all in Legends

The first decade of the 20th Century is known for horses like Beldame, Colin, and Sysonby, names that have left their mark on the sport from races in their honor to spots in the Racing Hall of Fame. These years also saw other greats, like Broomstick, Sweep, and Celt, stars on the racetrack and later in the breeding shed.

In the days leading up to the 77th Santa Anita Handicap, the race seemed to generate a throwback feel well before the horses even stepped onto the track.

The Preakness Stakes has long been a proving ground for the toughest and most talented 3-year-olds each year. Run two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, colts have traditionally dominated this middle jewel of the Triple Crown, but its 150-year history has seen a few fillies rise to the challenge and etch their names into history.

Eight racehorses, seven trainers, and one jockey account for the 16 finalists that will comprise the National Museum of Racing’s 2025 Hall of Fame ballot, as chosen by the Museum’s Hall of Fame Nominating Committee.

The sport of horse racing in America dates to the colonial era, when Richard Nicolls, governor of New York, set up the first formal racetrack on Long Island. Since the 17th Century, the sport has thrived in all corners of the country, thanks to the tireless work of generations of men and women, especially African Americans like jockey Oliver Lewis and trainer Ed Brown, and the former slave turned jockey, trainer, and pedigree expert William Walker.

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