Hoofprints Walk of Fame unveiled at Saratoga

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) and the

Saratoga 150 Committee on Friday unveiled a new attraction designed to pay homage to

the most accomplished Thoroughbreds to compete at Saratoga Race Course during

its 150-year history.

The new Hoofprints Walk of Fame honors the most prolific

and notable horses to have raced at one of the nation's most historic tracks.

Modeled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the attraction is one component of a

summer long celebration to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Thoroughbred

racing at Saratoga Race Course.

Saratoga 150 Committee Chair Charles Wait was joined by

Honorary Chair John Hendrickson, Selection Committee Chair Michael Veitch, NYRA

Vice President Rodnell Workman and Sally Jeffords, a connection to the great Man

o' War, to officially unveil the Hoofprints Walk of Fame outside the Clubhouse

gates at Saratoga Race Course.

The new addition features an inaugural class of 30 horses.

Each Thoroughbred is honored on a granite plaque alongside the names of its

sire, dam, owner, trainer and jockey(s). The plaques also feature the horse's year

of birth and signature wins at Saratoga Race Course.

The project is a collaborative effort between NYRA and the

Saratoga 150 Committee.

"The Hoofprints Walk of Fame is a true testament to the

unsurpassed level of history and outstanding sportsmanship that has taken place

in the last 150 years at Saratoga Race Course," Workman remarked. "NYRA is

honored to help assemble a tribute worthy of our outstanding equine athletes and

their contributions to 150 years of racing at Saratoga."

The selection committee was led by acclaimed racing expert and life-long

Saratoga Springs resident Veitch. A turf writer for the

"Saratogian" since 1979, Veitch also serves as a trustee of the National Museum of

Racing and is a member of the Hall of Fame Nominating Committee and Historic

Review Committee.

"These horses were selected as a result of their

outstanding records at Saratoga Race Course. With this first group, we have

chosen to honor outstanding Thoroughbreds from the 19th and 20th centuries," Veitch

explained. "This is only the first step in recognizing the many stars of

Saratoga racing history."