Seabiscuit - a symbol of hope and prosperity for the American nation.
Seabiscuit, a thoroughbred American horse brought light to the United States during the Great Depression.
His legendary performances have won him many titles, but because of his unimpressive start, his status is somewhat moving from a pauper to a prince.
The son of Hard Tack, out of mare Swing on, was foaled on 23rd May, 1933 at Claiborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky.
Seabiscuit’s early performances didn’t springboard him to stardom, his potential was realized later in his career.
Initially owned by Gladys Mills Phipps, the colt was known to be extremely lethargic, who slept for long periods of time. With his energy level not at the highest, he raced in the smaller races and accomplished some victories.
Soon after the season, he was sold to Charles S. Howard and that is when his stellar career started taking shape.
The bay colt was then trained by Tom Smith, who used unconventional methods of training, helping the colt break out of his lethargy.
Seabiscuit was paired with Canadian jockey Red Pollard, who was an experienced jockey but blind in one eye. This fact remained hidden until he lost a race at Santa Anita, where Seabiscuit lost by a nose to Rosemont.
Under Smith and Pollard, Seabiscuit was becoming a race favourite. He was soon transported to California, where he bagged a victory at the World’s Fair Handicap.
The Santa Anita Handicap was known to be the most prestigious race then, and still retains the same status. Seabiscuit comfortably won the warm-up race, but soon suffered a setback in the actual race and finished fifth.
Despite the disappointment at Santa Anita Park, the victories continued regardless. He competed and won several titles. By 1937, Seabiscuit had won 11 out of 15 races.
His success remained unabated, but his trusted jockey met a terrible fate. After being unseated by another horse during a race, he was in no condition to race again. Because of this, Seabiscuit was paired with, George Woolf.
The year after George Woolf coupled with Seabiscuit competed in the Santa Anita Handicap yet again, and after a tough race Seabiscuit had to admit defeat as he lost to Santa Anita Derby winner, Stagehand.
The media buzzed with excitement as the much awaited race with, War Admiral, was inching closer. War Admiral was the son of Man o’ War, out of Brushup, who had an impeccable racing record.
The horses were expected to compete in three stakes against each other, but could not face off as both of them were scratched right before the race began.
The “Match of the Century” finally took place on 1st November, 1938, when the highly anticipated race finally materialised. The race was run over a distance of 1 and 3/16 miles in the Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland.
War Admiral, the U.S. Triple Crown winner, usually sped from the gate the moment the race started where as Seabiscuit’s pace was slow in the beginning, but crashed competition as he accelerated late in the race.
Smith diligently worked on Seabiscuit’s training and technique, which paid off as he set the course ablaze as he left War Admiral behind. Seabiscuit led the race after 20 seconds by over a length.
Halfway through the backstretch, War Admiral regained his composure and fought for the lead. Woolf allowed Seabiscuit to see the competition. Because of this, he breezed towards the wire, finally finishing four lengths ahead.
As a result of this race, Seabiscuit was named the horse of the year for 1938. His performance in the race was legendary, and it gained him attention from all major newspapers, magazines and radio channels.
Seabiscuit suffered from multiple injuries after this race, but his career continued. His official retirement was announced on 10th April, 1940.
Seabiscuit has become the symbol for success. He has been portrayed in popular culture multiple times.
Multiple statues have been erected in his honour, the biggest one being a bronze statue at Santa Anita Park, unveiled in 1941.
Rarely will the world of horse racing see another runner who will match the calibre of Seabiscuit.
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