SPECIAL TRIBUTE: Good-bye, War Pass

In seven years as a Thoroughbred racing fan, there have been few horses I've loved more that the lightning fast colt, whose story was too short; from his brief tenure on the racetrack, to what should have been a long, happy, and productive life. Like a devastating wildfire, the shocking news spread rapidly, our hearts consumed by grief. On Christmas Eve, 2010, only a day after a shuttle return from Australia, the beloved five-year-old War Pass died in his paddock. As of this writing, the cause of his death is unknown. As many of us anxiously wait in hopes of learning what cruel fate awaited him, the following is this blogger's testimony to a wonderful and forever treasured champion.

"Pure Lightning"

In the summer of 2007, a visually stunning dark bay/brown colt, streaked across the racing landscape. He was so fast that his Hall of Fame trainer would describe him as “pure lightning.” War Pass was an exhilarating rush of blinding speed, and so much fun, that when he crossed the finish line, dusting off his opponents with consumate ease and authority, I was swept up to. Everything about War Pass, from his very name, to his style on the track, bespoke an aggressiveness easy to admire. There were certainly some people who weren't sure he could carry such speed over the classic American distance, and one had to look closely at his bloodline to know he did have the capacity to run on.

Family

War Pass, foaled on April 17, 2005 at Cherry Valley Farm in Kentucky, was a son of champion sprinter and Preakness runner-up Cherokee Run, the sire of many standout runners, including two-year-old champion filly Chilukki. The colt's dam,Vue, although lightly raced, was a daughter of the great stallion and speed influence Mr. Prospector. War Pass' paternal grandsire, Runaway Groom, was 1982 champion three-year-old male in Canada, and holds the distinction of defeating Derby winner Gato del Sol, Preakness winner Aloma's Ruler, and Belmont Stakes winner Conquistador Cielo in the Travers Stakes. War Pass' great-grandsire, Blushing Groom, was a champion in France and later a leading sire. A few of his notable children included the sensational Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner, Eclipse two-year-old male champion, and European Horse of the Year Arazi, and filly triple crown winner and later champion older female Sky Beauty. Blushing Groom's daughter, Primal Force, foaled Breeders' Cup Classic winner Awesome Again, who later sired 2004 Horse of the Year Ghostzapper, while another daughter, Once Wed, produced Japan's T.M. Opera O, Thoroughbred racing's all-time leading money earner.

Precocity

As a Keeneland sales yearling, War Pass was purchased by Robert V. LaPenta, and put under the handling of trainer Nick Zito. The colt would define himself as a juvenile, making his debut in a six furlong maiden special weight, at Saratoga, on July 28, 2007. Breaking just behind Globilization and Commandeered, War Pass was quickly among the leaders and soon grabbed the lead, covering the quarter in a solid 21.98, before drawing away to the wire by almost three lengths in 1:10.26. With Cornelio Velasquez, now as his regular rider, War Pass returned one month later. As pacesetter, he created a five and a half length separation between himself and five others at the wire, covering six furlongs in 1:10.61. Behind him in second and third were Fidelio and Pyro respectively. War Pass returned on October 6 in his first major test, the one mile Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park. In a field of eight, which included Pyro, Z Humor, Majestic Warrior, and Ready's Image, War Pass broke fast and wired the field, setting solid fractions. Although a rally by Pyro paired War Pass' winning margin down to one and a half lengths, he was never threatened, and stopped the timer in 1:36.12. The unbeaten War Pass would make his final start of the year in the Breeders' Cup. And before a national television audience, he would have an opportunity to seriously strut his stuff, with a championship in his sights.

No Equal

The 24^th Breeders' Cup, on October 26-27, 2007, introduced new races to its card, and was the first edition staged over two days. Hosted by Monmouth Park in Oceanport, New Jersey, the commendable efforts by grounds personnel were up against nature, which forced horses and riders to deal with adverse weather conditions that left the turf course a bog, the main oval a sea of slop, with the event ultimately marred on the second day by the fatal breakdown of the superb European runner George Washington in the Classic. Earlier that afternoon the Breeders' Cup Juvenile saw eleven two-year-old males vying for their share of glory. War Pass left from the two post, broke very fast, and never looked back. Before anyone knew what happened, the colt had run the socks off his rivals, skipping merrily over the slippery surface, his margin four lengths after three-quarters and seven lengths in the stretch, before hitting the wire four and a half lengths to the good of Pyro, who again rallied late after a compromised trip. Kodiak Kowboy was third less than a length ahead of Tale of Ekati. The winner had clipped off fractions of :22.76, :45.56, 1:09.65, 1:35.64, before finishing the 1 1/16 mile test in 1:42.76. He was later awarded a Beyer speed figure of 113, the highest ever recorded in the race. With four starts and four wins for the year, War Pass would be voted champion two-year-old male at the Eclipse Awards held in January. It was time for him to take a breather before a resumption of training as a three-year-old.

He Works and Romps

In 2006, the two-year-old Street Sense, under Calvin Borel, had rocketed home via the rail, in a compelling Breeders' Cup victory, then the pair virtually performed the identical act the following spring in the Kentucky Derby. It was now War Pass' turn to try and emulate Street Sense with a Breeders' Cup/Derby “Double,” and he began 2008 giving every indication he would succeed. Assigned the high weight of 127 pounds in the Jockey Club's Experiment Free Handicap, the colt had two nice works during the first two weeks of February at Palm Meadows Training Center prior to making his first start of the year in a one mile allowance race at Gulfstream Park. On February 24, against four mismatched rivals, War Pass broke fast from post five and ran off by seven and a half lengths in a time of 1:36.38, to start the year on the right foot, padding his career record with a fifth win in five career starts. His next race would not go so easily.

Nightmare

The champion was a huge favorite for the 1 1/16 mile Tampa Bay Derby on March 15. Entering stall three, War Pass did not break well, then was abruptly squeezed back, then bumped again, thus neutralizing his biggest asset, speed, which had always allowed him to get clear of other horses. The blown start had put him in a situation he had never encountered before. Instead of running freely, War Pass found himself stuck in traffic. Accustomed to being ahead of every horse, he was now in the middle of them, and his usual crushing impact was  negated.  From this point on, he was merely a follower instead of a leader, awaiting his fate instead of controlling it. As Gentleman James set the early pace, War Pass stayed within striking distance, a bit wide, but he was not used to being in a crowd, and didn't like it. Whether physically shaken from the rough start or discouraged, in the stretch run War Pass fell back precipitiously, as the Barclay Tagg trained Big Truck won a furious duel with Atoned, crossing the finish line first. But the outcome was baffling and unthinkable. War Pass didn't merely lose, he finished last, more than twenty-three lengths behind the winner.

