, and explore the Museum’s Sculpture Gallery. Around noon, the racing-inspired fashions of Miss Scarlett Boutique will take center stage, as women from Saratoga and the racing world present a one-of-a-kind fashion show through the Sculpture Gallery. Reserved seating is included with the VIP ticket, and all other seats are first-come, first-serve along with standing room throughout the gallery. Call (518) 584-04000 ext. 109 for tickets.
Cost: Free to attend (limited seating)
About: The National Museum of Racing inducts the 2025 Hall of Fame class. The ceremony is open to the public and free to attend. Seating is limited. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. If you are unable to attend, the ceremony will be streamed live on the Museum website.
Casino Night to benefit the PDJF and Museum
When: Aug. 18, 6 p.m.
Cost: $100 Museum members $150 non-members
About: Casino Night at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame benefits both the Museum and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Your wagers will go a long way in supporting the legacy of horse racing and those who give so much to the sport. Featuring catering donated by Mama Mia’s, buffet and cocktail style limited seating, celebrity dealers, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, door prizes, giveaways. Gaming is cash only!
Travers Eve Member
Wine and Cheese
When: Friday, Aug. 22, 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free for members, $10 nonmembers
About: Celebrate the Saratoga racing season at the Museum on Travers Stakes Eve. Enjoy refreshments in the Museum’s C. V. Whitney Courtyard with fellow Museum members and racing enthusiasts. The event will feature a book signing with authors Brien Bouyea and Michael Veitch for The Travers: Saratoga’s Midsummer Derby and a Travers Stakes poster signing with artist Greg Montgomery.
Tom
Durkin Museum Tours
Current Special Exhibitions
Laying the Foundation: The Architecture of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and The Past is Present: 75 Years of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
Where: Throughout the Museum
When: Through Dec. 28, 2025
When: Every Thursday during racing season through Aug. 31, 11 a.m.
About: Take a guided tour of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame with legendary retired race caller Tom Durkin. Tours are on Thursdays during Saratoga racing season and are limited to 15 people. Reservations are required, and payment is required at the time of booking. Tours include admission to the Museum and a showing of the new signature film, “What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame.”
Oklahoma Training Track Tours
When: Available through October
About: Find out why this beautiful and historic site, located across the street from the main track at Saratoga Race Course, is a favorite base for leading trainers such as Todd Pletcher and Chad Brown. Our behind-the-scenes tours are available from May to October. This walking tour covers approximately 1½ miles and lasts for 90 minutes. Sturdy walking shoes are suggested. For more information and reservations call (518) 5840400. For insurance reasons, tour participants must be at least 10 years old.
Museum Members Holiday Party
When: Friday, Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m.
About: Celebrate the holiday season with a members-only gathering, featuring food, drink, music, and a special gift shop discount. To RSVP: Call (518) 584-0400 ext. 112.
About: These exhibits explore how the Museum has grown since its founding, highlighting the history of the Museum and showcasing archival materials from the collection.
A Look Through the Eyes and Life of Charlotte C. Weber
Where: McBean Gallery
When: Through Nov. 2, 2025
About: Charlotte Weber is an admired thoroughbred racing industry leader and owner of Live Oak Stud in Ocala, Florida. Live Oak’s distinctive black, red, and white silks are a nationally recognized racing symbol. Beyond the track, Weber has been influential in the worlds of art and business. This exhibit explores her life, passions, accomplishments, and continuing legacy.
Keeneland Library’s The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers
Where: von Stade Gallery
When: Through September 28, 2025
About: Developed and shared by Keeneland Library, this exhibit highlights the lives and careers of 100 Black horsemen and women from the mid-1800s to the present. One-of-a-kind photographs from Keeneland Library collections capture moments across their varied careers, while biographical vignettes honor their lasting legacies. From racetrack superstars to vital behind-the-scenes caretakers of horses, The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers highlights stories of the countless the people who forged their way across the country from the era of slavery to the present, making the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry what it is today.
