Legendary Durkin Introduces New Hall of Fame Class

Jockey Alex Solis was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2014. (Photo by Eclipse Sportswire)
By Joan Lawrence
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame inducted its 2014 class earlier today at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., located across from Saratoga Race Course.  
Welcoming the guests and race fans was NYRA’s track announcer Tom Durkin who also served as Master of Ceremonies. 
Durkin did not disappoint the standing-room only crowd as the newly minted 2014 class was introduced during the two-hour long tribute. Inducted were California-based trainer Gary F. Jones, jockey Alex Solis, horses Ashado and Curlin and Pillars of the Turf Edward R. Bradley and Edward P. Taylor, as well as Thoroughbred Clifford who won 42 races in the late 1800s and Lloyd Hughes, the first jockey to win the Preakness Stakes three times. The latter pair was inducted in the Historic Review category.
Before the ceremony got underway, Tom Durkin was feted in a special presentation recognizing him for his outstanding lifetime achievements as a track announcer. Durkin is to retire at the end of this month. The audience exploded in a standing ovation as Durkin took to the podium after a rousing video of some of his most memorable race calls was played. And, not in his usual fashion, Durkin had very little to say but what he said was plenty.  
DURKIN SIGNS AUTOGRAPHS FOR FANS

Photo by Joan Lawrence
“I’m only going to say two words,” said Durkin. “I said enough for over 43 years. These are two words I never used in a race call and they never been more heartfelt – thank you.”
Barbara Banke, who campaigned Curlin along with her late husband Jess Jackson, accepted the Hall of Fame plaque for the 2007 and 2008 Horse of the Year. Banke summed up the path to greatness which Jackson had mapped out for Curlin by simply stating that racing Thoroughbreds is ‘a sport for dreamers’ which she and Jess shared for many years.
BANKE GIVES ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

Photo by Joan Lawrence
The ceremony was filled with wonderful memories as Hall of Famers Chris McCarron and Laffit Pincay, Jr. introduced jockey Alex O. Solis to the Hall of Fame. McCarron also had the honor of introducing his longtime friend trainer Gary F. Jones into the Hall of Fame. 
On hand accepting the Hall of Fame plaque on behalf of two-time Eclipse Award champion Ashado were partners Jack Wolf, Johns Martin and Paul Saylor.
The audience appreciated both the outstanding class of Hall of Famers and the accomplishments of legendary race caller Tom Durkin.