Omaha: Like father like son
By elegantly winning the title of the Triple Crown in 1935, Omaha proved that he was really the first son of the previous Triple Crown winner Gallant Fox.
Like his legendary father, the gifted son earned a fair name in the world of horseracing and enjoyed a promising career.
Omaha was foaled on March 24, 1932. His dam was Flambino who also had a number of honours to her credit.
Like his parents, the chestnut colt was also bread and owned by William Woodward’s Belair Stud. Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons, who had mentored Gallant Fox to win the Triple Crown prestigiously in 1930, extended his expert hand to Omaha as well.
Thus, Omaha grew up by carrying a rich and glorious legacy which made him a brilliant and sharp fighter in the very young age.
After making his debut on June 18, 1934, the maverick colt went on to bag his maiden victory just five days later. He finished fourth each in two subsequent events named as U. S. Hotel Stakes and Saratoga Special.
Omaha’s best race as a juvenile runner was Champagne Stakes. He demonstrated an epic performance in this event, making the bookmakers realise that he would surely stand tough in the next year’s Triple Crown event.
Finally, the day came when Omaha was standing neck-and-neck against some of the big names like Nellie Flag, Today, Plat Eye, Psychic Bid and Boxthorn. All these horses had earned various iconic titles earlier.
The competition of Kentucky Derby was definitely tough but Omaha performed better than expectations and accomplished top spot by a margin of one and a half length.
The dashing colt met many potential rivals in the Preakness Stakes as well, but he daringly defeated all to clinch six-length clean victory.
The triumphant runner perpetuated his winning momentum and finished first in the Belmont Stakes as well in an effort to lift the Triple Crown 1935 title.
Omaha’s success streak did not end here as he moved forward to exhibit his class in a number of high-status events during the preceding years.
At last, the death angel put a full stop before the colt’s magnificent march in 1959.
In the honour of the champion horse, The Daily Racing Form wrote, “In action he was a glorious sight; few thoroughbreds have exhibited such a magnificent, sweeping, space-annihilating stride, or carried it with such strength and precision. His place is
among the Titans of the American turf."
During his career span, Omaha ran for 22 times. Along with grabbing 9 victories, he gained runner-up ranks in 7 starts and finished third in 2 races. Indeed, he was a towering figure who lived in the mid of 20th century. The class he set has
been a big source of inspiration for his successors even 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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