The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association of New Jersey announced the creation of the New Jersey-bred Hall of Fame at Monmouth Park. The first class of inductees will be honored at Monmouth Park during the New Jersey Thoroughbred Festival Presented by Malouf Auto Group Sept. 15.
The initial class includes Henry of Navarre, Regret, Cavalcade, and Open Mind. These four horses are also inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
"We are very grateful to the Monmouth Park Charity Fund for their generous donation which will help us to establish the New Jersey-bred Hall of Fame at Monmouth Park," said TBA president Nona Balaban in a release. "The Monmouth Park Charity Fund has been assisting Monmouth County nonprofit agencies in carrying out their missions since 1947, and we are proud to be associated with this venerable organization. Our new Hall of Fame is the product of the joint efforts of the Charity Fund and Monmouth Park with the TBA−a great team."
"New Jersey-breds have a long and distinguished history in Thoroughbred racing and have performed with distinction all across the world." said Mike Campbell, executive director of the TBA, in a statement. "A New Jersey-bred Hall of Fame is long overdue, and it is our hope that visitors to Monmouth Park will learn about the success that New Jersey-bred horses have enjoyed in our industry. We look forward to inducting more of the top New Jersey-bred horses in the Hall of Fame as we continue to work with Monmouth Park to preserve the equine industry in New Jersey."
The inaugural inductees are as follows:
Henry of Navarre, foaled in 1891, was a champion at 3 and 4. He won 13 of 20 starts including the Belmont and Travers Stakes. By Knight of Ellerslie−Moss Rose, by The Ill-Used, he was bred by Lucien O. Appleby.
After proving to be an unsuccessful sire, Henry of Navarre was one of six horses donated to the United States Cavalry to create a national breeding program. Henry of Navarre was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1985.
Regret, the first filly to ever win the Kentucky Derby, was born in 1912 at Harry Payne Whitney's Brookdale Farm. Owned by her breeder, Regret was sired by Broomstick out of the Hamburg mare Jersey Lightning.
Regret became the first horse to ever win all three races for 2-year-olds at Saratoga Race Course by sweeping the Saratoga Special, Sanford Stakes, and Hopeful Stakes. The James Rowe Sr. trainee followed up on her undefeated juvenile season by making history with her victory in the 1915 Kentucky Derby.
Regret was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1957.
Cavalcade, a foal of 1931, is best known for his performances as a 3-year-old when his wins included the Kentucky Derby, American Derby, and the Arlington Classic. Cavalcade is by Lancegaye−Hastily, by Hurry On, and was bred by F. Wallis Armstrong at his Meadow View Farm near Morristown. Bob Smith, trainer for Dodge automobile heiress Isabel Dodge Sloan, purchased Cavalcade for $1,200 as a yearling.
Cavalcade, who retired in 1936 after winning eight of 22 starts, was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1993.
Open Mind, bred by Due Process Stables in 1986, was sired by Deputy Minister−Stage Luck, by Stage Door Johnny. Open Mind would win the 1988 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) by 1 3/4 lengths en route to earning the Eclipse Award as champion 2-year-old filly.
The D. Wayne Lukas trainee followed up her championship campaign by having more success as a 3-year-old when she won her first eight races including the Kentucky Oaks, Acorn, Mother Goose, Coaching Club American Oaks and the Alabama (all gr. I). Her win in the Coaching Club completed her sweep of the New York Filly Triple Crown series and clinched the Eclipse Award as champion 3-year-old filly.
Open Mind was owned by Eugene Klein, who also owned the National Football League's San Diego Chargers.
Open Mind was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2011.
