Borel, Gomez top Hall of Fame noms

Jockeys Calvin Borel, Garrett Gomez, and John Velazquez and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer are first-time finalists for election to the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame. Joining them on the 2011 Hall of Fame ballot are previous finalists: jockey Alex Solis, trainers Gary Jones and Robert Wheeler, and racehorses Open Mind, Safely Kept, and Sky Beauty.

Hall of Fame voters may select as many candidates as they believe are worthy of induction to the Hall of Fame. The four candidates with the highest vote totals will be elected.

The finalists were selected by the Hall of Fame's 16-member nominating committee from a total of 80 candidates suggested throughout the year by Turf journalists, Thoroughbred industry participants, and racing fans. To be eligible, trainers must have been active for 25 years, and jockeys must have been active for 20 years. Racehorses must have been retired for five years. All candidates must have been active within the past 25 years. A separate Historic Review Committee is assigned to consider candidates whose careers were completed more than 25 years ago.