Campbell, Mott join Walk of Fame at The Spa

SARATOGA SPRINGS >> Racing pioneer W. Cothran “Cot” Campbell transformed the sport by introducing the concept of syndicated horse ownerships, allowing thousands of people to experience the joy and drama of going to the Winner’s Circle.

Campbell, who owns Aiken, S.C.-based Dogwood Stable, and Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, of South Dakota, were given Red Jackets and handsome plaques on Friday as the newest members of the Saratoga Race Course Walk of Fame.

Campbell, 88, and his wife, Anne, have made major contributions both on and off the track, from 80 stakes winners to their support for Saratoga WarHorse, a military suicide prevention program.

“There’s no way that you can walk away from horse racing,” Campbell told fans, on the eve of the $1.25 million Travers Stakes. “As long as I’m upright there will always be a Dogwood Stable.”

For more than four decades it has produced champions such as Summer Squall, winner of the 1990 Preakness Stakes, and 2012 Belmont Stakes winner Palace Malice.

In 2012, Campbell was awarded the Eclipse Award of Merit for lifetime achievement.

“He has had so many honors throughout his career,” Anne Campbell said. “This is the greatest. It couldn’t come at a better time.”

Mott is best known for his work with Cigar, 1995 Horse of the Year who won all 10 major races he entered that year including the Pimlico Special and $3 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. The next year Cigar won the $5 million inaugural Dubai World Cup.

However, Mott had humble beginnings, starting out at the former Park Jefferson track in South Dakota where he won his first race, worth $3,800, as a 15-yearold.

“I thought I was the richest guy in South Dakota,” he said.

Thirty years later, at 45, Mott was the youngest trainer ever inducted to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, in 1998. He is also a three-time Eclipse Award winner,

“Whether it’s on the dirt or grass, colt or filly, short

or long, Bill has excelled,” said Dr. J. David Richardson, past chair of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, who presented Mott.

Close friend and Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas presented Campbell.

This was the fourth year for Red Jacket and Walk of Fame ceremonies, which recognize the achievements of those who have made significant contributions to the sport and the advancement of Saratoga Race Course.

“You don’t get these awards unless you’re a classy individual,” former track announcer Tom Durkin said.

“Horses always came first with both Cot and Bill. It’s paid off with two very successful careers.”

PAUL POST — PPOST@DIGITALFIRSTMEDIA.COM Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott unveils his plaque for the Saratoga Walk of Fame on Friday.

PHOTOS BY PAUL POST — PPOST@DIGITALFIRSTMEDIA.COM Cot Campbell addresses Friday’s crowd during Red Jacket ceremonies at Saratoga Race Course.

Cot and Anne Campbell have made significant contributions to racing on and off the track. Cot Campbell was awarded Friday with a Red Jacket and plaque in the Saratoga Race Course Walk of Fame.

Marylou Whitney and her husband, John Hendrickson, right, enter the Winner’s Circle for Red Jacket ceremonies at Saratoga Race Course on Friday. They’re accompanied by Mark Bardack, Ed Lewis Associates owner, left.