Profiles of Courage
This column marks the convergence of three of my favorite horses and all-time greats, and the auction of memorabilia associated with them. First, credit must be given to the late, great artist Richard Stone Reeves who aptly titled his fine art print depicting Kelso, Forego, and John Henry “Profiles of Courage.” Its natural pairing with the three track programs found in the Secretariat.com archives sparked this trio of tales waiting to be told. I am not entirely sure if the column inspired the auction or visa versa, but either way I hope our readers and the lucky winning bidder will enjoy this small piece of racing history surrounding these racing legends, and arguably their most courageous performances. Bidding is now open. Good Luck! ~ Steve Haskin
Profiles of Courage
By Steve Haskin
Kelso…Forego… John Henry. Their names ring out like symphonies that have endured for centuries.
There have been many great horses who have graced the American Turf in the past six decades, the vast majority of whom came and went in two or three years. But only three can claim to have had their own decade; an era unto themselves. Yes, the 60s belonged to Kelso. The 70s, even with three Triple Crown winners, belonged to Forego. And the 80s belonged to John Henry.
In the span of 24 years, from 1960 to 1984, these three remarkable geldings raced in 21 of them.
This column is about three of their many victories. What made these victories so memorable was the courage these three warriors displayed at the ages of 6, 6, and 8, as they ran their hearts out in major races against far younger opponents and were able to emerge victorious by the narrowest of margins.
But before we get to those races and the stories behind them, let’s take a look at these three equine heroes and the amazing feats they accomplished. Together they won 84 stakes races and captured 26 championships, including 10 Horse of the Year titles.
Each one reflected his own era. Kelso, owned by Allaire du Pont, came along in the innocent halcyon days of the early to mid-sixties before the drug craze and the Viet Nam war. He was every schoolgirl’s hero; the first to have his own national fan club started by a 12-year-old girl named Heather Noble. Even to the hardened New York racegoer he became a symbol of dependability. When he was retired one was heard saying, “It just won’t seem like Saturday without Kelso.” Although considered the runt of the litter, he lived the life of a king. He loved his chocolate ice cream sundaes, and at Woodstock Farm, where he was born and spent the rest of his life, he became a top-class show jumper, had his own private mailbox with his name on the welcome mat, and slept on a bed of sugar cane fibers. He had his own specially embroidered blanket and drank only bottled spring water from Arkansas costing a dollar a gallon. But on the racetrack he was a fighter, who despite his slight physique finished in the money in 19 of the 24 starts in which he carried 130 pounds or more, winning 13, with five seconds and a third.
Forego, a giant of a horse, came along riding on the tail of a comet named Secretariat. As the Viet Nam War began to draw to a close, he was the ultimate warrior. If he were human, he would have earned a case full of Purple Hearts, having performed amazing and heroic feats on wounded legs so bad they had to be hosed down for two hours a day or longer. Physically, he was an imposing presence who could intimidate any horse at any distance. To demonstrate his versatility he is the only horse to win the two-mile Jockey Club Gold Cup and be voted Champion Sprinter the same year. In the span of six weeks in 1974, he won the 1 ½-mile Woodward, seven-furlong Vosburgh Handicap, and two-mile Jockey Club Gold Cup. Despite carrying staggering weights he was able to equal or break track records and once ran a mile and an eighth in 1:45 4/5 carrying 135 pounds. From May 30, 1973 to August 6, 1977, Forego went an incredible 45 races without finishing worse than fourth. In fact, he finished third or better in 43 of those races. In the 24 races in which he carried 130 pounds or more his average weight was 134 pounds. His admirers paid tribute to him by coming to the track wearing “Forego” T-shirts in the yellow and black colors of his owner Martha Gerry.
John Henry was the quintessential rags to riches story. His sire, Ole Bob Bowers, was considered merely a clean-up stallion at Golden Chance Farm who stood for a meager stud fee of $500 and then was sold for $900, standing at a farm in Osseo, Michigan. A year after being sold, his son was born, later to be named John Henry, who began his career at tiny Jefferson Downs in Louisiana Downs. He was such an irascible youngster his owners couldn’t wait to get rid of him. First he was sold for a mere $1,100 and then for $2,200. One person, Harold Snowden, wound up selling him three times after the buyers kept returning the horse to him. In the late 70s to early 80s, racing was going through a grass racing boom, with the escalation of purse money for major turf stakes. John Henry, now owned by bicycle salesman Sam Rubin, who grew up on the streets of New York City, finally was put on the grass by trainer Bobby Donato at age three and a legend was born. John Henry became the first horse to earn $3 million, the first horse to earn $4 million, the first horse to earn $5 million, and the first horse to earn $6 million. Not only did he excel on the grass, he became the first horse to win the Santa Anita Handicap twice and also captured the Jockey Club Gold Cup. At the age of 9, he won six stakes, four of them Grade 1, at five different racetracks and became so popular he was featured on NBC’s Today show and was named by People magazine as one of the 25 most intriguing “people” of 1984.
In all, John Henry defeated 13 champions or classic winners; Kelso defeated nine champions or classic winners; and Forego defeated eight champions or classic winners. Between the three geldings, they defeated three Kentucky Derby winners, two Preakness winners and five Belmont Stakes winners.
Now that you know something about these three legendary geldings and the times in which they lived, here are the stories of three of their most memorable victories that truly were profiles of courage.