ARTWORK AND PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS
Benoit Photo — Pg. 60 Richard Mandella
The BloodHorse — Pg. 50 Damascus; Pg. 100 Ed Bowen and Eddie Maple (top); Pg. 101 Ed Bowen
Brien Bouyea — Pg. 58 Steve Asmussen; Pg. 59 D. Wayne Lukas
Breeders’ Cup — Pg. 53 Beholder
Churchill Downs — Pg. 47 Sir Barton
Robert Clark — Pg. 75 Smarty Jones
Skip Dickstein — Pg. 70 Smarty Jones; Pg. 71 Smarty Jones; Pg. 73 John Servis and Pat Chapman; Pg. 73 Smarty Jones; Pg. 74 Smarty Jones; Pg. 75 Smarty Jones
John Englehardt — Pg. 100 Ed Bowen (bottom)
Ken Grayson Collection — Pg. 120 Hanover
Fair Grounds Race Course — Life on the Metairie (Theodore Sidney Moise)
Keeneland Library Collection — Pg. 50 Fort Marcy; Pg. 58 Edward D. Brown; Pg. 104 Arthur Hancock III; Pg. 105 Arthur Hancock III; Pg. 106 Arthur Hancock III
Keeneland Library Cook Collection — Pg. 48 Blue Larkspur; Pg. 48 Gallant Fox; Pg. 48 Seabiscuit; Pg. 55 Buddy Ensor; Pg. 55 Danny Maher; Pg. 56 John Reiff; Pg. 59 Sam Hildreth; Pg. 59 Jack Joyner; Pg. 60 John Madden; Pg. 87 Hermis; Pg. 90 Hermis; Pg. 91 Hermis; Pg. 92 George Conway; Pg. 94 George Conway; Pg. 95 George Conway; Pg. 119 Hanover
Keeneland Library Morgan Collection — Pg. 48 Eight Thirty; Pg. 49 Assault; Pg. 49 Busher; Pg. 54 Frank Adams; Pg. 57 James Stout; Pg. 59 James E. Fitzsimmons; Pg. 60 John Nerud; Pg. 61
Woody Stephens; Pg. 83 Decathlon (top right); Pg. 93 George Conway; Pg. 126 Middleground and Bill Boland; Pg. 127 Kentucky Derby composite, May 6, 1950; Pg. 129 Ari’s Mona and Bill Boland; Pg. 130 Bill Boland (top left); Pg. 130 Middleground and Bill Boland (top right); Pg. 131 Middleground and Bill Boland (top left); Pg. 131 Middleground and Bill Boland (bottom)
Barbara D. Livingston — Pg. 51 Alydar; Pg. 52 Holy Bull; Pg. 59 Allen Jerkens
Jim McCue — Pg. 72 Smarty Jones
Jim McLaughlin — Pgs. 131-169 (Museum collection images)
National Museum of Racing Collection — Pgs. 20-21 Jumping Race at Saratoga, 1882 (Junius A. Fuller); Pg. 28 Museum dedication; Pg. 29 Museum foundation; Pg. 30 Canfield Casino and Museum postcard; Pg. 31 Elaine Mann; Pg. 33 Gallery images; Pg. 35 Sidney Veitch, Elaine Mann, and gallery images; Pg. 37 (Gary Gold); Pg. 39 (Bob Mayberger); Pg. 45
Jonathan Sheppard (Sam Robinson); Pg. 46 American Eclipse (Alvan Fisher); Pg. 46 Boston (Edward Troye); Pg. 46 Hindoo (Henry Stull); Pg. 46 Ruthless (Edward Troye); Pg. 47 Domino; Pg. 47 Roseben; Pg, 47 Sysonby; Pg. 51 John Henry; Pg. 54 Braulio Baeza (Bill Mochon); Pg. 57 Bill Shoemaker (Bill Mochon); Pg. 59 Mark Casse (Bob Mayberger); Pg. 61 Frank Whiteley, Jr.; Pg. 61 William Winfrey; Pg. 62 Harry F. Guggenheim (Everett R. Kinstler); Pg. 62 James Ben Ali Haggin (Princess Livolf Parlegy); Pg. 63 James R. Keene (Frederick W. Meinz); Pg. 63 Richard Ten Broeck (Charles Baskerville); Pg. 63 C. V. Whitney (Charles Baskerville); Pg. 89 Hermis; Pg. 99 Ed Bowen; Pg. 112 Richard Ten Broeck (Charles Baskerville); Pg. 113 Lexington (Edward Troye); Pg. 115 Richard Ten Broeck; Pg. 118 Hanover (Charles L. Zellinsky); Pg. 121 Hanover; Pg. 128 Bill Boland; Pg. 131 Bill Boland (top right)
