Wednesday (7/16) marks the beginning of the first full week of racing at Saratoga Race Course in it’s normal meet of summer racing.

With the exception of Labor Day the famed race track is dark on Mondays and Tuesdays- but there’s still plenty to see on Union Avenue even on the dark days.

Located at 191 Union Avenue, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame was founded in 1951 to honor the achievements of American Thoroughbred Racehorses, Jockeys, and Trainers.

The museum first opened its doors in 1951, at which time it occupied a single room in Saratoga’s Canfield Casino. 

The establishment was supported by the city of Saratoga Springs, which donated $2,500, as well as the Saratoga Racing Association, which donated $5,000. 

Many patrons of the sport, also donated various pieces of art and memorabilia.  The first item in the museum’s collection was a horseshoe worn by the great thoroughbred LEXINGTON.

In 1955, the museum moved to its current location near the Saratoga Race Course, at which time inductions into the Hall of Fame began. 

Since that time, the museum has expanded several times to allow for the display of its extensive art collection and more multimedia displays on the history of the sport. 

The museum also houses a large collection of artifacts, and memorabilia that document the history of horse racing from the eighteenth century to the present.

The Hall of Fame’s nominating committee selects eight to ten candidates from among the four contemporary categories (male horse, female horse, jockey and trainer) to be presented to the voters.

Each spring, following the tabulation of the final votes, the announcement of new inductees is made, usually during Kentucky Derby Week in early May. 

The actual inductions are held in mid-August during the Saratoga Race Meet.

If you’re a fan of Horse Racing, the Daily Racing Blog highly recommends a visit to this Hall of Fame. 

It’s fun, informative and open year round.