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Hold your horses, everybody. A Minnesota lawmaker says there’s just one equine that deserves a high honor.

State Sen. Dan Hall, R-Burnsville, introduced a bill Thursday

 was an American Standardbred. He was owned by Marion Willis Savage and stabled in Minnesota. He raced on the national circuit in the early 1900s and set many speed records for the times. The horse died in 1916.

Hall, a Republican whose district includes the city of Savage, said the horse has an inspirational story and making it an official symbol would help keep that alive.

“I think it’s a big enough deal for the whole state to take a look at Dan Patch being one of the greatest horses, the greatest pacer probably that’s ever been out there,” Hall said.

Last year, Hall pushed through a bill to provide 

 fueled legacy fund to erect a statue of Dan Patch in Savage. The noble beast already has his own street, Dan Patch Avenue, on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

, ranging from a drink (milk) to a muffin (blueberry) to a fish (walleye) to a sport (hockey).

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Brian Bakst

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State Sen. Dan Hall says racehorse Dan Patch deserves recognition as the official state horse. He's written a bill to do that.

Yea or neigh vote? MN lawmakers seek to honor famous horse

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