My work at Saratoga’s National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame has given me more insight to thoroughbred racing than most civilians will ever have. I like the place because it has so much art, sculpture, history and above all, stories to tell. Winston Churchill’s American grandfather is here and so is the Wall Street tycoon for whom Man o’ War is named. Fancy a real life Downton Abbey story? We got one. Ever wonder how steeplechase got its name? Just ask. Why did the stopwatch become mass produced? I can tell you. When a certain wealthy founder of the track died in 1887, his NYTs obit claimed he was the most popular man in New York City. There are a few different tales behind the iconic lawn jockeys that stand guard in front of the Museum, each more imaginative than the last. Speaking of imagination, consider this.
© 2024 John Oliver
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