Aiken, SC
In my previous post I mentioned that the Winter Colony folks brought their thoroughbreds with them by train to spend the winters in Aiken. The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame was established to exhibit Aiken’s role in thoroughbred racing.
Forty Champion Thoroughbreds have trained at the Aiken Training Track. All of them are immortalized in the Hall of Fame. This includes both flat racers and steeplechase horses from 1942 through the present.
The Hall of Fame is located in the an old Carriage House built in 1902 at Hopelands Gardens. Their grand opening was in 1977.
The Hall of Fame had pictures of each of the horses, newspaper articles about their wins and the jockey’s jersey showing their colors.
Lots of trophies have been donated to the Hall of Fame.
I personally enjoyed the posters they had for the children. They gave me some basic understanding of a thoroughbred.
Hopelands Gardens must be absolutely breath taking in the spring but are not near as colorful this time of year.
Horses are a big deal here in Aiken. Lots of money involved and it shows in the huge mansions all around town. Aiken is a very interesting place to visit.
Even Jim found a steed to ride.
Ah ha! I see Jim's ride. I'd love to really go horse back riding . It's been a long time.
ReplyDeleteSeems Jim always manages to get some kind of ride. LOL
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice place to visit, love Jim's ride.
ReplyDeleteLooks guys are getting a good look at Aiken and since I've never been, I'm enjoying seeing it thru you.
ReplyDeleteInteresting history. I like Jim's ride though he usually rides the Metal ones with Rubber Shoes. He would probably like the real ones at Disney's Fort Wilderness in Florida.
ReplyDeleteBe Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
I didn’t know all of this history regarding Aiken!! Thanks for the education. A great place for us to visit on this side of the Mississippi. Seems like many of the great places are west of the Mississippi!! Jim looks happy on his new ride!!)
ReplyDelete