War Pass' shocking defeat would no doubt pose questions and give any doubters reason to dismiss him as perhaps another precocious two-year-old who was now beginning to regress. It seemed as if the colt, faced with adversity for the first time, couldn't handle it, that he was merely a fast front runner who could only succeed if he had things entirely his own way. If he had experienced this kind of trouble against only six other horses, how could he succeed in America's premier contest, among as many as nineteen top three-year-olds, where front running speed is often heavily pressured by other speed? War Pass had never been pushed around, and never had to look another horse in the eye, much less his backside. It was a predicament he was always able to avoid because of his ability to get a powerful jump on his opponents and then run uncontested. It was also reported that the colt had a fever some days prior to the race, and perhaps this may have been a factor in his performance. In considering all elements, some might have wondered if this was War Pass showing another side of his character, or simply a racer who had suffered an off day, and would return to his good form the next time. War Pass would get a chance to redeem himself, and draw a line through the nightmare at Tampa Bay.

Heart

Twelve days later, War Pass put in a four furlong bullet breeze, and was on target for the East's premiere prep, the 1 1/8 mile Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on April 5. War Pass would break from post five in a field of ten. There was some concern that being in the middle of the pack could get him squeezed back again, but he broke well enough to get the advantage on the others. Another speed horse named Inner Light was also in the mix, employed as a rabbit to try and take War Pass out on behalf of Court Vision. Inner Light stayed with War Pass, pressuring him into punishing fractions. Going around the first turn, the two horses were more than three lengths ahead of Giant Moon and Tale of Ekati, but War Pass had run the quarter in a murderous :22.46. Midway down the backstretch War Pass maintained a one and a half length lead, with a half in :46 flat. By now Inner Light was through, and after six furlongs, the champ had run 1:11.50. By the time he came into the stretch, War Pass was essentially cooked but perservered. The wire couldn't come soon enough, and as he struggled gallantly to maintain his lead, Tale of Ekati was bearing down on him from the inside. Approaching the finish, War Pass, out toward the middle of the track, and still reaching for any residual strength left, was unable to hold off Tale of Ekati who passed him in the closing strides to win by a half length in a final time of 1:52.35. War Pass had done all the dirty work and despite the loss, he showed everyone what was inside him. This was the real War Pass with a huge heart.

Aftermath

War Pass possessed the virtues inherent in all Thoroughbred champions: class, courage, ability, and perserverance. Yet his bright star was soon to disappear. The year which had started so auspiciously, turned sour beginning at Tampa Bay, but what followed the Wood was even worse. The colt had sustained a fracture to the left front sesamoid and had to be taken out of training. He missed the entire Triple Crown series, and his racing future was uncertain. Surgery wasn't presently indicated and it was hoped that the injury would heal on its own, with re-evaluation after an extended period of rest. War Pass stayed largely out of the news for the next several months, until in early September, the fastest two-year-old his trainer had ever conditioned, was retired. War Pass had won five of seven starts, with earnings of $1,583,400. He probably didn't have enough time to stake a legitimate claim to greatness; but before he was injured, was on his way.

Beloved Horse

War Pass began the next chapter of his life as a stallion at William S. Farish's Lane's End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky. His first offspring was a filly and his first crop of foals will reach racing age in 2012.

It would be easy to think of War Pass as a shooting star, racing across the heavens with incredible speed, then just as quickly disappearing. And yet, that analogy would be wholly inadequate because a celestial body is likely to be soon forgotten. War Pass' children will carry his legacy, some of them perhaps becoming champions themselves, and through them, War Pass will always be with us, his name on our lips, and his memory certainly shining bright in our hearts. The beautiful young horse is now with the racing immortals, happily running free. War Pass always loved being on the lead and we can only wonder how far he'll go in this elite company.

Copyright 2010, 2012 by John Califano

The Toast of New York

The handsome red colt missed his appointment with immortality. Perhaps he wasn't a superhorse after all, but to his fans, and those associated with him, Easy Goer was certainly a “dream horse.” Born in Kentucky, he became vintage New York. And if there was any quality in a Thoroughbred that Easy Goer lacked, God hadn't created it.

Easy Goer had royal bloodlines, dazzling chestnut elegance, striking conformation, and enormous talent. The axiom “breed the best to the best and hope for the best,” defined Easy Goer. He was a marvelous creature of equine athleticism, the focal point of an endearing public, and the toast of New York racing. On a racetrack, Easy Goer had great range, with the ability to win decisively from 6 ½ furlongs to 1 ½ miles.

Part One: A Champion

Family of Distinction

Ogden Phipps, patriarch of one of Thoroughbred racing's most prominent families, owned and bred Easy Goer. Foaled at Claiborne Farm in March 1986, the colt's sire Alydar, was a racehorse of significant promise, largely remembered for his fabled rivalry with the last Triple Crown winner Affirmed, whose greatness reached its summit due to his confrontations with Alydar. Bred by Calumet Farm and conditioned by John Veitch, Alydar had impeccable quality, character, and has been largely remembered for his keen perserverance. The horse's odyssey was a touching blend of triumph and loss, his fine voice giving song to a lovely lyric of 26 career starts, 14 firsts, 9 seconds one third, and $957,195 in earnings. He finished out of the money only twice, and was undoubtedly loved more in times of disappointment than success. Until Alydar's life was tragically cut short, he was one of the industry's best sires. In addition to Easy Goer, his other sons included Horse of the Year honorees Alysheba and Criminal Type, champion Turkoman, and Kentucky Derby winner Strike The Gold.

Easy Goer's dam, Relaxing, was by the great and beautiful Buckpasser, racing's first three-year-old millionaire and 1966 Horse of the Year. Buckpasser, in one stretch, won fifteen consecutive races, and was among the trio of titans in the middle of that decade who ran in the famous Woodward Stakes of 1967, along with Damascus and Dr. Fager. Relaxing was an accomplished turf and dirt runner, who first raced with moderate success in Great Britain, before arriving in the States. While competing almost exclusively at New York tracks, Relaxing won or placed in several graded stakes. In her last three starts, she finished fourth in the Woodward Stakes, won the Ruffian Handicap, and exited the scene with a third place effort in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, when she finished less than a length behind the future legend John Henry. In 28 starts, Relaxing recorded 13 firsts, 2 seconds, 5 thirds, nearly $600,000 in earnings, and named 1981 champion older female.

