The Nationwide Museum of Racing and Corridor of Fame will current particular exhibitions celebrating the legacies of Corridor of Fame members Paul Mellon and Ruffian this summer time. Each reveals open to the general public on Thursday, July 11.
“We’re excited to honor and share the legacies of those two excellent Corridor of Fame members,” mentioned Jessica Cloer, the museum’s curator. “Paul Mellon and Ruffian had been each tremendously impactful. These reveals are a tribute to all they achieved and their lasting affect on the game.”
A 3rd particular exhibition that includes the storied historical past of Harry M. Stevens Concessions is at the moment open within the Museum’s Hyperlink Gallery. Right here is an outline of every exhibit:
The Passions of Paul Mellon: Horses, Artwork, and Philanthropy
Corridor of Fame Pillar of the Turf Paul Mellon held a lifelong ardour for horses and achieved lasting success as an proprietor and a breeder of Thoroughbreds with quite a few champion racehorses, together with Corridor of Fame members Arts and Letters and Fort Marcy, in addition to Kentucky Derby winner Sea Hero and worldwide celebrity Mill Reef. Considered one of racing’s most revered leaders, Mellon additionally grew to become an avid artwork collector and donated hundreds of works to varied notable establishments. His paintings was handed alongside to prestigious venues such because the Nationwide Gallery of Artwork, Virginia Museum of Fantastic Arts, and Yale Middle for British Artwork, in addition to the Nationwide Museum of Racing and Corridor of Fame.
Mellon was additionally one of many best American philanthropists of the 20th century and his legacy connects many establishments and foundations right this moment. The exhibition options picks from the Museum’s assortment and archive gifted by Paul Mellon together with objects from different establishments that he impacted. Mellon was inducted into the Corridor of Fame as a part of the inaugural Pillars of the Turf class of 2013.
— On exhibition by means of March 30, 2025
The Exceptional Ruffian
Corridor of Fame filly Ruffian was one of the crucial good horses of the 20th century. This charismatic darkish bay gained all 5 of her races as a juvenile, incomes the Eclipse Award as champion 2-year-old filly. As a 3-year-old, Ruffian continued to exhibit her unimaginable skills with a number of record-breaking wins, together with a sweep of the New York Filly Triple Crown. Undefeated by means of her first 10 profession begins and missing competitors among the many fillies, Ruffian met Kentucky Derby winner Silly Pleasure in a match race on July 6, 1975, at Belmont Park. They went stride for stride till tragedy struck.
The lack of Ruffian impressed advances in veterinary medication and elevated trade security measures. The exhibit honors Ruffian’s unimaginable achievements and her enduring legacy. Ruffian was inducted into the Corridor of Fame in 1976.
— On exhibition by means of Oct. 6, 2024
Scorching Canine! The Harry M. Stevens Concessions Expertise
Have you ever ever sipped on a chilly drink by means of a straw and loved a scrumptious scorching canine whereas watching the races on the observe? We are able to all thank Harry M. Stevens for our trendy meals concessions at sports activities venues all through the nation. Whereas in Ohio, Stevens attended his first baseball recreation in 1887 and acknowledged the necessity to clearly determine gamers. He obtained permission from the workforce’s proprietor to provide and promote an improved scorecard. Impressed by this early success, Stevens expanded the enterprise to incorporate foods and drinks concessions.
Harry M. Stevens Inc. catered to twenty racetracks all through the nation, together with Belmont Park, Churchill Downs, Hialeah Park, Pimlico Race Course, and Saratoga Race Course. “From the Hudson to the Rio Grande” grew to become the corporate’s slogan after opening its concessions on the racetrack in Juarez, Mexico. As an trade pioneer, some credit score Stevens for improvements together with the introduction of straws for soda bottles and even the new canine. When Aramark bought the corporate in 1994, it nonetheless operated foods and drinks concessions at a number of the nation’s largest sports activities venues. This exhibit predominantly focuses on Harry M. Stevens concessions at racetracks within the first half of the 20th century.
— On exhibition by means of Jan 5, 2025
For extra details about the Nationwide Museum of Racing and Corridor of Fame, together with upcoming occasions, please go to racingmuseum.org or name (518) 584-0400.
