Thoroughbred Hall of Fame
Hopeland Gardens, Whiskey Road and Dupree Place, Aiken

This collection of horse racing memorabilia commemorate locally trained horses that have won fame on tracks and fields across the country. Two of the best know are Kelso, five-time national champion, and 1981 Kentucky Derby, and Preakness winner Pleasant Colony.

The Iselin carriage house, with stalls in two wings for their personal horses, was renovated in 1977 and is now the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame. A gallery, featuring champion thoroughbred flat racers and steeplechase horses that were trained in Aiken from 1942 to today, is housed here. Horses such as Elkridge (champion steeplechaser from 1942 to 1946), Devil Diver, Tom Fool, Kelso, Pleasant Colony (1981 Kentucky Derby winner), Conquistador Cielo, Swale, and Forty-Niner are among those honored. Displays include fine collections of paintings, sculptures, photographs, racing silks, trophies, and other memorabilia of the thoroughbred sport. Polo and other equestrian interests also have exhibits here.

Open Tuesday-Sunday, 2:00-5:00, October-May. Free. (803) 642-7630.

Illustration: Triple Crown Races. Original watercolor by Jean Blackmer.