Moving forward

The young Easy Goer was put under the handling of Claude “Shug” McGaughey III, whose barn also had another Phipps star, the four-year-old filly Personal Ensign, who was on her way to a unique and distinguished place in the sport's history. Easy Goer made his racing debut on August 1, 1988 in a six furlong maiden special weight at Belmont Park. Pat Day, who had been voted the nation's top jockey three out of the last four years, was given the mount, and would stay in the irons for keeps. The colt broke slow, and after a compromised trip, came on with a strong rally to lose by a nose to Lorenzoni. It was a good beginning however, and Easy Goer would subsequently showcase his brilliance. He raced again less than three weeks later at Saratoga, and overtook Is It True, in a time of 1:22 3/5, in their first of four meetings that year. Easy Goer then won a Belmont Park allowance in early September, covering 6 ½ furlongs in 1:09 1/5. As the colt's reputation grew, other two-year-olds were catching some attention. Trapp Mountain would annex the Saratoga Special and Futurity Stakes, and Mercedes Won would do the same in the Sanford and Hopeful. Another promising youngster in McGaughey's barn was Fast Play, a son of Seattle Slew, who would win the 1 1/8 mile Remsen Stakes, while finishing second and third in the Hopeful and Futurity respectively.

Easy Goer's trademark style was to generally sit off the pace, before making a powerful strike in the stretch, his prowess amplified by remarkably fast times. The colt's dominance continued with a three length win in Belmont Park's seven furlong Cowdin, in 1:23 3/5. Winners Laugh was behind him, followed by Is It True. Two weeks later, on October 15, in the one mile Champagne Stakes that included Mercedes Won, Easy Goer ran down Is It True, and drew away by four lengths, his final clocking 1:34 4/5.

The 'Downs' Mud

It was finally time for Easy Goer to leave his familiar confines of New York and venture to Churchill Downs as the heavy favorite for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, its fifth edition run on November 5, 1988. The weather in Louisville had been rainy and for the first time Easy Goer would have to negotiate a muddy track, over 1 1/16 miles. He would always respond favorably to distance, but surface conditions were problematic. On the same day that Personal Ensign climaxed an undefeated career with a historic come from behind victory in the final stride over Winning Colors in the Breeders' Cup Distaff, Easy Goer faltered. Positioned in stall nine, he was a step slow out of the gate, veered out, bumping the outside horse, then couldn't get a good hold of the track. Going into the first turn, he was about eight lengths back in seventh, but began a bid into the far turn. With six furlongs left, he was gaining on the leaders, and from there his natural ability enabled him to pass every runner but one. Is It True, a horse he had previously beaten three times, finally turned the tables. He had taken an early lead, repelled one challenge, then another, and as Easy Goer continued to relentlessly eat away at his lead, Is It True hit the finish line 1 ¼ lengths ahead, with Easy Goer eight lengths to the good of the French racer Tagel.

Honored

With four impressive wins in six starts, and a bankroll close to $700,000, Easy Goer's two explainable defeats were overlooked, and he was widely recognized as the best two-year-old colt in training. In addition to 1988 Eclipse awards for Phipps as owner/breeder, McGaughey as trainer, and Personal Ensign as champion older female, Easy Goer was named juvenile male champion. He was also early favorite for the Derby. His two-year-old season in the books, he would take a break in Florida, where he would then begin preparation for a sophomore campaign geared toward the spring classics. In 1989, the grandeur that marked Easy Goer would reach lofty highs and unanticipated lows.

To Be Continued...

Copyright 2010, 2012 by John Califano

A Salute to Buckpasser

He was a perfectly conformed, nearly 17 hand horse, and beautiful to look at. In his two-year-old debut in 1965, he finished fourth in a 5 ½ furlong maiden special weight. He would never be unplaced again in 30 more starts, and immediately rattled off eight consecutive wins. On a later streak, he would almost double that number. In each of his three seasons, he was a champion, despite physical ailments in both his three and four-year-old campaigns. And even after missing the Triple Crown races, he was voted Horse of the Year at age three.

Buckpasser had wonderful talent, an easy disposition off the track, and a fierce desire to compete on it. He didn't always make winning look easy however, and after coming from off the pace, and taking the lead, if unchallenged by another horse, he tended to get lazy, sometimes pulling himself up, until faced with the prospect of losing. He would then dig in, giving the impression that he wouldn't get home in time; yet he usually arrived first, even if by the barest of margins.

Buckpasser was a bay colt, owned and bred by Ogden Phipps. Foaled in Kentucky, in 1963, he was sired by the great handicap champion and 1953 Horse of the Year Tom Fool. Buckpasser's dam, Busanda, was sired by Triple Crown winner and 1937 Horse of the Year War Admiral. Busanda was also a multiple stakes winner, among her credits the 1951 Suburban Handicap over males.

The Youngster at Two

Buckpasser was first trained by Bill Winfrey, who had previously conditioned the illustrious Native Dancer. The colt was ridden in all but three races by Braulio Baeza, making his first five starts at Aqueduct. His debut, on May 13, 1965, showed a lack of experience, and a fourth place finish, 1 ¼ lengths shy of the winner. He broke his maiden on next asking, going five furlongs on a sloppy track. He obviously liked the winner's circle, because he stood in it seven more times in succession. His wins included a dead heat with Hospitality in the 5 ½ furlong National Stallion Stakes in late June, the Tremont, at the same distance, Monmouth's six furlong Sapling, the 6 ½ furlong Hopeful at Saratoga, and the seven furlong Arlington-Washington Futurity at Arlington Park. Buckpasser then returned to Aqueduct, and fell a half length short at the wire in the 6 ½ furlong Futurity, when the filly Priceless Gem outlasted him. He concluded his juvenile year on October 16, with a four length victory in the one mile Champagne, one of the few times when he actually created good separation. With nine wins, and a second in eleven starts, and well over a half million dollars in earnings, he was deservedly accorded the two-year-old male championship.

