National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

Among equestrian fans it is known simply as the Hall of Fame. However, its full name in English is “National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame”. This is a museum dedicated to the world of horse racing in the United States. This museum pays tribute to the history of horse racing and those who contributed to its success. That is why today we will talk about the Equestrian Hall of Fame, its history and what you can find there.

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame was located in this town given the city’s great fondness for horse racing. In addition, as we will see later, it also has a significant impact on the local economy.

The truth is that Saratoga Springs is a pole of economic development thanks to horse racings.

In the Hall of Fame we will find a lot of information about horse racing in the United States. From artistic exhibitions related to horses, paintings, sculptures. We will also find exhibits about the different historical stages of American horse riding.

There is also an exhibition dedicated to the winners of the Eclipse awards. The eclipse award is an annual award to recognize the most important exponents of equestrian in the USA.

Without a doubt, the Equestrian Hall of Fame has a lot to teach us. But first let’s know a little about what a hall of fame means.

 

What does it mean to be a “Hall of Fame” in racing?

A Hall of Fame is an institution that has an infrastructure designed to recognize the best representatives of a sector or a discipline. It has museum characteristics and its objective is to recognize the achievements of people, institutions or any entity that is considered worthwhile.

Generally a hall of fame is made up of several exhibits or halls. These exhibits show representations, photos or memories of the honorees. Plaques are also displayed to enhance the achievements that made him worthy of such recognition.

Sometimes the hall of fame is limited to placing a list of honorees. But the most common thing is that at least a memorial of the honoree is placed. These monuments range from plaques with name and date to sculptural representations of the honoree.

It is a very interesting way to enhance the value of those honored by these institutions and to preserve history.

In addition, it becomes a very didactic way of transmitting the history of a sector. In turn, it can become a lucrative activity as we will see later.

Now let’s learn more about the Hall of Fame for racing.

The Racing Equestrian Hall of Fame

The Racing Equestrian Hall of Fame was founded in 1950. It is located in the state of New York, in the city of Saratoga Springs.

This hall of fame and museum was instituted to honor the achievements of the main players in equestrianism such as:

• Featured Racehorses.
• Riders who have set the tone.
• Coaches who have excelled during their career.

It’s not about choosing the best of the year. It is a question of choosing among the representatives of the sport any that shows merits to highlight it and that has not been incorporated before.

It was initially located in a room at the Canfield Casino. At this stage he received donations from the city and some interested in the sport.

Later, in 1955, its location was changed to Union Avenue. This was located in front of the Saratoga racecourse. In this way hippodrome and museum formed a historical-tourist enclave for lovers of horse racing. This building was built with the specific purpose of housing the Equestrian Hall of Fame. To date it remains at that address.

Over the years the museum has received numerous renovations and extensions to become a very important attraction.

It has several art and multimedia collections on thoroughbred horse racing.

Later we will learn about the selection process for thoroughbred horses eligible for the Hall of Fame.

But before we go any further, let’s learn more about the city of Saratoga Springs.

 

Saratoga Springs, a city touched by horses and the Turf.

In Saratoga Springs we can also find other interesting museums such as:

• Saratoga Automobile Museum.
• National Museum Of Dance And Hall Of Fame.
• Saratoga Springs History Museum.

But without a doubt the most famous museum in Saratoga Springs is the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. This is partly because Saratoga Springs has been home to one of the oldest thoroughbred horse racing racetracks in the United States for more than 200 years: Saratoga Racetrack was founded in 1863 and is one of the most famous and busiest racetracks in the United States.

In addition, the Saratoga Hippodrome has a status of national reference in the sector. It is a tourist attraction that has a great impact on the local economy. It was estimated that the racecourse contributed at least $240 million to the city’s economy.

How are horses chosen?

The process for horses to be eligible for the Hall of Fame has evolved over time. Currently a horse is only eligible 5 years after its retirement. This horse will remain in its eligibility status until 25 years after its retirement.

A committee is in charge of evaluating and deciding which horse will be incorporated into the hall of fame.

For a horse to be eligible for the hall of fame exceeding this 25-year condition, it must meet certain processes. This process should be done through the Historical Review Committee.

 

Some famous horses in the Hall of Fame.

• Citation
• Affirmed
• American Pharoah
• Domino
• John Henry
• Man o’ War
• Ruffian
• Seabiscuit
• Secretariat
• Sir Barton
• War Admiral

The Racing Hall of Fame. A great place for horse racing fans.

The truth is that visiting Saratoga Springs for a horse lover is an experience. On Union Avenue visitors can visit the historic Saratoga Racetrack and the Equestrian Hall of Fame.

There you will find the living history of hip-hop at the racecourse and the traces left by the greats in the Hall of Fame. An experience that Gustavo Mirabal lived and that he recommends to horse lovers.