SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will offer a variety of tours, programming, and special events this summer, as well as eight daily showings of the Museum’s new signature film, What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame. Here are some of the highlights at the Museum this summer:
Tom Durkin Museum Tours
Take a guided tour of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame with legendary track announcer Tom Durkin from July 15 through Sept. 6. Tours are Wednesday through Sunday and begin at 11 a.m. and are limited to 12 people. There are no tours on Mondays or Tuesdays. Reservations are required, and payment is required at the time of booking. The cost is $35 for the general public and $30 for Museum members.
The tour price includes the special tour, admission to the Museum, and a showing of the new signature film, What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame. Tours will meet in the Museum lobby and will begin promptly at 11 a.m. Please call (518) 584-0400 or visit www.racingmuseum.org to book your tour.
Oklahoma Training Track Tours
Find out why this beautiful and historic site, located across the street from the main track at Saratoga Race Course, is a favorite base for Hall of Fame trainers such as Shug McGaughey, Todd Pletcher, and Nick Zito. The Museum’s behind-the-scenes tours, offered in cooperation with the New York Racing Association, are available now through September. This walking tour covers approximately 1½ miles and lasts for 90 minutes. Adult: $15; Student/Senior: $10; Museum Members are 50 percent off!
For insurance reasons, tour participants must be at least 10 years old. Oklahoma Training Track Tours are by reservation only. The tour begins promptly at 9 a.m. and leaves from the Museum parking lot. You will meet your tour guide by the back Museum entrance. Reservations are required and space is limited. Sturdy walking shoes are suggested for this tour. For more information and reservations call (518) 584-0400 or visit www.racingmuseum.org.
Author signings with Bill Heller and Lenny Shulman
Meet acclaimed authors Bill Heller and Lenny Shulman, who will be signing copies of their new books at the Museum. Heller will be signing copies of “Fred Hooper: The Extraordinary Life of a Thoroughbred Legend” on Friday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to noon. Shulman will be signing copies of “Head to Head: Conversations With a Generation of Horse Racing Legends” on Friday, July 30 from 10 a.m. to noon. Books for both events will be available for purchase in the Museum’s gift shop,
Summer film schedule
The Museum’s new signature film, What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame, will be shown eight times daily at half past the hour beginning at 9:30 a.m. with a final showing at 4:30 p.m. What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame is a 16-minute film that brings visitors on an amazing journey through the various aspects of thoroughbred racing and examines the rare honor — given to less than one percent of the sport’s participants — of reaching the game’s pinnacle and earning a coveted spot in the Hall of Fame. Filmed and produced by Donna Lawrence Productions of Louisville, Ky., and narrated by famed broadcaster Bob Costas, this new presentation features original footage shot in 8K resolution from various racetracks and thoroughbred farms throughout the country and interviews from Hall of Famers about their philosophies and experiences in the sport.
Secure your spot in the Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Courtyard
Claim your spot among the legends of racing with a custom brick that will forever be a part of the Museum’s Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Courtyard. Bricks are the perfect gift for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, or a tribute to a loved one. They are also a great way to honor your business, farm, favorite horse, trainer, or jockey. Your brick purchase is fully tax deductible. There is limited availability so buy your brick today and reserve your space in thoroughbred racing’s history. Red bricks are $100 for 4” x 8” and gray bricks are $250 for 8” x 8.” Call (518) 584-0400 to purchase your brick.
Summer Raffle
Support the Museum with a summer-long 50/50 raffle. Tickets will go on sale Thursday, July 15, and the winning ticket will be pulled Tuesday, Sept. 7. Tickets can be purchased with cash only at the Museum’s front desk seven days a week or the outdoor pop-up shop in front of the Museum from Wednesday through Sunday throughout the summer. Tickets are just $5 each. Proceeds from the 50/50 raffle benefit the Museum and support unique exhibits and programming all year long.
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the Museum, including special events and program offerings, please call (518) 584-0400 or visit our website at www.racingmuseum.org.
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Press Release