WHITNEY STAKES 1965
As Kelso completed his 7-year-old campaign earning his unprecedented fifth consecutive Horse of the Year title following memorable battles with arch rival Gun Bow, no one had any idea whether he would return as an 8-year-old. The only definite plan for 1965 was making charitable appearances at U.S. and Canadian racetracks with proceeds going to various equine research projects conducted by the Grayson Foundation. But as winter drew to an end, Kelso began getting antsy, a sign that the competitive fire was still there and that he had more racing left in him. Mrs. du Pont was receiving hundreds of letters a week begging her not to retire the old boy. Even Claiborne Farm owner Bull Hancock commented that Kelso should be given the opportunity to become racing’s first $2 million earner.
But as of April 20, Kelso was still making public appearances, accompanied by his canine pal Charlie Potatoes. With letters continuing to pour in daily and Kelso still apparently enjoying life at the racetrack, Mrs. du Pont announced that her beloved gelding would return to competition, even though it was now well into June.
With few spots in which to run him, trainer Carl Hanford put him in a six-furlong allowance race at Monmouth on June 29. It was basically a paid workout, so no one was concerned when he finished a close third, closing with a big rush from the back of the pack. He then had an easy time of it 11 days later, winning the Diamond State Handicap at Delaware Park under 130 pounds. He was entered two weeks later in the Brooklyn Handicap under topweight of 132 pounds giving 11 pounds to Suburban Handicap winner Pia Star, the previous year’s Belmont and Travers winner Quadrangle, and Roman Brother, who was destined for Horse of the Year honors.
At age 8 and burdened with 132 pounds and under such adverse conditions, it was simply too much for the old boy to handle, and he finished third, beaten four lengths by Pia Star and Roman Brother.
Two weeks later, Kelso was back for the Whitney Stakes. Although he still had to carry 130 pounds, he was only conceding three pounds to Pia Star under the allowance conditions.
The morning of the race, Dickie Jenkens, who was closer to Kelso than anyone, having been around him and taking care of him since he was a baby at Woodstock Farm, was in Louie’s Kitchen on the Saratoga backstretch when trainer George Poole walked in. Poole, a former assistant to Greentree trainer John Gaver, yelled over to Jenkins, “Hey Dickie, when are you all gonna retire that old fart?”
Jenkins shot back, “Hell, this old sucker still wants to run.”
“Well, Greentree’s got one in today, and he ain’t gonna beat him,” Poole said.
Poole was referring to Malicious, the Nassau County Handicap winner, who was a stakes winner at 2, 3, and 4 and was in the Whitney with a feathery 114 pounds.
In the tree-lined saddling area, the crowd gathered six and seven deep to see their hero. When Jenkins, on the lead pony, accompanied Kelso to the gate, the horse turned his head slightly and looked right at him and there was little life in his eyes. As they approached the starting gate, the assistant starter grabbed Kelso’s bridle to lead him into the gate and said to Jenkins, “I think he’s gonna get beat today, Dickie.”
Malicious, in receipt of 16 pounds from Kelso, shot to the lead and set moderate fractions of :23 2/5, :47 1/5, and 1:11 1/5. 
Kelso was back in fourth in the five-horse field, five lengths off the pace. Neither Pia Star nor the top-class Crewman could make a dent in Malicious’ lead. Kelso was another three lengths back and going nowhere. Even Jenkins conceded this wasn’t his day.
Then, suddenly, it was as if Kelso was roused from a sound sleep nearing the top of the stretch. Milo Valenzuela brought him off the rail and took off after Malicious, who still had a 2 ½-length lead passing the eighth pole. Kelso was relentless, and it was all heart that was pushing those 8-year-old legs. Kelso kept coming, driven by sheer will, and with one final surge, stuck his nose in front right at the wire.
Kelso returned to a hero’s welcome, and even the hardened Dickie Jenkins was moved to tears. Although he would win the Stymie Handicap later in the year against a weaker field, the Whitney would prove to be Kelso’s final moment of glory.
MARLBORO CUP 1976
Frank Whiteley sat on a stool outside his barn at Belmont Park hosing the legs of Forego. It was 1976, the year after the tragic death of Ruffian, who Whiteley trained for Stuart Janney. With Forego’s trainer Sherrill Ward in poor health, the towering 17-hands gelding was turned over to Whiteley for his 6-year-old campaign, coming off back-to-back Horse of the Year titles.
Whiteley, who also had trained the great Damascus, took one look at Forego close-up and told owner Martha Gerry he had the worst legs he’d ever seen on a horse. It was said about Forego that he basically had one good leg. When noted veterinarian Alex Harthill X-rayed the horse he told Whiteley, “Frank, you haven’t got a chance with this horse.”
So every day, Whiteley would run the hose on Forego’s legs for several hours to help his sesamoid problems and calcium deposits. Often it would be Whiteley and two others running three hoses on him at the same time. The resulting puddle was so large it became known around the barn as Lake Whiteley.
As Whiteley said, “We also had to do a lot of massaging. His ankles were horrible to look at from so much wear and tear, He was an amazing horse to do the things he did.”
Despite his physical problems, Forego was still as powerful a force as ever on the racetrack, dominating his opponents and picking up weight with each race.
Under Whiteley’s care, Forego won the Met Mile under 130 pounds, the Nassau County Handicap under 132 pounds, was beaten a nose by Foolish Pleasure in the Suburban Handicap under 134 pounds, won the Brooklyn Handicap beating Foolish Pleasure under 134 pounds, was beaten a length with a wide trip in the Amory Haskell Handicap under 136 pounds, giving 24 pounds to Greentree’s victorious Hatchet Man, then won the nine-furlong Woodward Handicap in a near-track record 1:45 4/5 under 135 pounds.
