The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame's Living Horse Hall of Fame nominating committee has announced the results of the 2026 elections.
Museum members voted for the four horses they believed exemplified greatness: Bettors Wish, Buck I St Pat, Manchego and Nuncio, all celebrated for their racing achievements.
These remarkable horses will be inducted on Hall of Fame Day on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the Museum’s annual dinner.
Two-time Dan Patch Award winner and son of U.S. Hall of Famer Bettors Delight, the talented pacer Bettors Wish p,4,1:47.3 ($2,601,233 USD) raced from 2018 through 2020, putting together a standout career record of 44 starts with 24 wins, 13 seconds and four thirds. He topped all Standardbreds in earnings in 2019, banking $1,643,745 USD that season.
Three-time Dan Patch Award winner and two-time Breeders Crown winner, world champion trotting mare Buck I St Pat 7,1:51 ($2,320,637 USD) campaigned from 2005 through 2011, delivering remarkable consistency. She hit the board in 79 of her 105 starts, collecting 51 victories.
Three-time Dan Patch Award winner, world champion trotting mare Manchego 4,1:49 ($3,144,777 USD) enjoyed a remarkable career from 2017 through 2021, highlighted by three Breeders Crown victories. She retired with an impressive record of 65 starts, including 39 wins, six seconds and five thirds. In the 2019 Allerage, she won in 1:49, becoming the fastest female trotter in history. Manchego added another milestone by becoming the first trotting mare to win in sub‑1:50 over three consecutive seasons.
Trotting star Nuncio 3,1:50.4 ($3,627,500 USD) raced from 2013 through 2017, showcasing his talent on both North American and European tracks. Remarkably, he never missed the board during his first four seasons of competition. His career totals include 63 starts with 42 victories, 14 seconds and four thirds. Nuncio’s dominance earned him Sweden’s Horse of the Year title in 2016.
To be eligible for nomination to the Living Horse Hall of Fame, Standardbreds must meet strict criteria outlined on the Museum’s website. For the complete list of elected horses, click here.
The Hall of Fame Day celebrations will also include the inductions of John M. Egloff, DVM, Marvin Katz, Michael G. Kimelman and David Reid into the Hall of Fame. Bea Farber, Morton Finder, Jennas Beach Boy, Kikikatie, Naughty But Nice, Ralph Hanover and Rum Customer will be inducted into the Hall of the Immortals. Derick Giwner and Ellen Taylor will be inducted into the Communicators Hall of Fame.
For more information on the Hall of Fame weekend and related activities, visit the Museum’s website at harnessmuseum.com starting April 2026 or contact the Museum at 240 Main Street, Goshen, NY 10924 or by calling 845-294-6330.
(Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame)