If a group of legislators has its way, the great Dan Patch will soon be receiving a prestigious honour.

According to a pair of published reports (here and here), a group of five Republican legislators in the State of Minnesota are throwing their support behind a bill that calls for Dan Patch, the legendary Standardbred, to be anointed the official state horse.

On Thursday, March 8, State Sen. Dan Hall (R-Burnsville) introduced the bill (SF 3048) which calls for the great Standardbred to be honoured.

Senator Hall has said that the story of Dan Patch is an inspirational one, and that story would surely be kept alive if the great pacer becomes an official symbol of the state.

“I think it’s a big enough deal for the whole state to take a look at Dan Patch being one of the greatest horses, the greatest pacer probably that’s ever been out there,” Hall has been quoted as saying.

For more on Dan Patch, click here.

(With files from Minnesota Public Radio and KZGO Go 95.3)