Susan Schroeder of the Minnesota Harness Horsemens Association, is asking for immediate assistance from the international harness racing community to endorse the construction of a bigger than life size stature honoring Dan Patch at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
It was at the fairgrounds that Dan Patch set his 1:55 record in 1906, so next year is the 110th anniversary of this great feat.
The statute would be placed on the last turn side of the grandstand, where the race horse barns used to be.
Dan will be facing the finish line and plans are for him to be in full stride.
There are also plans that the "track surface" under Dan Patch will be a water feature so it will appear as he is moving down the track.
Plans are for Dan to be 1.25 or 1.5 times life size, so this will be a larger than life sculpture.
The sculpture for this project is Alexa King who did the Barbaro statute at Churchill Downs.
Alexa is not only a world renowned sculpture, but also a harness racing fan.
She grew up in Indiana and raced Trottingbred ponies as a child and has followed racing her entire life.
"We need letters of support of the concept of this project," says Schroeder.
"We must get the permission from the Dan Patch Historical Society in Savage before the Minnesota State Fair Foundation will give the green light."
"We would like to present letters from industry leaders to the Historical Society this Wednesday, July 22nd at their annual meeting."
Since they only meet one time a year, time is critical. If you could write a letter of support and email to me at susan@mnharness.com, it would be greatly appreciated."
Susan Schroeder