Senator Dan Hall (R-Burnsville) introduced legislation Tuesday to designate Dan Patch as the official horse of Minnesota. If adopted Dan Patch would join 18 other state symbols in law, immortalizing him and preserving an amazing part of Savage’s history.

“Tell me the name of a greater horse, or any horse, that represents Minnesota better than Dan Patch,” said Senator Hall. “As a young horse, Dan Patch was noticed for his friendly personality but had issues that many believed would prevent him from becoming a successful pacer. They thought he had no potential, but there was somebody that believed in him. I think that speaks to the experiences of a lot of us in Minnesota. It takes somebody in our life to believe in us.”

“Despite Dan Patch’s abnormal physical stature for a racing horse was an achiever on the racetrack. Again, this Represents the willingness of the people of Minnesota to look deeper than what is seen of the surface, and not judge anyone based simply by their appearance.”

“Then at age 9, an age where racehorses are considered past their prime, Dan Patch outdid himself by breaking his record, which stood then for another 30 years,” continued Senator Hall. “Which I think represents the idea that Minnesota seniors are never too old to achieve greatness.”

Born in 1896 and purchased by Marion W. Savage of Minneapolis in 1902, Dan Patch set the world record for harness racing with a 1 minute, 55-second mile in 1905. That record stood unmatched for over 30 years. Harness racing was one of the most popular sports in the country, and Dan Patch was a regular celebrity, generating over $1 million in earnings and exhibitions.