Induction to take place on Friday, August 26, the eve of the Travers
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association, Inc. today announced the 2016 inductees to the Saratoga Walk of Fame: prominent owner W. Cothran “Cot” Campbell of Dogwood Stables and three-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer William “Bill” Mott.
The Saratoga Walk of Fame, which opened in 2015, honors and showcases the achievements of those who have made significant contributions to the sport of thoroughbred racing and to the advancement of Saratoga Race Course. The covered structure, featuring the traditional Saratoga turrets, houses commemorative plaques and videos honoring various industry leaders, including owners, trainers and jockeys, who have made an indelible mark on thoroughbred racing at Saratoga Race Course.
Prior to the opening of the Saratoga Walk of Fame, the tradition of recognizing the greats of the game started in 2013 with the Red Jacket Ceremony, named for the eponymous blazer awarded the recipients.
The plaques for 2016 honorees Campbell and Mott will be unveiled during the Red Jacket Ceremony at Saratoga Race Course on Friday, August 26, the eve of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers. The ceremony will take place on New York Showcase Day, which features six stakes races exclusively for New York-breds, including the $250,000 Albany for 3-year-olds on the dirt.
During the ceremony, both inductees will receive an emblematic Saratoga red jacket.
“Mr. Campbell and Mr. Mott are giants of the sport who have dedicated their lives to thoroughbred racing. Their vision, passion and commitment have made a tremendously positive impact on Saratoga and their influence will be felt for years to come,” said New York Racing Association CEO and President Chris Kay. “We are honored to welcome them to the Saratoga Walk of Fame, a place designed to celebrate their achievements and to educate fans about the contributions of racing’s leading figures.”
Author, raconteur, visionary, and longtime horseman W. Cothran “Cot” Campbell made his mark on horse racing in 1969 when he pioneered one of the sport’s most innovative ideas: syndicated racehorse ownership. Dominion’s victory in the 1978 Bernard Baruch put Campbell’s Dogwood Stable on the map; and among those who have carried its green-and-yellow silks at Saratoga Race Course are Eclipse champion Storm Song, Preakness winner Summer Squall, and Belmont Stakes hero Palace Malice.
William “Bill” Mott achieved prominence as the trainer of two-time Horse of the Year Cigar, who tied Citation’s mark of 16 straight wins in 1996, including an undefeated 10-race season in 1995. A three-time Eclipse Award winner as Outstanding Trainer, Mott was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame at the age of 45, the youngest trainer to receive that honor. Among his more than 4,600 career winners are Eclipse champions Theatrical, Escena, Paradise Creek, Ajina and Royal Delta, as well as 2010 Belmont Stakes winner Drosselmeyer.
Past Red Jacket honorees include all-time Saratoga leading riders John Velazquez, Jerry Bailey and Angel Cordero in 2013; Hall of Fame trainers D. Wayne Lukas and Allen Jerkens; and longtime New York Racing Association race announcer Tom Durkin in 2014; and owners Ogden “Dinny” Mills Phipps and Marylou Whitney in 2015.
New additions to the Saratoga Walk of Fame for 2016 are two interactive digital displays which allow users to watch video replays from each running of the Spa’s two premier races – the Travers and Whitney – dating back to 1973. The Saratoga Walk of Fame is open to the public daily throughout the 2016 meet.
In addition to the Mid-Summer Derby, this year’s Travers Day, Saturday, August 27, will feature five other Grade 1 stakes: the $1 million Longines Sword Dancer Invitational at 1 ½ miles on the turf, the $500,000 Ballerina for filly and mare sprinters, the $700,000 Priority One Jets Forego at seven furlongs, the $750,000 Ketel One King’s Bishop and the $750,000 Personal Ensign for fillies and mares going 1 1/8 miles. Rounding out the blockbuster card is the Grade 2, $400,000 Woodford Reserve Ballston Spa for turf fillies and mares.
Travers Day grandstand general admission and a limited number of clubhouse general admission tickets are currently available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com. Fans are encouraged to purchase Travers Day admission in advance. All reserved seats, dining and hospitality are sold-out for Travers Day. 2016 Saratoga season pass holders are guaranteed admission on Travers Day.
The 2016 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 5. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, call (518) 584-6200 or visit NYRA.com.