The 2009 National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame inductions, held on Aug. 14, came together like a great American tapestry, highlighted by the irrepressible Bob Baffert, who rose from the Quarter Horse ranks in and around his hometown of Nogales, Ariz., to become one of the top big-money Thoroughbred trainers of all time and winner of eight Triple Crown races; his star filly, Silverbulletday, winner of 13 graded stakes, whom Baffert purchased as a yearling for his good friend Mike Pegram; and Tiznow, the California-bred from obscure parents who singlehandedly repulsed back-to-back European invasions of the Breeders’ Cup Classic in dramatic fashion.,p> Also honored were “Steady” Eddie Maple, who won 4,398 races over a 34-year career; Janet Elliot, the first woman trainer to be inducted into the Hall of Fame; and jumper Ben Nevis II, winner of England’s grueling Grand National.

When such an eclectic cast of characters, all five with their own special story, share their sport’s most distinguished honor in front of family and friends, it is sure to inspire a wide gamut of emotions.

While some people wear their heart on their sleeve, Baffert, like the quintessential showman, usually keeps his heart concealed, shielded by quips, jokes, and other comments that some may find outrageous. But on this occasion, he knew well in advance that his defenses would crumble as soon as he stepped up to the podium at the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and saw his mother and father in the audience. With his brothers and sisters and longtime friends also in attendance, Baffert tried his best to hold his emotions in check. He failed miserably.

On three separate occasions, Baffert was unable to speak, once after looking out at his daughter, Savannah, who was in tears