Introduction
Some horses are known for their success on the track, some are known for being incredible studs as time goes on. One horse that stands out from the pack, though, is the impressive and diverse Seabiscuit. Having been a hose during the time of the Great Depression, the fact it was a perennial underdog but always managed to find a solution and a win made it a fantastic parallel for the hard times of the era.
Career Summary
Given that the US was full of rampant poverty at the time, seeing an unfancied horse with no real right to win trophies getting to win some of the biggest races in the then-history of the sport was truly special. It became a fantastic example of how, despite the challenges of the era, it was still possible to find success if people defied the odds and looked ahead of themselves.
Major wins over the year made sure that as time moved on, the legend of Seabiscuit remained. The horse was the subject of various media about its life in the form of movies and books, creating an interesting backstory for the horse that helped to further prove the underdog credentials of the creature.
Indeed, it was even given a postage stamp named after it. It took many years to be recognized, but it’s part of the incredible history and importance to the era that Seabiscuit has been immortalized in such a manner.
While long gone now, the horse lives on in the media and the tales of overcoming hardship to win major trophies time and time again.
Achievements & Highlights
Wins – Massachusetts Handicap (1937), Brooklyn Handicap (1937), Bay Meadows Breeders’ Cup Handicap (1937, 1938), Havre de Grace Handicap (1938), Match race vs Ligaroti (1938), Pimlico Special vs War Admiral (1938), Hollywood Gold Cup (1938), San Antonio Handicap (1940), Santa Anita Handicap (1940)
Associations – Charles Howard, Sunny Fitzsimmons, Tom Smith, Gladys Phipps.
Earnings – $400,000+