Goldikova Only Racehorse Inducteed Into Prestigious Hall of Fame In 2017
Located across from the historic Saratoga Race Course, the oldest operating track in the country, and minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs, NY, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame inducts the best-of-the-best in racing history. In 1955 the first inductee was the famous Sir Archy also known as the Godolphin Arabian, or foundation stallion for the American Thoroughbred. He was bred by Capt. Archibald Randolph and Col. John Tayloe III. He was known as a champion during his fourth year and retired after no takers could be found for Johnson's $10,000 bet that his horse could beat any horse in America.
With such a star-studded start, the process of induction has only gotten tougher. After a thorough process of eligibility screening and elections, The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame have declared the 2017 inductees.
Horses
Goldikova – A rare racehorse out of July Cup winner Anabaa, who made the Breeders’ Cup her personal playground for 3 consecutive years, winning it in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Bred by Alain and Gérard Wertheimer (who also own House of Chanel ). Goldikova has won 14 Gr.1 races and is the only European-trained horse to have won more than 10 Gr.1 races since their introduction.
Jockeys
Garrett K. Gomez - In a career that began in 1988 and concluded in 2013, Gomez won 3,769 races and had purse earnings of $205,224,899, which ranked 12th all-time when he retired.
Javier Castellano - He is one of only two jockeys to win four consecutive Eclipse Awards; he owns the single-year record for purse earnings; he has won seven Breeders’ Cup races and a record five editions of the Travers Stakes; Castellano is closing in on 4,700 career wins and ranks fifth all time in earnings with more than $279 million.
Victor Espinoza – He has With 3,320 wins through May of 2017 — including seven Triple Crown events and more than $193 million in purse earnings — Espinoza’s achievements are compared favorably with the greatest jockeys in American racing history.
Hall of Fame - Pillars of the Turf
John R. Gaines – His role in creation of the Breeders’ Cup is the contribution to racing for which he is most remembered, but Gaines already had a history of achievements based on his unique vision.
Matt Winn – He is known for his role in making the Churchill Downs a successful enterprise and also in transforming Kentucky Derby from a local event into America’s signature thoroughbred race.
Ogden Mills Phipps – He is known for his outstanding contribution to the Thoroughbred industry and his service as the chairman of the Jockey Club for 32 years.
The late Thomas H. Voss, a five-time National Steeplechase Association leader in wins and three-time leader in earnings, and two-time Eclipse Award-winning champion steeplechase horse (2007-08) Good Night Shirt, have been elected by the museum's steeplechase review committee.