The Sporting Spirit: The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum

No trip to Aiken is complete without visiting the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum. A visual history of Aiken’s contribution to horseracing, the museum features photos, trophies, and other memorabilia. 

A can’t-miss exhibit is Aiken’s African-American Contributions to the Aiken Horse Industry. A story often undertold, the museum honors Aiken’s African-American grooms, jockeys, and trainers that contributed to the equestrian culture Aiken is known for today. 

The exhibit features:

• Jimmy Winkfield - the last black jockey to win the Kentucky Derby
• Charlie Carter - a long time groom for Greentree Stable
• Ansel Williamson - trainer for Kentucky Derby winner Aristides
• Isaac Murphy - one of the greatest riders in American history, and the first to win three Kentucky Derbys
• And more!