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New York Racing Association CEO and President Chris Kay presented red jackets to Campbell and Mott. Plaques with information about both men were unveiled and then they were placed in the Walk of Fame.
The words inscribed on Campbell’s plaque are as follows:
“Author, raconteur, visionary and longtime horseman, W. Cothran ‘Cot’ Campbell made his mark on horse racing in 1969 when he pioneered one of the sport’s innovative ideas: syndicated racehorse ownership. Dominion’s victory in the 1978 Bernard Baruch put Campbell’s Dogwood Stable on the map, and among those who have carried its green-and-yellow silks at Saratoga Race Course are Eclipse champion Storm Song, Preakness winner Summer Squall and Belmont Stakes hero Palace Malice. In conveying the fun and excitement of thoroughbred racing, racehorse syndication has helped attract a new generation of owners to the sport.”
The New York Racing Association, which operates Saratoga and two other racetracks (Belmont Park and Aqueduct), announced Aug. 13 that Campbell would be inducted into the Walk of Fame, but let him know what was going to happen well before the news release was issued.
“I wasn’t expecting it,” said Campbell of the honor. “I felt like a guy who went bear hunting with a slingshot and damned if I didn’t kill the bear.”
The Saratoga Walk of Fame recognizes people who have made significant contributions to thoroughbred racing and the advancement of Saratoga Race Course.
Previous Walk of Fame inductees include owners and breeders Ogden Mills “Dinny” Phipps and Marylou Whitney, race announcer Tom Durkin and trainers Allen Jerkens and D. Wayne Lukas. The other Walk of Fame members are jockeys Jerry Bailey, Angel Cordero and John Velazquez.
Lukas introduced Campbell during Friday’s induction ceremony.