Streak and Setback

As a three-year-old, Buckpasser would now be conditioned by Eddie Neloy, and Bill Shoemaker would ride him in his next three starts. The colt returned on February 14, 1966 at Hialeah, in a betless exhibition, but lost to his stablemate and eventual sprint champion Impressive, by 4 ½ lengths, when the winner equaled the seven furlong track record in 1:21 4/5. Buckpasser would not lose again until mid-June of the following year, winning 15 straight races, beginning with the 1 1/8 mile Everglades. He next seized the 1 1/8 mile Flamingo Stakes by a nose, on March 3, then suffered his first setback. A quarter crack to his right front hoof knocked him out of the spring classics. He didn't race again for three months, returning in an Aqueduct six furlong allowance on June 4, and scored an impressive two length win over older horses, in the rapid time of 1:09 1/5. On June 18, at Delaware Park, he conceded twelve pounds to five others in the 1 1/8 mile Leonard Richards Stakes. Still well behind going into the far turn, he found a way to get the measure of Wood Memorial and Belmont Stakes placed Buffle, in receipt of twelve pounds from the champion, the margin less than a length.

Buckpasser made his next start seven days later in the one mile Arlington Classic, and in the field with him was Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Kauai King. Well off the early pace, he began to roll around the far turn, and came home with a new world record of 1:32 3/5, breaking the mark set only a week earlier by Hedevar in the Equipoise Mile, on the same track. Kauai King couldn't do better than fifth. Buckpasser continued his success at Arlington Park, winning the 1 1/8 mile Chicagoen on July 9, then took on older horses again in Aqueduct's 1 ¼ mile Brooklyn Handicap. Top weighted, the favored Buckpasser remained two to three lengths in back of the leaders before moving in the stretch, and just managed to get his head in front of the stubborn Buffle.

A Triple Afterall

Buckpasser visited Arlington Park again on August 6. Along with his two earlier wins at the venue, a score in the 1 1/8 mile American Derby would give him the Mid-American Triple. The colt would give seven to eighteen pounds to his eight rivals, including twelve pounds to Advocator, second in the Kentucky Derby, and third in the Belmont Stakes. Breaking slow and carrying 128 pounds, Buckpasser beat Jolly Jet, also under 116, by a neck, stopping the clock in track record time of 1:47.

Millionaire

A win in the Travers Stakes at Saratoga on August 20, would make Buckpasser racing's first three-year-old millionaire. After trailing early, he caught Belmont Stakes winner Amberoid about a furlong from the finish, finally forging ahead to the wire by three quarters of a length. The horse had also equaled the track record of 2:01 3/5 for the 10 furlongs. With his ninth straight victory, he now had a bankroll of $1,038,369.

On October 1, Buckpasser raced in the Woodward Stakes at Aqueduct, facing older horses, including the highly regarded Tom Rolfe, the previous year's Preakness winner and three-year-old champion. Tom Rolfe was a genuine star, who had also won the Mid-American Triple before travelling to France, and finish sixth behind the great Sea-Bird in the 1965 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Although Tom Rolfe had been more than sixteen lengths behind the winner, he had beaten fourteen other runners in his turf debut.

In the weight-for-age Woodward, Buckpasser carried 121 pounds to his elders' 126. The track was muddy and after trailing early, the colt moved toward the rail and outfinished Royal Gunner by three quarters of a length. Buffle, who had now lost to Buckpasser for a fourth time, finished third, and Tom Rolfe was fourth. On October 19, Buckpasser annexed the 1 5/8 mile Lawerence Realization by two and a half lengths, and ten days later, took the two mile Jockey Club Gold Cup, with the Argentinian bred Niarkos one and three quarter lengths behind.

Clearly the Best

In November, Buckpasser was named Horse of the Year, three-year-old male champion, and top handicap horse by Daily Racing Form and Morning Telegraph. The Thoroughbred Racing Association also awarded him two of the titles, while naming Bold Bidder handicap champion.

On the last day of 1966, Buckpasser won the seven furlong Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita Park, to complete a sophomore campaign of 14-13-1-0.

Still a Champion

Buckpasser didn't rest before he began to race as an older horse. On January 14, 1967, the four-year-old Buckpasser won Santa Anita's 1 1/8 mile San Fernando Stakes. His physical troubles recurred, starting with another quarter crack early in the year, and ankle trouble over summer. Buckpasser would race just five more times, all at Aqueduct. He did not compete again until the end of May when he captured his fifteenth consecutive win in the one mile Metropolitan Handicap, under 130 pounds, conceding twenty-two and seventeen pounds to the second and third finishers respectively. His earnings, now at $1,342,204, put him in third place on the all-time list behind only Kelso and Round Table.

Buckpasser needed one more start to join the immortal Citation in boasting the most consecutive wins; however, if he achieved it, he would have to do it on the grass, because his connections wanted to take the horse to France for the 1 9/16 mile Grand Prix de Saint Cloud. To get him prepared for such a race, he was next entered in the 1 5/8 mile Bowling Green Handicap. Not only was Buckpasser trying the lawn for the first time, he would also be required to carry 135 pounds, his highest assignment yet. He finished a credible third, giving the winner, Poker, twenty-three pounds, and runner-up Assagai, eight. Although his streak was snapped, and the prospect of going to Europe gone, Buckpasser still eventually scored sixteen straight wins on dirt.

On July 4, the horse carrried 133 pounds, and took the 1 ¼ mile Suburban. Behind him was Ring Twice, under a mere 111, and Yonder with a feathery 109. Having previously annexed the Met, Buckpasser had now won the first two legs of the New York Handicap Triple Crown and would try and join Whisk Broom II (1913), his sire (1953), and Kelso (1961) as only the fourth horse to sweep the series. The 1 ¼ mile Brooklyn Handicap was next on July 22. Assigned 136 pounds, against four other runners, Buckpasser was a distant second, as Handsome Boy, in receipt of twenty pounds from the great horse, romped home by eight lengths in a blistering 2:00 1/5, just a few ticks off the track record.

Final Curtain: The Great Race

Not since the Trenton Handicap had determined the Horse of the Year, ten years earlier, between future Hall of Famers Bold Ruler, Gallant Man, and Round Table, had there been a more highly regarded race than the 1967 Woodward Stakes, commonly referred to as the “Race of the Decade.” The contest brought together three horses who were among the biggest guns in the history of the American track: Buckpasser, Dr. Fager, and Damascus. One horse had already earned the sport's highest year-end honor, the other two would each receive it in succeeding years, and all three were later inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame. Between them, these three horses decimated records, won 12 championships, made 85 starts, for 64 wins, 13 seconds, 5 thirds, and $3,641,437, a good amount of money in the 1960s. Each horse was also unplaced only once.