Racing secretary Tommy Trotter showed no mercy when he assigned Forego a staggering 137 pounds in the mile and a quarter Marlboro Cup. Trotter said he had no choice after Forego won the Woodward so impressively carrying 135. Rather than break the news to Whiteley he had the weights mimeographed and let Whiteley see them and decide whether or not to run him.
Whiteley was an old school hardboot and he realized weight was a part of the game. What did bother him, however, was when the track came up sloppy. Because of Forego’s bad legs, Ward and Whiteley both tried to keep him off wet tracks. Whiteley contemplated scratching him from the Marlboro Cup, but following an earlier race he met with jockey Bill Shoemaker, who told him the track was on the soft side but it still had a good bottom. As long as the cushion was firm and Forego could get hold of the track he was OK, so Whiteley decided to run him.
Honest Pleasure, who had set a new track record winning the Travers on the front end, appreciated the 0 furlongs where he could set an easier pace. As a 3-year-old he was getting 18 actual pounds from Forego. He went right to the lead as expected, setting fractions of :23 4/5 and :47 2/5 before picking up the tempo, disposing of everyone near him.
Forego, back in eighth early, launched a very wide bid, circling horses around the turn. Turning for home after three-quarters in a swift 1:10 4/5 and a mile in 1:35, Forego was still sixth and way out in the middle of the track, as Honest Pleasure showed no signs of slowing down. It was all up to Forego to go get him. But it looked hopeless. Even Shoemaker admitted afterward he felt he wouldn’t even be in the money.
Honest Pleasure held a clear advantage at the eighth pole, with Forego, as usual, still on his left lead, some five lengths back. It looked as if he had no shot to catch the classy frontunner. But somehow he kept finding more gears and began closing in relentlessly with those humongous strides. It was going to desperately close. Still out in the middle of the track, Forego just got up to win by a head. Even with 137 pounds on his back he missed his own track record of 1:59 4/5 by a fifth of a second. Only two horses – Whisk Broom II in 1913 and Exterminator in 1922 – had carried more weight at a mile and a quarter and won.
Forego’s career had many shining moments, but it was the 1976 Marlboro Cup that defined not only his greatness, but the courage of the Thoroughbred.
ARLINGTON MILLION 1981
When John Henry concluded his 1980 campaign he still did not have a permanent home. Racing in California the first half of 1981, he was trained by Ron McAnally, winning six consecutive stakes, the last three Grade 1s. He then was sent to Lefty Nickerson in New York, where he won one of his five starts, with three seconds and a third. Then it was back to McAnally in California, winning five straight stakes, four of them Grade 1s. Then, after a fourth in the Hollywood Gold Cup on dirt, it was back to New York, where he won the Sword Dancer Stakes at Belmont.
Following the Sword Dancer, John Henry rejoined McAnally at Del Mar to prepare for the inaugural running of the Arlington Million, America’s first million-dollar race, with Bill Shoemaker replacing Laffit Pincay as John’s regular rider.
Ten days before the Arlington Million, John Henry went out for a routine gallop, and at 10:15 that morning the horse was noticeably off in his left foreleg. When veterinarian Jack Robbins examined John he was extremely sensitive at the juncture of the cannon bone and the ankle, and Robbins couldn’t put any pressure on it. X-rays needed to be taken, but to avoid John being seen having X-rays right before the Arlington Million and the panic that would ensue they brought him to Del Mar’s on-site clinic under a different name.
X-rays revealed no fracture, so Robbins said to McAnally, “Let’s take a shot and inject the ligament with cortisone. The next morning John was walking perfectly and the sensitivity was gone, But with the Million only a week away, John Henry needed to have a stiff work. McAnally told Robbins, “If we don’t work him he’s not going to run in the Arlington Million.”
The Saturday before the race, John worked with Shoemaker aboard, and Robbins admitted, “I was scared to death. Even though the X-rays were negative you never know if there is a fracture coming on or not.” A stunned McAnally and Robbins watched as John blazed a mile and an eighth in 1:46 3/5.
A few days after being given a clean bill of health, John Henry departed for Chicago. In addition to a number of top-class American horses, including the United Nations Handicap winner Key to Content and the local favorite Rossi Gold, winner of three stakes at the meet, John would be facing the 1980 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe runner-up Argument and the 1980 and ’81 French Oaks winners Mrs. Penny and Madam Gay
All McAnally wanted was firm turf course and a good post position so there would be no excuses. As he and his wife Debbie were ready to leave for Chicago he received a phone call from Santa Anita and Del Mar publicist Bill Kolberg, who told him, “Ron, I’m calling from Chicago. I have news for you, it’s pouring rain and John drew post 12.”
When he arrived, his worst fears were realized. The course was very soft, and with John having to break from the far outside, there was little doubt he would have a lot to overcome.
At the start, Shoemaker allowed John to find his best stride and slowly worked his way into position, settling in eighth and now along the inside. Key to Content was being pressed on the front end by 40-1 longshot The Bart, a tough consistent stakes horse trained in Southern California by John Sullivan.
As they passed the stands and headed into the backstretch, McAnally knew that John was in trouble. He could see that there was no rhythm to his stride. Shoemaker felt John wasn’t handling the soft going and just left him alone, gently nudging him along. Passing the half-mile pole, McAnally’s face lit up, John was back in his normal stride and starting to find his rhythm. But at the head of the stretch he still had six lengths to make up. The Bart, surprisingly, had put Key to Content away and kicked for home with the lead.
