Home

 Sires

 Dams

 Portraits

 Turf Hallmarks

 Breeders

 Genetic Markers

 Resources

 Contributors

 Store

 Search our site

 E-mail us


 

Turf Hallmarks


Important Races

Champions of the Turf

Race Course Gazeteer

Steeplechasing

Grave Matters

 Thoroughbred Index

 Non-Thoroughbred Index

 Asian Farm Index

 Australia/New Zealand Farm Index

 European Farm Index

 North American Farm Index

 South American Farm Index

Boston vs. Fashion

Racing in Australia

Trainers

  Les Anglais in France

Gone Abroad



 

  Grave Matters: Red Gate Farm, St. Charles, Illinois
graphic

Photos by Liz Martiniak ©Liz Martiniak 2002; all rights reserved.

Greyhound's marker
Volo Song's marker
Top: Greyhound. Bottom: Volo Song.


RED GATE FARM near St. Charles, Illinois, was the farm of Colonel Edward J. Baker, owner of the original "Grey Ghost," the mighty Greyhound. Nestled off the road leading into St. Charles, the main entrance is set off by a beautiful red gate. White barns trimmed with dark red and ancient trees made it an idyllic haven for the Colonel's beloved champion. Greyhound, holder of the mile trotting record of 1:55 1/4 from 1938 to 1969, lived here in retirement until his death at the age of 33 in 1965.

The cemetery is dominated by a monument in red marble and bronze of an angel on horseback which is dedicated to the horse. The markers of the equine occupants are flat bronze tablets adorned with the facial likeness of each horse. There are tablets for GREYHOUND; VOLO SONG, euthanized after breaking a leg in an exhibition race at the track in Elkhorn, Wisconsin only a week after taking his speed record of 1:57 3/4; LABRADOR and WINNIPEG. Col. Baker also buried several of his dogs in the cemetery, and like the horses, each has a bronze tablet with their name and facial likeness etched upon it. -- L.M.

RED GATE FARM BURIALS
Standardbreds
Greyhound (g. 1932-1965)
Labrador
Volo Song
Winnipeg



Home   Historic Sires   Historic Dams   Portraits   Turf Hallmarks   Breeders   Genetics   Resources   Contributors   Search   Store   E-mail


©2002 - 2005 Thoroughbred Heritage. All rights reserved.