New York Racing Association — Pg. 50 Buckpasser; Pg, 51 Zaccio; Pg. 52 Cigar; Pg. 52 Inside Information; Pg. 52 Lure; Pg. 53 American Pharoah; Pg. 53 Ghostzapper; Pg. 53 Gun Runner; Pg. 54 Javier Castellano; Pg. 55 Ramon Dominguez; Pg. 55 Julie Krone; Pg. 56 Laffit Pincay, Jr.; Pg. 56 Jose Santos; Pg. 57 Mike Smith; Pg. 57 John Velazquez; Pg. 60 Todd Pletcher; Pg. 61 Nick Zito
Sandra Oppegard — Pg. 98 Ed Bowen
Santa Anita Park — Pg. 51 Alysheba
Saratoga Springs History Museum — Pg. 63 John Morrissey (unknown artist)
Greg Montgomery — Pg. 44 Calvin Borel
Judy Mudd — Pg. 45 Ted Bassett
Richard Stone Reeves — Pg. 44 Aristides
LEADING THE WAY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
From the NTRA’s office in our nation’s capital, former U.S. Congressman and current NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney ensures the industry’s voice is heard by lawmakers through relationships, meetings, and events with key Members of Congress and their staffs.
Whether you’re a horseplayer, owner, breeder, or trainer, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s presence in Washington, D.C. ensures that your interests are represented and advocated for on Capitol Hill.
Thoroughbred Racing Association
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame thanks Sally Jeffords and Annie Johnson for their generous support of Preserving Our Future in 2024!
Untitled
Thomas Percey Earl
Oil on canvas
Gift: Estate of Mrs. Stephen Sanford 1995.22.2
Becher’s Brook First Time
Round Grand National
Thomas Percey Earl
Oil on canvas, 1927
Gift: Estate of Mrs. Stephen Sanford 1995.22.1
Grand National
Thomas Percey Earl
Oil on canvas, 1928
Gift: Estate of Mrs. Stephen Sanford 1995.22.3
Thanks to their support through this initiative, West Lake Conservators completed the treatment of six paintings in 2024, including James McLaughlin by C. C. Markham, John Cox Stevens by Charles Loring Elliott, Andrew Jackson by John Wood Dodge, and three steeplechase paintings by Thomas Percy Earl (pictured). Conservators performed surface cleaning, stabilized areas of lifting, filled losses, reduced discolored varnish, and added a protective backing board. The Earl paintings are exhibited in the Museum’s steeplechase gallery.
About Preserving Our Future
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame houses more than 30,000 objects in its diverse collection of art, artifacts, and thoroughbred racing memorabilia from the 1800s to today. The Museum launched Preserving Our Future to encourage support for ongoing conservation and digitization projects to ensure their longevity.
Please visit our website at racingmuseum.org/support for more info.
ExcellenceCelebrating
Live Oak Stud joins in congratulating the Class of 2025, forever enshrined in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. We honor their achievements and the Hall of Fame’s vital role in preserving racing history. Honored to represent
