02/10/26 04:32:00
Printable Page
02/10 16:31 CST National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame overhauls voting
process and electors
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame overhauls voting process and electors
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) --- The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
is making changes to its nominating and election process as well as reducing
its voting panel ahead of this year's election cycle.
Over two dozen voters are being dropped after a survey last December was used
to guarantee a voting body that is "deeply connected to the sport,
knowledgeable, passionate and responsive," Hall of Fame officials said Tuesday.
The hall said new voters were invited to participate this year, resulting in a
contemporary voting group comprised of 154 members --- down from 172 voters
last year.
Retired horse, jockey and trainer 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 transitioning to the
historic review process. There will be no limited to how many times an active
jockey or trainer can appear on the ballot.
Voters will receive past voting percentages as a reference tool to help
evaluate the viability of candidates and how they are trending.
Voting will be done by email through an independent auditor and paper ballots
will no longer be mailed to voters.
"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," nominating committee chair D.G. Van Clief said. "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."
The Pro Football Hall of Fame recently said it will consider making changes to
the voting panel and process of choosing inductees after former New England
Patriots coach Bill Belichick wasn't chosen as part of the 2026 class, drawing
criticism.
___
AP horse racing: https://apnews.com/hub/horse-racing
|
