by Paul Post

Saratoga Race Course visitors might be greeted by three of Thoroughbred racing’s most famous New York-breds if industry supporters have their way.

A non-profit group led by former New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association President Dennis Brida wants to create a park featuring statues of Funny Cide, Fourstardave, and Commentator at the southern gateway to Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

The site, although smaller in scale, would be patterned after the popular Thoroughbred Park in Lexington, one of that city’s most photographed sites where numerous life-sized horse statues are on display.

“We want to do a real quality park,” Brida said. "It’s just a question if all the pieces fall in place.”

Brida is president of foundation that has been created to raise money for the project. This most likely would include acquisition of a parcel of land less than a half-acre plus hiring an artist to create the statues.

Brida currently is general manager of Stone Bridge Farm in Northumberland. He is a past president of New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and former executive director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders.

Foundation board members include Jack Knowlton, managing partner of Sackatoga Stable, which campaigned 2003 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Funny Cide; Tom Gallo, managing member of Parting Glass Racing and the owner of Blue Stone Farm, where Commentator was foaled; and former NYTHA President Richard Bomze.

Commentator won the 2005 and ‘08 runnings of the Whitney Handicap (G1) at Saratoga Race Course. Fourstardave was known as the “Sultan of Saratoga,” a fan favorite who won races there several years in a row.

“Saratoga is the capital of the horse racing industry in New York,” Gallo said. “Why not really play on that? It’s a building block toward that type of consciousness. It would be a real impressive thing for people to see when they come into the city.”

The proposed park site is now privately owned. Mayor Scott Johnson said the city cannot afford to purchase the parcel but that he supports the foundation’s efforts, which he said would be a welcome addition to the “Racing City’s” landscape.

“It would fit very well in Saratoga and go well with the other horse sculptures you see around town,” he said. “It’s just a question of timing.”

Paul Post is a New York-based Thoroughbred Times correspondent