New Inductees to “Hoofprints Walk of Fame” Announced

[Wandering Eyes]

The Saratoga 150 Committee announced the two newest inductees to the Hoofprints Walk of Fame at Saratoga Race Course: champion Checkmate (Glen Athol–Full Cry, by Vandal) and 1979 GI Travers S. winner General Assembly (Secretariat–Exclusive Dancer, by Native Dancer). Horses are considered for the Hoofprints Walk of Fame based on their accomplishments in major stakes races at Saratoga Race Course throughout its 150-year history. The selection committee considers additional horses for the Walk of Fame on an annual basis. The selection committee consists of National Museum of Racing Librarian Allan Carter, racing historian and author Ed Bowen, and turf columnist Michael Veitch.

“We are thrilled to welcome these champion Thoroughbreds to the outstanding class of horses who make up the Hoofprints Walk of Fame at Saratoga Race Course,” said Saratoga 150 Honorary Chair John Hendrickson, who conceptualized the project in conjunction with the Saratoga 150 committee. “These equine athletes competed at their highest level and have become part of the rich history of Saratoga Race Course. It’s a privilege to recognize the real stars of this sport at the Hoofprints Walk of Fame where they are permanently enshrined.”

Modeled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hoofprints Walk of Fame was installed outside the clubhouse gates to Saratoga Race Course in 2013 in conjunction with the sesquicentennial celebration of the first organized race meeting in Saratoga Springs. The Hoofprints Walk of Fame honors the most prolific and notable horses to compete at Saratoga Race Course.

Owned by James T. Williams, Checkmate was trained by James Rowe and ridden by Edward Feakes and Isaac Murphy. A multiple stakes winner in 1880, he won seven of his eight races at Saratoga–including four stakes–the following season.

A homebred for Bertram and Diana Firestone, General Assembly was trained by LeRoy Jolley and ridden by Darrel McHargue and Jacinto Vasquez. His memorable wins include the GI Hopeful S. and GII Saratoga Special S. in 1978; and in 1979, he took the GII Gotham S. and GII Vosburgh S. before taking the Travers in course record time, a record that stood until 2016. He also finished runner up to Spectacular Bid in the 1979 GI Kentucky Derby. The additions of Checkmate and General Assembly bring the total number of inductees to 40. Among the notable Thoroughbreds inducted to the Walk of Fame include Affirmed, Man O’ War, Native Dancer and Secretariat.

 

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