Gallant Fox: The Triple Crown winner of 1930
It is rightly said that history is made of characters. Gallant Fox was such a strong and inspiring character of the first half of 20th century as he left some indelible marks in the world of horseracing.
It will not be wrong to say that whole honour the bay colt earned was due to his status as the second winner of the Triple Crown.
Foaled on March 23, 1927 at Bull Hancock’s Claiborne Farm, the legendary sprinter was bred and owned by William Woodward who sent one of his greatest mares, Marguerite, to Sir Gallahad III in 1926 in a bid to get some efficient colts---Gallant Fox was one
of them.
Woodward appointed a renowned trainer of the contemporary world, Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons, to condition Gallant Fox. The meticulous mentor soon came to know the inherent talent and skills of the energetic colt, and started spending a lot of time on training
him.
Gallant Fox started his professional career on June 24, 1929 at Aqueduct, and finished third in the race. He went on to grab eight spot in his next outing a few days later.
Finally, the talented colt bagged his maiden victory on July 29 in the Flash Stakes. During rest of the year, the dashing runner kept on delivering outstanding performances in various events.
Then there dawned 1930 when Earl Sande, an experienced and esteemed, jockey joined hands with Gallant Fox as a regular rider. The duo combined to accomplish a number of feats till the advent of the Triple Crown season of that year.
Preakness Stakes was the opening race of the high-profile event. The gifted colt exhibited an epic run and gallantly notched up top spot in the competition.
This victory forced The New York Times to write, “The most electrifying dash that has been seen in Maryland in many a day. Finding a hole here and a gap there, Sande snaked his way through the field and was third at the far turn.”
In the second race of the Crown named as Kentucky Derby, Gallant Fox again ran to his best and convincingly defeated his competitors to finish first.
In the third and last outing of the event, Belmont Stakes, the talented colt confidently beat the champion horse, Whichone, who was deemed to be invincible. This triumph was really marvellous.
Thus, Gallant Fox became the second America horse to lift the title of Triple Crown.
After registering some iconic victories during the subsequent years, the triumphant colt finally passed away on November 13, 1954.
Overall, he won 11 out of his total 17 starts. He finished second in 3 and grabbed third spots in 2 events, earning $328,165 as prize money.
The legacy Gallant Fox left behind has been a source of guidance and inspiration for his successors to date.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not reflect Bettor.Com’s editorial policy.
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