Buckpasser entered the contest as the favorite with the three-year-olds Dr. Fager and Damascus the co-second choices. The other three runners were Handsome Boy, Hedevar, and Great Power, the latter two employed as pacemakers on behalf of Damascus and Buckpasser respectively, to prevent the devastatingly fast Dr. Fager from getting a lone lead, and to ultimtely soften him up for the closers. Both rabbits did their jobs, and sacrificed themselves for the privilege. Covering the first three-quarters in an insane 1:09 and change, Dr. Fager had already put Great Power away, and Hedevar was now ready to call it an afternoon. But the Doc's torrid pace, with a half mile still to run, had taken its toll. Damascus, who had been biding his time patiently in the background, was now powering up and ready to roll. Buckpasser, also coming from off the pace, gave it the old college try, but was no match for Damascus who blew by with the fury of a tornado. When the dust finally settled and the havoc examined, Damascus' winning margin was ten lengths. Buckpasser, in his final act, managed to cross over next, just ahead of Dr. Fager.

Buckpasser would again be named champion handicap horse (TRA). His remarkable career reflected thirty-one starts, twenty-five firsts, four seconds, one third, and earnings of $1,462,014.

Legacy

Retired to stud duty at Claiborne Farm, Buckpasser was a strong influence. Among his more than thirty stakes winners was champion Numbered Account, the future dam of Private Account, who would sire the incomparable Personal Ensign. Another Buckpasser daughter was Canada's illustrious champion filly and Horse of the Year La Prevoyante. Buckpasser was especially notable as a broodmare sire, leading this list four times, and siring the dams of Coastal, Slew o' Gold, El Gran Senor, Seeking the Gold, Touch Gold, as well as the great Easy Goer.

Buckpasser was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1970 and died in 1978. In his day, he had been one of racing's preeminent figures, exemplifying all the qualities of the great Thoroughbred: beauty of conformation, class, courage, tenacity, and talent. In an era when the Sport of Kings flourished, Buckpasser was one of the major stars who enriched it. His many descendents have carried his torch and legacy admirably.

Copyright 2010, 2012 by John Califano

Ninety Years Since Man o' War

The press called him “wonder horse,” "speed miracle," "horse of ages,” “superhorse of the ages,” "The Horse of a Decade," and "Horse of the Century." His groom called him “the mostest hoss.”

Ninety years ago, the magnificent Man o'War ran his last race, a dominating seven length win over Thoroughbred racing's first Triple Crown winner. With the first decade of the 21^st century now over, it is probably safe to say that the name 'Man o'War' remains widely recognized in America, whether one has ever witnessed a horse race or not. No other racehorse has ever commanded such enduring notoriety. The flaming red chestnut colt from Faraway Farm continues to be the symbol of American racing, and the standard of Thoroughbred greatness. His name has been immortalized in the cinema, books, and sports lore. Man o'War was to horse racing what Babe Ruth was to baseball, two towering figures, larger than life, and forever carved into the psyche of American culture.

Man o'War's bright star ascended in the aftermath of World War I, helping to usher in a golden era of sports during the beginning of the Roaring Twenties. He was so overwhelming, that he repeatedly beat his opponents senseless, with effortless style and unbelievable power. He excelled equally at all distances ranging from 5 ½ furlongs to 1 5/8 miles, under a variety of surface conditions. Rarely was he ever extended, his rider keeping a rein on the horse, even though the great animal was always keen to run on. His owner, Samuel Riddle, did not believe in breaking records just for the sake of records, but always wanted his steed to have something in reserve for the next test, most of which proved not to be tests at all, but merely workouts. Even high imposts, in an attempt to be an equalizer, usually didn't make a difference. As a two-year-old, in 1919, Man o'War made ten starts, and lost only once, in a contest where human fraility led to his defeat. At three, he won all eleven races, setting numerous track, American, and world records.

Man o'War, was first owned and bred by August Belmont II. The horse, who would become a large chestnut colt, was sired by Fair Play out of Mahubah by English Triple Crown winner Rock Sand, and born at Nursery Stud in Kentucky, on March 29, 1917. When the United States entered the Great War, Belmont joined the fight. His wife Eleanor named the horse in recognition of her husband, whom she regarded as a “man of war.” Later, when Belmont decided to sell his yearlings, Man o'War was one of the horses sold for the price of $5,000, not exactly a bargin basement deal in those days, but not the most expensive sale either. The man who bought him, Mr. Riddle, became his lifelong owner, and was an excellent steward of the great champion, with a deep sense of responsibility to the horse's American public.

Beginning

Nicknamed “Big Red,” Man o'War was trained by Louis Feustel, and began his race career on June 6, 1919, at Belmont Park, going 5 ½ furlongs. He easily broke his maiden by six lengths, over six other runners, then returned three days later, against five juveniles to annex the 5 ½ furlong Keene Memorial by three lengths.

By the colt's third race, on June 21, he was already conceding weight. Taking up 120 pounds in the 5 ½ furlong Youthful Stakes at Jamaica, Man o'War gave twelve to fifteen pounds to his three rivals, and still won easily by more than two lengths. He started again two days later.

Weight Carrier

In his next six starts, Man o'War was assigned 130 pounds, beginning with a win in Aqueduct's five furlong Hudson Stakes, on June 23.

“This was his fourth victory and on every occasion he has won with ridiculous ease.” (2)

Man o'War's remaining races in 1919, would all be at six furlongs. He continued his conquests in effortless fashion, with the Tremont at Aqueduct, then ventured upstate to Saratoga. After being very keen, he captured the U.S. Hotel Stakes, while geared down. Neither competitors, imposts, nor premature starts could defeat him.

Man o'War remained at the Spa for his next three races, the Sanford, Grand Union Hotel, and Hopeful.

Upset

On the day of the Sanford Memorial, regular starter Mars Cassidy was out ill. Charles H. Pettingill was his replacement, and out of seven races, he only managed two clean starts. The Sanford wasn't one of them. Pettingill had extreme difficulty getting the horses set for the start, then sent them off out of unison, some flying, some left behind, with the highly regarded Golden Broom and Harry Payne Whitney's Upset getting the jump. Man o'War, not even set down yet for the break, was one of the last to leave. When finally away, he was already at a three to four length disadvantage, but his tremendous stride enabled him to pass horses, while still behind the speeding leaders. The race continued to be problematic for the Riddle colt, when he became caught in close quarters near the rail, losing precious time. His rider, Johnny Loftus, was finally able to swing him outside into daylight, where he sped toward the new leader Upset, and as they crossed the finish, he was still a half length short.