When John Henry came charging down the stretch in hot pursuit, the crowd erupted. John’s ears were pinned back as he continued to close in, but The Bart was not giving up and still had plenty of run left in him. Everyone knew it was going to come down to a head bob. They hit the wire together, with no one knowing for sure who had won. But from the NBC camera angle it appeared as if The Bart had gotten the bob and they posted on the screen that he was the unofficial winner.
The Bart’s owner Franklin Groves and his wife thought they had won and rushed down to track, while John’s owner Sam Rubin decided to remain in his box until it was official. Finally, the suspense was over as John Henry’s number went up, much to embarrassment of NBC. Rubin saw The Bart’s owners coming back and they were in tears. “When I saw that, it took all the guts out of me,” he said.
Here were two horses who had pushed themselves to the limit, and neither one deserved to lose. That indelible moment in history when John Henry and The Bart crossed the wire as one, with their necks fully stretched, lives on in Edwin Bogucki’s dramatic bronze statue that overlooks the Arlington Park paddock. It was unveiled in 1989, as the then 14-year-old John Henry and 13-year-old The Bart paraded in front of the stands in a heartwarming tribute to two gallant horses.
EPILOGUE
On October 15, 1983, John Henry competed in The Jockey Club Gold Cup. The New York Racing Association, with the approval of Mrs. du Pont and Mrs. Gerry, arranged to have the 26-year old Kelso and 13-year-old Forego come to Belmont Park and join John in leading the post parade once the former was given the OK to travel after a thorough veterinary examination.
It was quite a sight and a special day in New York racing experiencing these three legendary geldings on the track together. Fans rehashed old times seeing Kelso and again looked in awe at the mighty Forego. The 9-year-old John Henry was still going strong and performing unprecedented feats at that age.
Many in attendance recalled the days of their youth when Kelso ruled the sport. The memories came flooding back and some even were able to share those recollections with their grandchildren and tell them the story of the runt who would be king.
In the Belmont paddock, Kelso responded to the applause by bowing his neck in regal splendor as if it was 20 years earlier. This was where he prepared for many of his greatest battles; where the cheers resounded at the sight of him as he made his grand entrance. Now all these years later, he was hearing the roar of the crowd once again.
It was an event that should have had a happy ending. But sadly, the following day, back at Woodstock Farm, Kelso developed a severe case of colic. All efforts to save him failed and he died at 7 p.m. that evening. The next morning he was buried behind the office and a devastated Mrs. du Pont remained in seclusion for several days. Unlike other horses Kelso’s age who pass away after years of quiet solitude in their paddock, he left with the once familiar cheers of the crowd still fresh in his mind.
John Henry and Forego spent the rest of their lives together entertaining visitors at the Kentucky Horse Park, putting on two shows a day and providing the fans with close up looks and photo ops, as an employee at the Hall of Champions read off their long list of accomplishments. Forego, who suffered from arthritis, lived to the age of 27 before a paddock accident took his life. John Henry, despite several ailments, was still too irascible and tenacious to die, finally succumbing to kidney problems at the ripe old age of 32.
The last of the great geldings was gone. Their reign spanned three decades and the thrills they provided are too numerous to mention. They became like old friends who never let us down, and if there is one legacy they left behind, it is that we will never see their like again.
Photographs courtesy of New York Racing Association and Arlington Park. Please click on individual images to enlarge.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW “PROFILES OF COURAGE” PRINT AND ORIGINAL PROGRAMS
Now “Rock” eyeing Dirt Grade 1 2021 Pacific Classic (G1)… many of us still believe in him and I know your names … Lol. we bet on him in Derby.. Still an interesting race horse in my opinion. Who will be the Joke is my issue.
Beat the Derby winner 4 1/4 lengths….
Steve, reading your historic reflections on great runners usually lifts the spirits but, alas, watching the last race ever at Arlington Park just a few hours ago has flattened the sense of joie de vivre. Gone forever, as have the champions you have written so eloquently about in the above essay. The authenticity of a scribbled over Saratoga program was a beautiful touch.
On a happier note, the Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques le Marois will be run at Deauville today with the exciting clash between Poetic Flare and Palace Pier a highlight. Allez, Poetic Flare. Highly anticipated European racing does not rest there, even more thrilling is the visit to York on Wednesday for the Juddmonte International Stakes. Can St Mark’s Basilica maintain his winning ways? Absolutely!!
St Mark’s Basilica is out of the International Stakes at York due to a minor injury which makes the race slightly less interesting. St Mark’s Basilica could return next in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on 11 September. Fingers crossed.
Thank you Steve as these were 3 truely great ones. Don’t think we will ever see horses carry that kind of weight here anymore
Thats for sure
Clearly, the owners and trainer (John Sadler) are not on the same page. Sadler probably believes RYW’s best chance to win another graded race is on the grass. Whereas, the owners would like to see if he can replicate his Santa Anita Derby dirt performance.
I’m inclined to believe the owners will win out, and we’ll see RYW in the Pacific Classis.
Worked out this AM from the gate
When comparing his dirt work today (8-15) going 6 furlongs in 1:12.60, vs his turf work on 8-1, going 6 furlongs in 1:13.20, you would think RYW just might be better off staying on dirt. I’m hoping the connections give him another shot on dirt, and enter RYW in the Pacific Classic. I’ve been one of his biggest fans since his maiden win back in January, going 6 furlongs in 1:08.47 over Santa Anita’s turf course, and a bigger fan after his Santa Anita Derby win. I had a Futures bet at 31-1 to win the KD, but we all know how he was squeezed at the start, and never recovered. I’m not sure why he wasn’t move competitive in the Belmont Stakes.
