The Dinner Party that Started a Classic
Dinner parties, hotels and strong historical female figures are just a few of the curious stories behind some of our graded stakes races.
Read moreCategory Archives: The Outrider
He’s Still Unbeaten Colin
In June of 1908, undefeated Colin was the king of New York, bowed tendons and all.
Read moreSir Barton, the First to Wear the Crown
Sir Barton was the first to win the Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes in 1919, but he wasn’t called the Triple Crown winner until 1930.
Read moreHope, Desire, Thunder, and Victory: Exterminator’s Philadelphia Handicap
Turf writers loved to write about the great race gelding Exterminator, and after the Philadelphia Handicap on April 21, 1923, they could chronicle his winning more stakes races than any other horse: 34 in all.
Read moreOldest Living Thoroughbred Tells All
Thirty-eight-year-old Merrick was more of a symbol of Thoroughbred greatness than an actual great Thoroughbred.
Read moreThe Heart of Thoroughbred Racing
Conversation heart inspired horse names, grown men spiffying up for a horse and a gift more delightful than jewelry.
Read moreParty Like a Thoroughbred
Corn bouquets, eight hundred pounds of lump sugar, and other thoroughbred birthday celebrations.
Read moreTrack Superstitions: A Historical Look at the Role of “Luck”
Dead hedgehogs, live hedgehogs and peanuts in the shell are just a few of the odd assortment of items that racetrackers have regarded to be good or bad luck over the years.
Read more