Man o'War and Upset would meet again ten days later.

Vindication

If there was any concern that Man o'War would suffer defeat again, the horse wasted no time putting those fears to rest. The Grand Union Hotel went off clean, and the son of Fair Play beat Upset by two lengths, while still giving him five pounds. There were no excuses, and Upset ran a good race, but was simply outclassed. Man o'War went on to easy victories in the Hopeful, by four lengths, and Belmont Park's Futurity, by more than two, to end his juvenile campaign. He would now get a long rest before continuing as a three-year-old.

“Speed Miracle”

Mr. Riddle ruled out the 1920 Kentucky Derby for Man o'War, partly because he felt 1 ¼ miles was too much distance at that point of the year for a three-year-old. On May 18, the colt made his sophomore debut in the Preakness Stakes, contested at 1 1/8 miles, and despite a layoff of more than eight months, was favored. Paul Jones, who won the Kentucky Derby, was not eligible because he was a gelding. Upset also started. Man o'War had a new jockey, Clarence Kummer, who would stay on the colt, with the exception of two races. Going a route of ground for the first time, Man o'War, under 126, again displayed his heels to some of the fleetest runners in the country, winning easily by a length and a half. Trailing in second was Upset, who carried 122, with Wildair, under 114, in third.

Records

Probably without intent to do so, Man o'War began what amounted to a demolition of racing records, most of these with consummate ease. First to fall was the one mile Withers (American record), followed by the 1 3/8 mile Belmont Stakes (world record), 1 1/8 mile Dwyer (world record), Travers Stakes (equals track record), 1 5/8 Lawrence Realization (world record), 1 ½ mile Jockey Club Stakes (American record), 1 1/16 mile Potomac Handicap (track record), and 1 ¼ mile Kenilworth Gold Cup (track record). He won the Belmont Stakes by twenty lengths, the Lawrence Realization by 100, and the Potomac Handicap under 138 pounds.

Since the Preakness Stakes, when he had faced eight others, his fields had become very small because nobody was brave enough to take him on, or perhaps had the sense to know it was futile. Many of his contests involved a lone opponent, and never more than three. On June 22, Man o'War started in the one mile Stuyvesant Handicap, at Jamaica, going off at odds of 1-100, the first of three races in which he'd be that low. Carrying 135 pounds, he merely galloped to an eight length win.

John P. Grier

The 1 1/8 mile Dwyer Stakes was run on July 10, at Aqueduct, and Man o'War's only foe was John P. Grier, but Grier would be enough.

John P. Grier was another Whitney colt, and during the race, Man o'War could not shake loose, with Grier constantly on him, both horses going at full throttle in rapid fractions. Man o'War managed to prevail, when John P. Grier finally depleted his last reserve of strength, within a matter of yards before the finish. The winning margin was one and a half lengths. Man o'War had given eighteen pounds, but John P. Grier had demonstrated fine talent and enormous heart that no other runner had been remotely able to show against the superhorse.

Following the Dwyer, Man o'War won the 1 3/16 mile Miller, by six lengths, carrying 131 pounds.

Supreme but not invincible

Despite his incredible athletic prowess, Man o'War was still a creature of flesh, bone and blood, certainly supreme but not invincible. In his next to last race, when he won the Potomac Handicap, in record setting time, he carried a considerable burden of weight. He did not come out of that race unscathed, and sustained a contused tendon in one of his forelegs. Man o'War also had an enormous appetite and as a youngster would wolf down his food almost as fast as he ran. In one instance this resulted in a stomach ache, bordering on collicky symptoms, an often deadly malady of horses, which would later plague him in advanced age.

Before the great colt exited the track for good, one more challenge awaited him.

Match Race

Although not officially recognized until the 1930s, in retrospect the first American Triple Crown winner was Sir Barton, who won the three race series of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes in 1919. Owned by J.K.L. Ross, and trained by H.G. Bedwell, Sir Barton was a chestnut colt by Star Shoot, out of the Hanover mare Lady Sterling. Although he may have lacked an appealing personality, he was a very good racehorse, a legitimate equine star, and based on his victories in the classics alone, it might be even fair to call him a great racer. He also had tender feet. At the age of four, he was still considered formidible, although his campaign didn't seem all that remarkable; however, among his credits was a win over the great gelding Exterminator in the Saratoga Handicap, while giving him three pounds, and a record performance in the 1 3/16 mile Merchants and Citizen's Handicap, under 133, when he just beat Gnome by a nose.

Man o'War's swan song came on October 12, 1920 in a confrontation with Sir Barton in Canada at Kenilworth Park Racetrack, remotely set about three miles from Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The venue was a very modest one, with a small seating capacity, but the track had been well prepared for the race. The contest was the 1 ¼ mile Kenilworth Park Gold Cup, and it was over after the first 60 yards. There was little drama, except for perhaps the shock experienced by observers who saw the four-year-old champion get blown away by his younger and superior opponent by seven lengths. It must have been sad to see Sir Barton be humiliated like this, but he never gave up the chase perservering to the finish.

Riddle understood the significance of what Man o'War had done over two years, and was well aware of the staggering imposts which would have been placed on his horse if he had returned as a four-year-old. Although there had  been some discussion of the horse venturing to England to run in the Ascot Gold Cup, and an offer to engage Exterminator, nothing came of either, and Man o'War was retired to stud. He had won 20 of 21 races for earnings of $249,465.

The Stallion

In retirement, Man o'War was an excellent stallion, although his book of mares was kept limited by his owner; therefore his full potential as a sire was probably never realized. A few of his notable offspring included sons Crusader, American Flag, War Relic, and his greatest progeny, 1937 Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year War Admiral. Man o'War also sired Hard Tack, who in turn sired the legendary hero Seabiscuit. Among later descendents was In Reality, whose sireline would produce two time Breeders' Cup Classic winner Tiznow.

Farewell

Man o'War lived a long life, but with age came increasing infirmity, including bouts of colic and a series of heart attacks, the last one felling him for good on November 1, 1947, when he was 30 years old. The entire turf world mourned the loss of its king, and the magnificent champion was honored with a national radio broadcasted funeral. Many industry leaders and dignitaries gave eulogies, singing the praises of the flaming red colt, who influenced the sport like no other horse before or since. Yet the most famous and enduring acclaim of all came from his simple and beloved groom Will Harbut, who called Man o'War “the mostest hoss that ever was.” He was right.