A win in the Pacific Classic would certainly be a big confidence boost.
Thank you for putting those great hero geldings on perspective on a time line. I had read your very good books about them
But didn’t remember the decades that they raced and their best race
Glad to straighten that out for Katie. Thanks.
Excellently;Beautiful article,Steve!!! Very Very well written!!~ & Thank you for those memories~
Bill….
I really appreciate that, Bill. Thank you very much.
Interesting, Rock now being considered for the Grade 1 2021 Pacific Classic (G1), Dropping the Grade 2?
Would be a wise choice to race in best field you can find. Breeders own him now don’t they ? A shame, he may be good or he may be special… we don’t know yet….we will surely never know. When he’s out for breeding…..This race only determines his breeding fees….sad.
In hind sight …put me on a farm with green grass and grooming and I can run in the fields and make babies…. best move for the horse if he retires to breed. Not for us who want him to kick ass on the track ! Lol….I’m done ….lol….until he wins this race.
Clearly, the owners and trainer (John Sadler) are not on the same page. Sadler probably believes RYW’s best chance to win another graded race is on the grass. Whereas, the owners would like to see if he can replicate his Santa Anita Derby dirt performance.
I’m inclined to believe the owners will win out, and we’ll see RYW in the Pacific Classis.
Good Call… And who will be his jokey ? That’s the little big question ? The Jokey who belongs on him ? Umberto Rispoli, who I believe is exercising him ? I take this argument on jockey change back to the Derby….. Umberto belongs on him. They connect.
Rock Your World worked 6 furlongs (on dirt) on Sunday, 8-15, with Umberto Rispoli in the saddle. I’d say that’s a pretty good sign that moving forward, Rispoli will be in the saddle. Let’s hope so.
Farewell to my hometown track, Arlington Park, as they hold their final big day forever and run the inaugural Arlington Thousand Day card.
Never should have shut down for two years in a temper tantrum. The fans never really came back after that.
Sorry to hijack your article, Steve, to make my comment.
I thought Duchossois did a super job there, but I cant stand changing the Arlington Million to the Mr. D. Stakes. I realize its no longer a million dollar race, but its just not a good name for a worldwide grade 1 and looks weird having a Mr. D, a Beverly D, and a Bruce D. If not for Aidan O’Brien they would have no foreign horses. And the field in general is pretty weak. What a shame considering how prestigious this race used to be.
Until I read about it this morning, I had no idea the Mr. D was the Arlington Million …I’m sorry that’s .
I guess emojis don’t work here…it was a throwing up emoji!
Then I’m glad emojis dont work
Couldn’t agree more. A beautiful world class racetrack runs into the iceberg called ‘future.’ Cry me a river.
You feel like I felt about Hollywood Park. Seeing the Hollywood Gold Cup at Santa Anita gives me a sick feeling. I agree on your assessments, just thinking about the who’s who of equine greats that stepped on that track gives me goosebumps.
You know, I go to other sites and read their stories but no one makes these historic horses come
alive like you do. I mean no one. What you do is really very special and I am copying the link
and keeping it in my computer files. It is brilliant. The careers of these magnificent geldings are
iconic and will not be duplicated again. American Pharoah, Wise Dan , Zenyatta, Curlin are as
close as we will ever get to the Iron Horses of the past. Thank you Steve.
That is very kind of you, Paula. Thank you so much. That is my main goal, to make the historic horses come alive. I doubt I’m reaching the younger generation, as pretty much all those who comment have seen most of these horses. I would love to tell their stories to younger people who have never seen them, but I’m grateful for all the comments, such as yours, that I do get. Other than Man o’ War, Seabiscuit, and Secretariat, I dont believe there is a lot of interest in history from the younger generation. I would say they just dont come here, but I noticed it at Bloodhorse as well, and still do on Facebook.
I know Steve. History has been replaced by other social study courses for the most part. Times are changing and things we valued growing up and growing older, the younger generation does not. In the past, I took my niece on a history/family tour of New England and we went to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Her eyes just glazed over when I showed her the original paintings of John Adams, Paul Revere, John Hancock, George Washington, Mercy Otis Warren, etc. I told her the reason this country is here is because of these people but I don’t think I made a dent. Horse racing the same. It is a shame. it is all about the here and now. I could go on but I won’t. So glad you are here to write for those of us who love to hear these stories.
Boy does that sound familiar. Its really sad/ I hope there are some out there who have an appreciation of history. I havent found many, certainly not here. If there are any please come forward.
Paula, may I suggest you take your niece to “Hamilton.” Or Disney Plus has “Hamilton” streaming as well. You’ll have her driving you mad regurgitating, dancing to a ‘rapped’ history of the Founding Fathers. From there, Gore Vidal’s US history novels via audiobooks are easily accessible, entertaining and brilliantly written.
Upvote.
Did you like Hip 208 at day 2 of the Saratoga sales? Tapit colt bought by Peter Brant.
(I saw your query in the comments of Steve’s last post, but didn’t have the means to answer then and there.)
I didn’t see all of the sale, and haven’t looked at all the photos or video, but I did happen to catch the Tapit o/o Sweet Talkin(Feb. 2020) 208 in the ring. I did like his looks, short cannons, quantity of bone, fine walk, his presence. His shoulder is a little more upright than the shoulder of my dreams.
