Eric Guerin aboard Native Dancer - Saratoga Springs, NY - Equestrian Statues on Waymarking.com

The statue of Eric Guerin aboard Native Dancer is a fitting way to greet visitors to the famous racing venue of Saratoga Springs, NY. The larger than life bronze statue was a gift to Saratoga Springs from socialite Marylou Whitney in honor of the town's centennial. The statue was created by equine sculptor Gewn Reardon and installed at the head of Union Avenue at section of Congress park, now called renamed Marylou Whitney Park, in August 2015.

Eric Guerin was born on October 23, 1924 in Maringouin, Louisiana. After riding Jet Pilot to a win in the 1947 Kentucky Derby he was offered a contract from Alfred G. Vanderbilt II to join his Sagamore Stable. In 1952 he rode Native Dancer to an undefeated season. During his career from 1942 to 1975 Eric Guerin won an incredible 2,712 races. In 1972, Guerin was elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

Native Dancer, known as "the Gray Ghost" was owned by Alfred G. Vanderbilt II a relative of Marylou Whitney's second husband Cornelius Vanderbilt. In 1952 Native Dancer, with Eric Guerin as the jockey, was undefeated at stakes races at the Saratoga Race track, winning all four of his starts as a two year old. That year he also won the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Staked before winning the Travers Stakes in Saratoga. Native Dancer Native Dancer raced between 1952 and 1954, had 21 wins in 22 starts, and was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1963.

Sources:

Getting Out of the Gate -a Players Guide to Thoroughbred Horse Racing: (visit link)
News 10: (visit link)
Saratoga Living: (visit link)
What's New in Saratoga: (visit link)

Identity of Rider: Eric Guerin Identity of Horse: Native Dancer Name of artist: Gwen Reardon Date of Dedication: August 2015 Material: Bronze Unusual Features: Horse and jockey statues are not common. Native Dancer is depicted in motion. Position: Two Hooves Raised

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