Recommended Reading

Dorothy Ours, Man o'War: A Legend Like Lightning (New York: St. Martin's Press, 2006).

Edward L. Bowen, Man o'War Thoroughbred Legends, No.1 (Lexington, KY: Eclipse Press, 2000).

Page Cooper and Roger L. Treat, Man O' War (Yardley, PA: Westholme Publishing, First Paperback Edition, 2004).

Robert Shoop, Down To The Wire: The Lives Of The Triple Crown Champions (Everson, WA, USA; Chilliwack, BC, Canada: Russell Dean and Company, 2004).

The Blood-Horse, Thoroughbred Champion: Top 100 Racehorses of the 20^th Century (Lexington, KY: The Blood-Horse, Inc., 1999).

Copyright 2010, 2012, 2015 by John Califano

The Class of '57

More than a half century ago, the most popular sports in America were baseball, boxing and horse racing. In 1957, the Dodgers played their final season in Brooklyn before jumping the continent to Los Angeles. Floyd Patterson, a true gentleman inside and outside the ring, was heavyweight boxing champion of the world. And the Sport of Kings was represented by a group of three-year-old Thoroughbreds, considered among the brightest stars to ever shine in its firmament. Two of them would be a Horse of the Year and ultimately a third horse would join the pair in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

Speed and Brilliance

Bold Ruler, owned and bred by Mrs. Henry Carnegie Phipps' Wheatley Stable, was the son of the great English sire *Nasrullah, out of the Discovery mare Miss Disco. Trained by the revered James “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons, the dark bay colt had a sparkling juvenile campaign in 1956, with seven wins in ten starts, including three stakes. Between January and March of 1957, Bold Ruler met Calumet Farm's standout Gen. Duke four times, the first three meetings at Hialeah Park, and the fourth at Gulfstream Park. Gen. Duke, a brown colt, sired by the remarkable stallion Bull Lea, out of Wistful by Sun Again, was conditioned by the esteemed H.A. (Jimmy) Jones. The two horses split their four-race series, with three of the contests in record time, and one near-record. Bold Ruler, one of the era's fastest runners, won the seven furlong Bahamas by four and a half lengths over Gen. Duke, equaling the track record of 1:22. Federal Hill, who would later set a world record at 6 ½ furlongs, finished third. Gen. Duke turned the tables a few weeks later in the 1 1/8 mile Everglades, beating Bold Ruler by a head, in a torrid 1:47 2/5, just a tick off the track record. Another Calumet entry, Iron Liege, also by Bull Lea, out of Iron Maiden by Triple Crown winner War Admiral, got up for the show. Gen. Duke, having received twelve pounds from Bold Ruler on both occasions, again challenged him and Iron Liege two weeks later, under equal weights, in the nine furlong Flamingo. Bold Ruler just managed to outrun his rival by a neck in a track record 1:47. Iron Liege again had to settle for third. The 1 1/8 mile Florida Derby, at the end of March, was Gen. Duke's finest hour. With regular rider Eddie Arcaro aboard Bold Ruler, and Bill Hartack in the irons on Gen. Duke, a classic confrontation developed. Running at equal weights, Gen. Duke prevailed over the Wheatley colt by two and a half lengths, equaled the world mark of 1:46 4/5, and became the Kentucky Derby favorite. The horse who finished third was Iron Liege.

Little Englishman

Meanwhile, another three-year-old bay colt gaining notoriety was Ralph Lowe's British import Gallant Man, sired by Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Migoli (GB), and trained by John Nerud. Among a field of twelve in the six furlong Hibiscus Stakes at Hialeah on January 19, Gallant Man sprinted to an eye catching victory, stopping the clock in 1:10 to equal Relic's 1948 stakes record. On the same Hialeah card three races earlier, Iron Liege won a six furlong allowance over ten other horses.

Sturdy Son

Round Table, by leading sire Princequillo (GB), out of the Sir Cosmo (GB) mare Knight's Daughter (GB), was a smallish bay colt. He was born on the same day, and on the same farm, Claiborne, as Bold Ruler. Owned by oilman Travis Kerr, Round Table was handled by Willie Molter. He had completed his two-year-old season with five firsts, two of them stakes, and a second in ten starts, then began his sophomore year slowly, losing his first two attempts, a dismal tenth to Gallant Man in the Hibiscus, and a sixth in an allowance twenty days later to Iron Liege, when Gen. Duke was runner-up. The following week, Round Table proceeded to win a seven furlong allowance. After losing the 1 1/8 mile Santa Anita Derby on March 2 by a head and nose to Sir William and Swirling Abbey respectively, and a fifth place effort in the San Bernardino Handicap, Round Table later won the 1 1/16 mile Bay Meadows Derby, on April 6, in 1:41 3/5, the fastest a three-year-old had ever run on that track. Nineteen days later, Round Table won Keeneland's 1 1/8 mile Blue Grass Stakes, under 126 pounds, sweeping past the finish line with over six lengths separation, in a track record 1:47 2/5.

Duel

On April 20, in the 1 1/8 mile Wood Memorial at Jamaica, among five other horses, Gallant Man and Bold Ruler turned the affair into a two-horse slugfest. Bold Ruler stuck his nose across the wire first, and needed a track record of 1:48 4/5 to do it.

The Other Horse

In the Derby Trial, Federal Hill won, a race General Duke also contested; but much to Calumet's chagrin, General Duke bruised his foot and consequently missed the 83^rd edition of America's greatest horse race. Calumet now had to rely on their “other horse,” Iron Liege. On a frigid May 4, a small field of nine runners lined up in the starting gate at Churchill Downs. When the dust had cleared, Round Table finished a credible third. Bold Ruler and Federal Hill set the early pace, ultimately finishing fourth and fifth respectively. The biggest misfortune occurred to Gallant Man. Catching Iron Liege in the stretch, the colt's rider, Bill Shoemaker, misjudged the wire's proximity, and stood up in the irons prematurely. Gallant Man's momentum, slowed for an instant, allowed Iron Liege just enough time to cross the wire first. His margin was a nose. After ending up third in three previous battles, Iron Liege had won the war.