The following hip, 209 by City of Light o/o SwingIt, and which is only a May 2020 foal, grabbed me more firmly. Deep shoulder and long hip especially. He went to OXO, which is Larry Best, right?
Keep in mind I have no years of experience to support the imagination required to see how they will turn out in 8-12 months or more.
Apropos of your query about day one of the Saratoga Sale, you liked liked were Hip 37 a Lord Nelson filly and the Tapit filliy Hip 61 along with a slew of Construction progeny. I would assume you intended Constitution, but he only had two, and two is not enough for a slew, I don’t think. Who did you intend?
Hip 37, I very much like on the walk. The catalog photo doesn’t show her off very well. She seems very athletic.
Hip 61, I will say essentially the same as about Hip 208, except she (37) looks to have more scope than he when mature.
Ha ha the IPad is constantly autocorrecting ‘wrong’ yes, Constitution it is. I’ve looked at quite a few besides the two at the sale. The Constitutions are inevitably racy types with lots of scope.
With the hips mentioned, the families were part of the appeal. The Lord Nelson filly could be a rocket ship along with being a valuable broodmare wth that pedigree. As you say, once you’ve inspected a large group from whichever sire you forgive/knock certain predilections.
Let’s hope they have the heart to run.
I always try to apply a principle of charity when reading others’ posts. I am merciless about my own, however, and the lack of an edit function means I shouldn’t write here in less than good conditions.
Knowing you as I do, I assumed your consideration of the pedigrees, though my comments were obviously based on the physical. I’ve been limiting myself to following Honor Code most closely (who usually transmits heart, a great shoulder and very good breadth and length of hip – even though it often takes a while for the horse to pull it all together), plus Constitution, Tiznow/Tourist (See Mr. Dickinson’s Search for Truth) and a few others not so closely.
Constitution has been doing very well, in the racehorse production line. Do you see him getting the mares from the families of the same appeal to you as those covered by Tapit? Or Lord Nelson?
Tapit is a commercial phenomenon with a restricted harem carefully chosen for maximum result at the sales and at the track. Moreover, at this early it appears Tapit may be a sire of sires as well as being a good broodmare sire. Tapit made it to his lofty stature the hard way.
Constitution may be/is the son of Tapit that everyone wanted. It’s a bit early yet but I’ve always liked him and thought he would succeed when his first foals appeared.
Lord Nelson is a guess at this stage but of the progeny I’ve seen, they appeal physically. Long way to go yet though.
“Restricted” and “harem” aren’t words often seen combined in the same sentence. 🙂
Do you suppose that the independent owners of the choicest mares are situated where they might be put off by the higher price of Tapit now as opposed to Constitution?
The Constitutions don’t seem to have quite the same range of extremes of temperament as the Tapits, which may cut both ways, and you’re absolutely right that it’s still to early to tell with certainty. It’s going to be very interesting to see if Tiz the Law as well as Lord Nelson inherited some or all the prepotence of his sire line, and in what respects.
With Tapit, not at all. Where there’s one Constitution there could quite easily be several more. Tapiture and Tonalist are doing well if not spectacularly well. Mohaymen and Divining Rod have started well thus far.
Moreover, with Tapit as a broodmare sire, the future looks very promising, the best is yet to come. Constitution’s success enhances, more than detracts, the desire of racing & or standing a son of Tapit. Essential Quality is your evidence.
American Freedom is another son of Pulpit who has a handful of exciting progeny already which may provide an early black type win or two. Actually, there are quite of few 1st crop sires that are making excellent starts. Caravaggio, Gormley, Mohaymen, Practical Joke, Stanford, among many.
David. Noooo !
My parents loved Hamilton, but I loathe that kind of music. Hamilton is one of my favorite historical figures; the book the play is based on – a bio of AH by Ron Chernow – is incredible.
I adore history – that’s a huge reason why I want to visit Saratoga.
Steve, I look forward to reading this – you are the Bard of Racing. I love reading about old time racing – I used to sit in the library and read The History of Thoroughbred Racing in America. One story I remember is of Your Host, Kelso’s sire. He suffered a severe injury on the track and nearly died. As a kid, I was always drawn to his story and “happy” ending.
I’d also like to add that I used to be so disappointed when any horses I followed ended up being gelded. Now I think, it just means they can have a longer career and that their connections don’t feel the need to rush them into tough spots…
Steve, interesting maiden baby race today. The winner, Key Point, came from the clouds (going way wide) to win going away impressively. Of course, he’s by Into Mischief. The second place finisher, Happy Happy B, is of course ine I was watching – and Honor Code half to Keepmeinmind. He’s a good looking, strapping colt…he showed tactical speed, and I love how he kicked in when he was battling the horse in the rail. He should never have run that well going 6F. That race was faster than the first division..two really nice colts.
Betsy, in time you may learn to appreciate Hamilton as your parents do. Have you read any of Gore Vidal’s historical novels? Vidal provides a more humanistic understanding/reading of history. Every idolised hero in history are supported by ‘feet of clay.’ That’s human. Ha ha Try again with “Hamilton.”
I never will, David, lol, -aside from despising rap, I much prefer to get my history from books, not tv shows/movies/plays.
You may have misunderstood my comments. No need for me to “try again” with Hamilton- like I said above, he’s one of my favorite historical figures. I read the book the show is based on – it’s brilliant.
