National Museum of Racing Updates Hall of Fame Voting

Following a thorough review of its contemporary Hall of Fame voting panel and a comprehensive evaluation of the overall nominating and election process, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame has made the following updates prior to the 2026 election cycle: 

• A voter survey was conducted in December 2025 to guarantee an electorate that is deeply connected to the sport, knowledgeable, passionate, and responsive. That survey resulted in more than two dozen voters who received ballots in last year's election being cycled off prior to the 2026 process. Additionally, several new voters were invited to participate this year, resulting in a contemporary voting group comprised of 154 members in 2026, down from 172 voters in 2025. 
• Retired candidates selected by the Nominating Committee as finalists may appear on the Hall of Fame ballot a maximum of 10 times. Previously, there was no limit to the number of times a candidate could be a finalist within the 25-year eligibility window before timing out and transitioning to the Historic Review process. This policy will apply to all horses, retired jockeys, and trainers. There will be no limit to the number of times an active jockey or trainer can appear on the ballot, as their credentials are evolving.    
• Hall of Fame voters will receive past voting percentages as a reference tool to help evaluate the viability of candidates and how they are trending.
• All Hall of Fame voting will be done electronically (email) through the independent auditor McKenna and Franck CPAs, PC, based in Saratoga Springs. Ballots will no longer be physically mailed to voters. Materials for the 2026 election will be emailed to voters in mid-February when the finalists are announced.  

These changes were made by Museum management in conjunction with recently appointed Nominating Committee Chair D. G. Van Clief, after consultation with the Nominating Committee, and were approved by Museum Board Chair Charlotte Weber.

"Our goals are to ensure this process is always defined by absolute integrity and that it yields the most deserving class of Hall of Fame inductees each year," Van Clief said. "We are fortunate that our Nominating Committee is both eminently capable of and fully dedicated to supporting these goals. With this year's updates to our process and the changes to refresh our voting roster, I am confident that the Hall of Fame will be welcoming inductees to its ranks who will make the sport proud and stand the test of time."

"I fully support the changes D. G. Van Clief and Museum management have made concerning the voting panel and overall election process," Weber added. "Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is the greatest honor in any sport. It is of the utmost importance for the Museum to continually evaluate its procedures and evolve with the best interests of the institution and the sport as its guiding foundational principles."