Eight Set for Induction into Horse Racing Hall of Fame

[two gun sid]

Five persons and three horses will be inducted into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Aug. 6, in the largest induction since 1978 (when nine entered the Hall of Fame).

Jockeys Jose Santos and John Sellers; trainers Henry Forrest, Frank McCabe, and John Veitch; and the horses Mom’s Command, Silver Charm, and Swoon’s Son are this year’s inductees. Santos, Veitch, Mom’s Command, and Silver Charm were elected in the contemporary categories, while Sellers, Forrest, McCabe, and Swoon’s Son were elected by the Historic Review Committee, which considers candidates who have not been active in 25 years.

Forrest, who saddled two Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winners, and McCabe, whose resume includes developing three Hall of Fame horses, tied in the voting for trainer.

The 16-member nominating committee considered more than 100 candidates for the contemporary categories before selecting 13 finalists. To qualify for the ballot, candidates were required to receive at least a majority of votes from the committee.

http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=39116

I'm glad to see Frank McCabe was inducted. He was an assistant to James Rowe and trained Hanover, Tremont and Miss Woodford.

As a student of this sports history, I have always been interested in Rowe and all the people and horses associated with his operation.

What does everyone think about the inductees?

[jakefrep]

1. Looks like they're making up for lost time...

...with such a large class. It seems there have been a couple of years recently where they didn't induct anyone.

[two gun sid]

2. You may be right...

I have been critical of the process of the Hall Of Fame but, I think they did a good job this time.

If I had a vote, I wouldn't have voted for Veitch but, I have no problem with him being inducted. I certainly have nothing against him personally.

Have I ever mentioned how much I hate HOF Member Bobby Frankel and how I think it's a goddamn shame that he is still able to work around a racetrack?

[aaronbees]

4. Have you seen the Frankel Daily Racing Form commercial?

It's bloody hideous! :D He comes off as the jackass he is!

I like this list - less aware of the trainers but I'm happy Mom's Command is in. Not sure about Silver Charm (didn't seem to ever dominate decisively) but I'd probably give him the nod to be in the Hall. I do think Manila needs to be in soon, as well as a certain trainer of Seattle Slew. ;)

[two gun sid]

5. Yes, I've seen that ad....

DRF should include 'Money Spent on Bicarbonate of Soda' in Frankel's Trainer Stats.

[Awsi Dooger]

3. Jean Cruguet didn't make it

I think I posted an article in a racing thread a couple of months ago, that Cruguet was hoping to be inducted because it would be special for his ailing wife. So when I opened this thread I was hoping to see his name.

I've never really followed the racing Hall of Fame. Many picks are obvious but I have no idea the criteria once you get below the superstar horses and superstar jockeys. Of the ones I'm familiar with on this list, I'd say it's a little bit liberal.