|
Post by cherokeescot on Apr 23, 2024 11:11:47 GMT -5
Nine new members have been elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. The class of 2024 is comprised of jockey Joel Rosario and racehorses Gun Runner (KY) and Justify (KY) in the contemporary category; jockey Abe Hawkins and racehorses Aristides (KY) and Lecomte (KY) have been selected by the Pre-1900 Historic Review Committee; and Harry F. Guggenheim, Clement L. Hirsch, and Joe Hirsch were chosen by the Pillars of the Turf Committee. Rosario, Gun Runner, and Justify were all elected in their first year of eligibility. The 2024 Hall of Fame class will be enshrined on Friday, Aug. 2, at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion in Saratoga Springs at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will be broadcast live on the Museum website at www.racingmuseum.org. The event is open to the public and free to attend.
|
|
|
Post by cherokeescot on Apr 23, 2024 11:18:28 GMT -5
Just FYI here are the nominees who did not make it
Horses Blind Luck, Game On Dude, Gio Ponti, Havre de Grace, Kona Gold, Lady Eli, Rags to Riches
Trainers Christophe Clement Kiaran P. McLaughlin, H. Graham Motion, Doug F. O’Neill, John W. Sadler, John A. Shirreffs;
Jockey Jorge F. Chavez
|
|
eye123
UpInClass Steward
Posts: 2,772
|
Post by eye123 on Apr 23, 2024 11:34:07 GMT -5
|
|
eye123
UpInClass Steward
Posts: 2,772
|
Post by eye123 on Apr 23, 2024 11:40:13 GMT -5
Next year thinking we may finally see Kona Gold inducted.
A bay gelding bred in Kentucky by Carlos Perez, Kona Gold (Java Gold—Double Sunrise, by Slew o’ Gold) won the Eclipse Award for Champion Sprinter in 2000, when he set a six-furlong track record at Churchill Downs in his Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) victory. Campaigned by Bruce Headley (who also served as his trainer), Irwin and Andrew Molasky, Michael Singh, et al, Kona Gold raced from 1998 through 2003 with a record of 14-7-2 from 30 starts and earnings of $2,293,384. He set a track record for 5½ furlongs at Santa Anita and won a total of 10 graded stakes, including the Grade 1 San Carlos Handicap, all while ridden by Hall of Famer Alex Solis. Kona Gold won multiple editions of the Bing Crosby Handicap (G2), Potrero Grande Breeders’ Cup Handicap (G2), and El Conejo Handicap (once as a G3). He registered Beyer Speed Figures of 110 or higher 17 times. On 10 occasions, his Beyer Figure was 115 or higher, including a career-best of 123. Kona Gold made five consecutive appearances in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1).
|
|
ozzy
UpInClass Member
Posts: 885
|
Post by ozzy on Apr 23, 2024 11:43:05 GMT -5
I’d like to see Gio Ponti in as he was amazingly consistent on multiple surfaces with 23 of 29 ITM included 22 of 29 in the exacta with 12 wins and over $6M earned. Love old hard knocking sprinters like Kona Gold as doubt we see their kind many more times but I get it….I have a soft spot for Rags to Riches but I’m not sure a 7 race career consisting of a MSW, the Las Virgenes, Santa Anita Oaks, KY Oaks, Belmont Stakes, and a 2nd in the Gazelle will get you in the HOF. Lady Eli a wonderful story considering her comeback but similar as while talented and game, is she HOY? Havre de Grace probably a tougher pill to take as she did tackle the boys in the Woodward and ran 4th in the Classic en route to HOY but 3 G1s is all. Game On Dude won 3 editions of the Big Cap and 2 Gold Cups and a Pacific Classic I believe and maybe ran 2nd in the BC Classic twice… Hard knocker for sure but think he will always be considered a Cali horse despite fairing well at CD. Glad I don’t have a vote….
As for the trainers, honestly no real complaints…
|
|
shoes
UpInClass Steward
Posts: 2,181
|
Post by shoes on Apr 23, 2024 12:00:14 GMT -5
I loved Kona Gold, and definitely think he belongs, he did win the BC sprint, though that was not mentioned in eye's excellent write-up above. One of many electrifying races that I was privileged to see in person
|
|
|
Post by cherokeescot on Apr 23, 2024 12:46:31 GMT -5
Next year should be much easier to get elected . To be fair Gun Runner and Justify were shoe ins this year
|
|
1hooper
UpInClass Steward
Posts: 6,848
|
Post by 1hooper on Apr 23, 2024 14:06:54 GMT -5
Little bit surprised Justify was a first ballot inductee.
|
|
ozzy
UpInClass Member
Posts: 885
|
Post by ozzy on Apr 23, 2024 19:28:00 GMT -5
Agree Hoop, thought there may be some Baffert fatigue or voter backlash, perhaps even more so with the recent judgement surrounding the SA Derby in California courts. Granted a Triple Crown winner is special but one with an abbreviated 6 race career on the heels of what followed…. Still quite a brilliant February to June run.
|
|
1hooper
UpInClass Steward
Posts: 6,848
|
Post by 1hooper on Apr 23, 2024 19:40:18 GMT -5
Not the tightest of standards.
Hall of Fame voters may select as many candidates as they believe are worthy of induction to the Hall of Fame. All candidates that receive 50 percent plus one vote (majority approval) from the voting panel will be elected to the Hall of Fame. All of the finalists were required to receive support from two-thirds of the 15-member Nominating Committee to qualify for the ballot.
|
|