National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
We visited Saratoga Springs, New York on Friday, July 22, 2022, and were delighted to see a profusion of horse statues located throughout this beautiful city where thoroughbred racing is revered. To learn more about, and for an in-depth look at the history of racing in Saratoga Springs, we visited the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, which provided us with an insider’s view of this exciting sport.
The exhibits at the museum are wonderfully diverse, interesting, and creative, with many interactive exhibits including a special "Call the Race" exhibit where visitors can test their ability as a race announcer by watching the recorded race and calling out the progress as the horses’ race around the track. If you have ever wondered what it takes to be a sports announcer, this is a great opportunity to learn that you need the ability to speak rapidly while also keeping a keen eye on the action while calling the race, something that was easier said than done, as we tried to keep up with the fast-paced action.
Racing Silks
After seeing the wall of famous jockey silks, families with small children, or adults who are still children at heart, will love dressing up in jockey silks and posing by the "horses" in the stalls. Naturally, we had to don the racing colors and visit the horses, proving yet again that you are never too old to have fun.
At the Starting Gate
One of the many highlights of our visit to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame was taking time to watch their signature 16-minute film, "What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame," which is well worth the price of admission if that was the only thing that you experienced at the museum. Interesting to note, (as of August 2022) there are "220 horses, 108 jockeys, 101 trainers, and 41 pillars of the Turf in the Official National Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame."
Hall of Fame Horses
Secretariat – 1974 – Triple Crown Winner
A few of the many exceptional horses inducted in the Hall of Fame from 1955 – 2022 include: Sir Archy (VA) in 1955, Peter Pan (KY) in 1956, Twenty Grand (KY) in 1957, Twilight Tear (KY) in 1963, Miss Woodford (KY) in 1967, America Eclipse (NY) in 1970, Secretariat (VA) in 1974, Northern Dancer (CAN) in 1976, Seattle Slew (KY) in 1981, Spectacular Bid (KY) in 1982, All Along (FR) in 1990, Slew O’Gold (KY) in 1992, Bayakoa (ARG) in 1998, Winning Colors (KY) in 2000, Flawlessly (KY) in 2004, Azeri (KY) in 2010, Lava Man (CA) in 2015, Rachel Alexandra (KY) in 2016, American Pharoah (KY) in 2021, and Royal Heroine (IRE) in 2022.
Stockbridge Cup 1883
Won by Iroquois
If you ever wondered what it takes to be in the Winner’s Circle, a visit to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will provide many interesting answers. Beginning from the time of a horse’s birth to its training, to its jockey, and ultimately to its journey (for a few exceptional horses), to get to the Winner’s Circle, is one that requires hard-work, determination, perseverance, discipline, and most importantly, the talent and the spirit of the horse as well as the team, to become a winner.
New York Racing Association
The Mother Goose Belmont Park
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the museum and look forward to returning on future visits to Saratoga Springs, New York. Do allow enough time for your visit to experience all the exhibits, the fantastic film (shown at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm) and of course, their wonderful gift shop to bring home a little something special from Saratoga Springs.
Debra C. Argen Heading to the Winner’s Circle
Until next time, we sign our postcard, "With love from the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York. Looking forward to seeing you in the Winner’s Circle. Love, Debra and Edward"
About the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
Edward F. Nesta trying on the Racing Silks
"The mission of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is to preserve and promote the history of thoroughbred racing in America and honor the sport’s most accomplished participants in the Official National Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame."
Hours and Admission
Be My Valequine
Hours: The museum is open daily from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. Holiday closures: New Year’s Day (January 1), Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve (December 24), Christmas Day (December 25), and New Year’s Eve (December 31).
Admission: Adult (18-64 years): $20, Senior (age 65+): $15, Student (5-18/College with ID): $10, Child (5 and under): Free, Museum Member: Free, Blue Star Museum Program: Free admission for active military members and their families, Veteran: Free with ID.
See you in Saratoga Springs, NY
For additional Information please visit their website: https://www.racingmuseum.org/
National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame
191 Union Avenue
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
United States
Telephone: + 1-518-584-0400, ext. 133
Website: https://www.racingmuseum.org/
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/NMRHOF/
Instagram: #nationalmuseumofracingandhalloffame
For more features on what to do in Saratoga Springs, New York, please visit our Destinations section as well as read about theSaratoga Automobile Museum .
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