“Never is an awfully long time.” – J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
Ron Chernow’s “Washington: A Life”…..that man transcribed a report every day of the Revolutionary War,, and he saved his letters. A veritable library of information, when I heard they tree down a statue it sent chills down my spine, warts and all, no Washington/ no America.
Steve, I am of a younger generation and did not see these horses. I love to read your stories. Please keep writing them down, so that they will persist to be grasped by all those who may reach for them in the future – even if at present the younger generation generally seems to lack historical consciousness.
I’m so glad I finally found one. Lol. Thank you. I fear, however, the lack of historical consciousness is going to get worse before it gets better. I hate to be skeptical and hope Im wrong for the sake of future generations. Young racing fans are missing so much.
Historical events? Many don’t even follow current events. Consciousness involves the newest super heroes fantasies, not true heroes of the past. Human, or equine. Amuse me, don’t educate me.
That is so true.
The word “escapism” isn’t used so often lately, but I think what we’re discussing is often better described as an escape from reality than as a desire to be entertained.
Or just simply indifference. History or just the past has no interest to them.
O brave new world!
Sad to say, I think you’re assessment is probably correct. All too often a situation becomes dire before the political will needed to change can take root and spread.
There must be a causal connection between the loss of everyday connection to agrarian life – even if not the Jeffersonian ideal – and the loss of an historical consciousness. And the lack of sociological imagination. The younger generation needs more exposure to horses, preferably in the flesh. Perhaps after care facilities can help make up for the losses in the ranks of racetracks, as places where the exposure can occur, but to make the venues as accessible to city dwellers as racetracks have been will be a real trick.
What a lovely tribute to three giants of racing. Thank the gods for the geldings whose careers aren’t over at the age of three.
Thanks Susie and amen.
Thank you Steve for bringing me back. Kelso is a frame of memory connected through my father, but I was there for Forego and John Henry. Witnessing Forego carry cement bags on his back and winning, let alone having an owner and trainer willing to do it is something we’ll never see again John henry was just a joy to watch him run. I went to see those 2 at Kentucky Horse Park to pay homage to them twice, my wife noticed at the time I had tears in my eyes and asked if something was wrong and I said no I’m just happy. I said it before and I’ll do it again. The horses haven’t changed only the owners and trainers have. When anybody tries to compare the horses of 21st century to the 20th you can’t do it because the bar has been lowered by man not the horse. One question for you is who would you consider for horse of the 90’s, 00’s and teens. Thanks Steve for bringing us dinosaurs back, were still walking the earth.
Great post Derek. Couldnt agree more about the people changing…people who are afraid to lose. Horse of the 90s between Cigar, Holy Bull, and Skip away. Cigar was more the face of the 90s. 00s between Curlin, Rachel, and Zenyatta. Teens probably Chrome and Pharoah. You can make a case for wise Dan.
How about throwing a couple from across the pond Goldikova and Ouija Board
I dont believe you can call a European horse the Horse of a Decade in America when they make their presence felt here once a year for two or three years. But Goldikova especially will always will always be remembered as one of the greats of the Breeders Cup
Your right but when they came it was special. I guess I’m turning into a globalist. LOL
This is the first chance I’ve had to read this story of these 3 great horses. I saw it was on here a few days ago but have been busy and just got a chance to read it. Oh my gosh it was a great story as usual Steve!! I always had a soft spot for John Henry cause he was the little brown package no one wanted and turned out to be one of our greatest ever!! I knew Kelso was a great one didn’t know much about Forego but I do now!! You are so right when you say we will never see the likes of these kind of horses, geldings or otherwise again. Loved the stories of these great ones!! Thanks Steve.
Thank you, Rita. So glad you enjoyed it.
Steve – Let me join the chorus of your many followers regarding your stirring and masterful recounting of the feats of that fabulous trio of geldings; it is one of your best narratives and personal recollections. Unfortunately, as one reviewer already said, we will never see their likes again….but the indelible memories will remain. Thanks. Dave
Thank you very much. As is always the case, the only people who comment are those who saw some or all of these horses. The younger generation is nowhere to be found, Either they have no interest in the old-time horses or they just are not coming here. It’s the same on my Facebook page. No new faces show up. But I’ll keep writing for those who are interested. I actually thought there would be more interest in the stories and statistics behind these three great geldings.
Hi Steve, I’m a new old face. Never responded to a site before, us old timers can be shy, but you brought out some courage in me so here goes. I’ve been watching and playing the ponies off and on since I was eight years old. Kelso was my boy !! I had clippings of him from the newspapers plastered all over my room. Loved that horse !! and his competition, Carry Back, Ridan and Beau Purple. Just watched some old races of Forego and John Henry, all the great ones had that determination and will to win. Thank you Steve for all your hard work bringing memories of these champions to life. You tell their stories like no other can. Sincerely, Diane
Thank you very much Diane for building up the courage to comment and for the kind words, and especially for sharing your memories, I hope you keep coming back
Phenomenal piece Steve! Truly 3 greatest hero’s. As you said we will never see the likes of again. Only wish I could have seen them. I have all 3 in The Thoroughbred Legends Series, 2 of which you wrote. Thanks for the incredible insight, and remarkable way to tell their story.
Thanks very much Teri.
Forego always will be my favorite horse. How fortunate to grow up in New York and be able to see him compete live with regularity. Fortunate, too, to have seen John Henry on his trips to the Big Apple. And of course all those Saturdays at my grandparents house in Brooklyn watching racing on tv (was it channel 9 or 11?). It seemed like it was always Aqueduct and always Kelso.
