Six horses, three jockeys, and three trainers have been selected as the 2006 finalists for nomination to the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame. The 12 finalists were announced by Stella F. Thayer, President of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
- Contemporary female horses: Inside Information, Silverbulletday, Sky Beauty.
- Contemporary male horses: Best Pal, Manila, Silver Charm.
- Jockeys: Eddie Maple, Craig Perret, Alex Solis.
- Trainers: Mel Stute, John Veitch, Robert Wheeler.
In early April, the approximately 190 members of the Hall of Fame Voting Panel will be asked to vote "yes" or "no" on each of the three finalists in each category. In order to be elected an individual must receive a "yes" vote on at least 75% of the ballots received and have the highest number of votes in the category. In the event of a tie in the number of votes received, more than one finalist could be inducted. If no candidate receives "yes" votes on as many as 75% of the ballots received, that category will not have an inductee this year.
For several years, voters selected one of three finalists in each division and inductees were elected by a plurality of the votes received. In 2005, voters were asked to vote for as many as three of five finalists and the 75% rule was put in place. The Executive Committee of the Museum's Board of Trustees voted in December to return to a policy of three finalists and ask the panel to vote on each one.
The inductees will be announced during a national teleconference on May 30. The induction ceremony will be held on Monday, Aug. 7 in Saratoga Springs.
On to a bit about each finalist
