Stuck inside on a rainy day and missing the track? Get your fill while staying dry by visiting the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame! On July 14th, the Museum opens two incredible new exhibits, with one exploring the immigrant experience and impact on the racing world and another showcasing a collection of Jim Raftery’s iconic equine photography.
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga has a variety of exhibits on display, with two recent additions that are sure to make racing fans especially excited.
The first, Betting on America: The Immigrant Experience and the Hall of Fame, takes a deep look at the impact and lives of Hall of Fame inductees born outside of the States. The exhibit features memorabilia, artwork, photography, and more, and strives to tell the story of the 41 foreign-born members of the Hall of Fame as well as the 16 Hall of fame racehorses bred outside of the US.
The second new addition, Jim Raftery: A Turfotos Retrospective, is from the collection of Barbara D. Livingston. Jim Raftery photographed the racing scene in an iconic way during his career—which spanned half a century—and his unique photographs will be on display for everyone to see. Plus, additional photos will be added to the online gallery at racingmuseum.org throughout the summer.
While you’re at the Museum, don’t forget to check out some of the other exhibits. You’ll definitely need to take the time to see The Paintings of Richard Stone Reeves, which features works by the acclaimed artist, including paintings of several Hall of Fame racehorses, and Fifty Years Ago, a new exhibit highlighting 1972 and the racing achievements of that year, including the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes trophies won that year by Hall of Fame racehorse Riva Ridge.
These new exhibits are ones racing fans definitely don’t want to miss! Cate Masterson, director of the Museum, stated in part, “We’re excited to share these two new exhibits with everyone. I think our visitors will find them both to be memorable experiences they won’t soon forget.”
The National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame is open daily from 9 AM-5 PM. Tickets are free for children 5 and under, $10 for students 6-17 (or with college ID), $20 for adults, and $15 for seniors 65 and older. Tickets to the Museum can be purchased on their website, racingmuseum.org.