Even though I had seen Forego & John Henry run several times, I only saw Kelso at Woodstock Farm. I can remember going to see them in barn 14 before their ceremony at Belmont. What a greeting the appreciative crowd gave them. Naturally, the word of Kelso’s passing spread quickly on the backside.
You can still watch the Kelso and Forego parade on YouTube = “Kelso & Forego – 1983 Jockey Club Gold Cup”
Brilliant work Steve….thanks….especially Forego-who might be the most underrated champion caliber horse of all time. But I’ve heard stories that John Henry was as an unpleasant and unruly horse as champion has been…stories that John Henry, when battling with another horse down the stretch would try to reach over and bite the to other horse. Wow.
Thanks John. I never heard that about John in a race, but you should read my book on him if you want to hear stories about his temperament.
Just loved this column.. Watching the Marlboro in 1976.. the finish reminded me of Buckpasser’s impossible victory in the Suburban over Ring Twice.. when Fred stated calling the race” I dont think he can make it”.. but did.. Forego’s was even better and all you have to know about the love his public had for him came thru when due to a mutual strike, no betting was allowed at the track, and yet more than 5000 fans turned out to watch him race anyway and to see what i believe was his seasonal debut in a 7f allowance race..
We were truly blessed to have these three geldings allow us to be amazed for such a long time.. .. Thanks Steve for capturing this and keeping it alive..
Thanks very much, Marc. It truly was a special era in racing.
Three of the absolute greatest ever for class, courage, and speed– the three greatest attributes of the Thoroughbred.
Thanks for showing us greatness.
Thanks for the evocative story. I recently watched the John vs. Bart race again — what a race! I remember the reaction when Kelso died. Critics blamed Mrs. du Pont for making an old horse travel, but I prefer to think that Kelso died with the familiar sound of the crowd’s cheers ringing in his ears. I didn’t see Forego run, but I got to see John Henry a few times at Santa Anita. I was fortunate enough to see both at the Kentucky Horse Park, the hulking Forego and the (by comparison) tiny John.
Good grief. Misspelled my own last name. I hate autocorrect!
Trying to figure out which one I like best. LOL. If this happened today, Mrs du Pont would have vilified on social media
I’m glad she was not subjected to judgment on social media. I always thought of Mrs. du Pont as the perfect horse owner–a lovely lady who knew horses and loved them in a way that most owners don’t. She and Kelso provided a lot of wonderful memories.
Nice! I didn’t see these champions when they raced, but now I feel as though I did. Thanks!
Love these walks down memory lane you provide Steve. As time erodes the brain cells for me (ha,ha) it is so wonderful to read about the accomplishments of a few of our equine hero’s.
I truly appreciate the hard work you put into these narratives as well. I feel like I was there watching the race all over again.
There is another great horse that gets little mention these days. His name is Round Table. He was one incredibly versatile race horse. I saw him run a couple times ad it was breath taking. I sure would be appreciative if you could do a blog on him someday.
Much thanks
Thanks very much, Deacon. You are so right about Round Table who equaled or broke 16 tracks records and is the father of grass racing and horses who are equally as good on both surfaces.
This article brought back fond memories. I was fortunate enough to live in Queens during Forego’s dominance. He is the reason I fell in love with thoroughbred racing. In 1978 I moved to Southern California and saw his “brother” in Big John. I was there for the 1978 Marlboro Cup. Forego’s stretch drive under Shoe’s vigorous urging is forever etched in my mind. They were true handicap champions that carried and gave weight to their rivals that would make current trainers cringe. Thanks Steve for keeping their memories alive.
So glad it rekindled memories Marc. Thank you.
The complete NBC showing of that first Million is available on YOUTUBE,,,it’s very entertaining! After they cross the finish line NBC posts The Bart as the winner, and Dick Enberg company are all saluting The Bart…after a few minutes—and right before they leave for a commercial—one of them says it’s closer than they had thought—and when they come back from the commercial, John Henry has won the photo! One of the interviewers is a Brit–and he pointed out that Lester Piggot–who finished third on a good British filly–was several lbs overweight—when he interviews the great rider, he gets right in his face about it–Piggott tries to laugh it off, but the trainer is red faced angry at the guy, and said Lester is the world’s best jockey, and that’s that! Quite the intrigue, before, during….and after the first Arlington Million, which was a HUGE happening at the time, they advertised it as such—and John Henry—from the farthest post #13—delivered!
UPDATE! John Henry came out of the 12 hole, as there ended up 12 going…from that post–starting on the far turn you worry about trip–down the stretch first time John is far outside—but Shoemaker got him all the way over to the inside, and saved ground–a MUST on turf! Shoe piloted the greatest turf stayer in US history to victory–in a race that captured the imagination of the racing world!
RIGHT before they go to the commercial—NBC posts “OFFICIAL” results The Bart–FIRST!
Forego is still my favorite of all time. Thank you for the memories!
We need some grand old geldings like these three! Horses that race month after month, year after year. I saw John Henry at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2000. Even at his advanced age, he was the boss.
Gracias Steve, magnifico recuerdo de tres grandes de la hipica..!! inolvidables…
Gracias, Fernando
Another great article, Steve. Kelso was before my time involved in all things horsey, but I watched Forego and John Henry race. It still amazes me the tenacity of both these horses and their will to win. Thanks for taking me back.
Jo Anne
So glad you enjoyed it Joanne. Thank you