Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum
Located within Hopelands Gardens, the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum celebrates Aiken’s contributions to equestrian sports. Horses trained in Aiken who have gone on to become National Champions are enshrined in the Hall of Fame. These champions include Kentucky Derby winner - Pleasant Colony, Preakness winner - Summer Squall and the 5-time Horse of the Year Champion - Kelso.
Visitors may also view trophies and photographs from the careers of some of America’s best known equestrian riders, polo players and steeplechase riders.
A large collection of Engelhard trophies is also on display.
OPEN: Weather permitting: Tuesday - Sunday, September through May; Saturday & Sunday, June through August; From 2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
No admission cost.
For more information, please visit the website at http://www.aikenracinghalloffame.com.
2008-2009 Calendar of Events
(Schedule Subject to Change Without Notice - call (803) 642-7650 to confirm events. All events are held at the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame unless otherwise noted)
Racehorse Confirmation TalkMonday, November 17, 2008 1:30 pm
Ron Stevens- Legacy Stable & Dogwood Stable
Ron Stevens, owner and trainer for Legacy Stable and trainer for Dogwood Stable, will give a talk about racehorse confirmation on Monday, November 17 at 1:30 pm at Legacy Stable. This is a free event. Space is limited and registration is required and may be done by calling 803-642-7650.
Larry Dodd Wheeler Exhibition
December 4 - 31, 2008
Tuesdays - Fridays 2 - 5 pm
Saturdays 10 am - 5 pm
Sundays 2 - 5 pm
The works of renowned equine artist Larry Dodd Wheeler will be on exhibit December 4 - 31, 2008. The exhibit will feature equestrian and landscape paintings. Wheeler is a member of the American Academy of Equine Art. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, December 4 from 5 - 6:30 pm and the public is invited to attend. A portion of sales proceeds will be donated to the Hall of Fame. Exhibition sponsored by Suzy Haslup of Meybohm Realtors.
Drawing Horses for Kids
Monday, February 16, 2009 10 am - 12 pm
Georgianna “Girl” Conger, local equine and sporting artist, will conduct a workshop for kids on how to draw horses on Monday, February 16, 2009 at 10 am. This is a free event for kids, ages 6 - 12. Space is limited and registration is required and may be done by calling 803-642-7650.
Sara Renzulli Exhibition
March 5 - 29, 2009
Tuesdays - Fridays 2 - 5 pm
Saturdays 10 am - 5 pm
Sundays 2 - 5 pm
The works of painter Sara Renzulli will be on exhibit March 5 - 29, 2009. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, March 5 from 6 - 7:30 pm and the public is invited to attend. Renzulli is a member of the American Academy of Equine Art. A portion of the sales proceeds will be donated to the Hall of Fame. Visit Sara’s website at www.sjrenzulli.com.
Breakfast at the Gallops
Thursday, March 12, 2009 8:00 - 10:00 am
Aiken Training Track
Enjoy breakfast, watch Aiken's future racing stars and listen to local trainers talk about Thoroughbred racing. Tickets go on sale March 1, 2009. Tickets are limited and are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate.
Aiken Trained Horse of the Year Ceremony
Sunday, March 15, 2009 12:30 pm
Join the excitement as the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum honors the 2008 Aiken Trained Horse of the Year. The ceremony will include a yearlong exhibit about the honoree. This is a free event.
Ginny Southworth Exhibition
April 7 - 26, 2008
Tuesdays - Fridays 2 - 5 pm
Saturdays 10 am - 5 pm
Sundays 2 - 5 pm
The works of photographer, Ginny Southworth will be on exhibit April 7 - 26, 2009. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, April 7 from 5–6:30 pm and the public is invited to attend. A portion of the sales proceeds will be donated to the Hall of Fame. Visit Ginny’s website at www.southworthphotography.com.
Exhibition sponsored by Jane Page Thompson of The Carolina Company.
If accommodations for those with disabilities are needed at any City of Aiken facility or event, please notify the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation, & Tourism 72 hours in advance at 1-888-AikenSC or (803)642-7631.