Aftermath

In the Derby's aftermath, Round Table skipped the Preakness Stakes and headed back to California. After finishing second on May 25, in Hollywood Park's 1 1/8 mile Californian, as the only three-year-old in a field of eleven, Round Table won his next eleven races, defeated older horses, and became the first three-year-old to annex the Hollywood Gold Cup, where he sped the 1 ¼ miles in 1:58 3/5 to equal the time of Swaps. No three-year-old had ever run the American classic distance that fast. Gallant Man also bypassed the Preakness, and won the 1 1/8 mile Peter Pan Stakes, disposing of five other horses, who were in receipt of ten to sixteen pounds. He drew clear by two and a half lengths, in a sizzling 1:48 2/5, a few ticks off the track mark.

Second Jewel

Entering Pimlico's Preakness Stakes on May 18, were Bold Ruler, Iron Liege and Federal Hill, along with four other horses. In the 1 3/16 mile contest, Bold Ruler broke fast and went on freely. After sparring with Federal Hill in the backstretch, the son of Nasrullah opened up and came home by a commanding two lengths in front of Iron Liege.

One week after the Maryland classic, Iron Liege showed up for the 1 1/8 mile Jersey Stakes, and beat Clem, in receipt of eight pounds, by a nose.

Rabbit

Gallant Man and Bold Ruler returned for the 1 ½ mile Belmont Stakes on June 15. Bold Nero, employed to pressure Bold Ruler into a hot pace, set up Gallant Man's virtuoso performance. The cast of characters played their scripts to perfection. As Bold Ruler charged along in front, Bold Nero stalked him for several furlongs until the leader, unable to sustain the grueling effort, tired badly. Gallant Man picked up Bold Ruler around the second turn and in the stretch romped home by eight lengths, crossing the wire with a new track, stakes, and American record of 2:26 3/5. Bold Ruler, completely done in, was also overtaken by former claimer Inside Tract for second. Gallant Man's record stood until 1973, when in a twist of irony, Bold Ruler's son, Secretariat, crushed the record by more than two seconds, a feat probably never to be equaled.

Top Form

Later that summer, Gallant Man won the Travers Stakes. He also defeated older horses, including Dedicate++, in the 1 1/8 mile Nassau County Handicap, finishing in 1:47 1/5, a new track record. Ten days later, Gallant Man ran second to Dedicate in the 1 ¼ mile Woodward Stakes, and returned to the winner's circle on October 12, capturing the two mile Jockey Club Gold Cup.

Bold Ruler returned on September 9, and won six of seven races in a two-month period, carrying at least 130 pounds in four of them, while giving considerable weight allownces. He took the Jerome Mile and seven furlong Vosburgh Handicap, both under 130, and on sloppy surfaces, with the latter against older horses, and in track record time. Ten days later, he won the 1 1/16 mile Queen's County Handicap under 133. Two weeks after that, in the Benjamin Franklin Handicap, covering 1 1/16 miles, and assigned an impost of 136 pounds, Bold Ruler destroyed a mismatched field by twelve lengths, giving runner-up Sarno twenty-seven pounds. During his autumn stretch, the only race he lost was the Woodward, finishing third.

Showdown in Jersey

On November 9, in the 1 ¼ mile Trenton Handicap, at New Jersey's Garden State Park, Bold Ruler, Gallant Man, and Round Table met up again, in a three horse showdown. Bold Ruler and Gallant Man had already met in five races, with Gallant Man outfinishing his rival in three of them. Bold Ruler and Round Table had previously met in the Derby, while Gallant Man had defeated Round Table in their three meetings. After a previous night's rain, Bold Ruler and Gallant Man handled the good track, but Round Table, not at his best under these conditions, failed to threaten. Bold Ruler proved much the best and easily defeated Gallant Man by two and a quarter lengths, who in turn finished eight and a half lengths ahead of Round Table. In what was probably the deciding factor for the top championship, Bold Ruler had affirmed his supremacy and named Horse of the Year (Daily Racing Form).

The Later Years

The following year, these stars continued to excel as four-year-olds. Gallant Man raced five times. He finished third to Bold Ruler in the Carter Handicap and defeated him in the Metropolitan Mile. He went on to take the Hollywood Gold Cup and Sunset Handicap under 130 and 132 pounds respectively. Gallant Man concluded his career with a record of 26-14-4-1, and earned $510,355. He was later a success at stud, and broodmare sire of Derby winner and champion filly Genuine Risk. Gallant Man was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1987.

Bold Ruler won five handicaps, and never carried less than 133 pounds. He retired with a record of 33-23-4-2, and $764,204 in earnings. Bold Ruler's stud career was so extraordinary that only the great 19^th century stallion Lexington led the American sire list more often. Bold Ruler was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1973.

Round Table was the complete package. He continued a distinguished career at ages four and five, successfully carried high imposts, set numerous records, and won major championships, including Horse of the Year in 1958. He had an amazing record of 66-43-8-5, and earnings of $1,749,869. While he demonstrated exemplary form on dirt, Round Table became one of the greatest grass horses the sport has ever seen, and also one of the soundest. After demonstrating excellence on the track, he produced excellence in the breeding shed. Round Table was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1972.

The one sad note, on an otherwise glorious story about this crop, was Gen. Duke, a fine runner and budding star, who after being sidelined with his foot injury, never returned to the track. He developed the neurological disease Wobbler's Syndrome, and was euthanized.

Ongoing generations still experience the same stirring moments of equine performance that was witnessed a half century ago. The Thoroughbred racehorse in flight is truly an art form; as much now as in those idyllic days when the Class of '57 streaked across the track. The legacy continues.

++Dedicate was named Horse of the Year for 1957, by the Thoroughbred Racing Associations.

Recommended Reading

Edward L. Bowen, Bold Ruler Thoroughbred Legends, No. 24 (Lexington, KY: Eclipse Press, 2005).

John McEvoy, Round Table Thoroughbred Legends, No. 16 (Lexington, KY: Eclipse Press, 2002).

By the Staff and Correspondents of The Blood-Horse, the 10 Best Kentucky Derbies (Lexington, KY: Eclipse Press, 2005).

Daily Racing Form, Champions: The Lives, Times, and Past Performances of America's Greatest Thoroughbreds, Revised Edition, Champions from 1893-2004 (New York: Daily Racing Form Press, 2005).

The Blood-Horse, Thoroughbred Champions, Top 100 Racehorses of the 20^th Century (Lexington, KY: The Blood-Horse, Inc., 1999).

http://www.racingmuseum.org/hall-of-fame/index.asp


Copyright 2010, 2012 by John Califano