PAUL MELLON

PAUL MELLON

he National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs is presenting an exciting exhibition celebrating the legacy of the late Paul Mellon. Passions of Paul Mellon: Horses, Art, and Philanthropy gives a peek into a lifelong passion for horses. Mellon, who had Rokeby Farm in Upperville, achieved lasting success as an owner and a breeder of thoroughbreds with numerous champion racehorses, including Hall of Fame members Arts and Letters and Fort Marcy, as well as Kentucky Derby winner Sea Hero and international superstar Mill Reef. One of racing’s most respected leaders, Mellon also became an avid art collector and donated thousands of works to various notable institutions. His artwork was passed along to prestigious venues such as the National Gallery of Art, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Yale Center for British Art, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and the National Sporting Library and Museum. Mellon was also one of the greatest American philanthropists of the 20th century and his legacy connects many institutions and foundations today. This exhibition features selections from the racing museum’s collection and archive gifted by Paul Mellon along with objects from other institutions such as the National Sporting Library & Museum in Middleburg. Mellon was inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural Pillars of the Turf class of 2013. The good news is if you missed it during the racing season, the exhibition runs through March, 2025.

1934 Deep Run Hunt Cup won by Drinmore Lad, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Gift of the Estate of Paul Mellon.

Paul Mellon by William Franklin Draper, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Gift of the Estate of Paul Mellon.

Photo courtesy of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

Paul Mellon’s Riding Boots, leather, 19 x 11 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches (each) National Sporting Library & Museum, Gift of Thomas Beach, 2003

Paul Mellon's Molotov, Winner of 1990 Grand National, 1991 watercolor on paper 11 x 15 inches National Sporting Library & Museum, Gift of the artist, 2006

Photo courtesy of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Dorothy Haskell Chhuy (American, b. 1943)

L.W. Cushing & Sons, 19th century Hound Chasing a Fox, with directionals Weathervane, copper with gold leaf, 22 x 52 ¼ x 3 ½ inches

Mr. Paul Mellon on Dublin print 8 x 9 inches (sight size), National Sporting Library & Museum, Gift of Karen McIsaac, 2011

Eclipse Awards, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Gift of the Estate of Paul Mellon.

Mill Reef’s QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame medal, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Gift of the Estate of Paul Mellon.