“Big Red” Photo Set: Man o’ War & Secretariat

Description

In 1920, a 3-year-old chestnut Thoroughbred captured the imagination of the American public. His name was Man o’ War. Born March 29, 1917, the strapping colt was nicknamed “Big Red,” an affectionate moniker that Secretariat would evoke from adoring fans five decades later. Both horses were public icons with larger-than-life legacies that will endure for generations to come.

Like Secretariat, Man o’ War started 21 times over the span of two years, winning the most prestigious races of his day, including the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, as well as the match race over 1919 Triple Crown winner Sir Barton. His lone defeat in the Sanford Stakes during his juvenile season to a swift colt named “Upset” helped redefine the word as a “surprising loss” and forever entrenched the term in the lexicon of American sports vocabulary.

As a stallion Man o’ War had an enduring impact on racing, siring 386 registered foals, of which 64 were stakes winners. His bloodline received great acclaim with the release of the 2004 film, Seabiscuit, as he was the grandsire of that courageous handicap champion as well as the sire of Seabiscuit’s adversary, 1937 Triple Crown winner War Admiral.

We are proud to make available this scarce vintage image featuring Man o’ War in a morning work at Saratoga Race Course. And if the photo seems familiar, it is because the composition is amazingly similar to the famous Bob Coglianese image capturing Secretariat during an early morning workout in March of 1973.  Offered individually in 8″ x 10″ sizing with large sizes available by request; or purchase both photos as a tandem set, showcasing the athletic form, balanced extension, and enormous stride that distinguished each of these racing legends.

Secretariat’s Morning Workout photo may be available hand-signed by jockey Ron Turcotte, please inquire upon purchase.