The legend of Seabiscuit is one that has been told for generations. The small, but mighty Thoroughbred racehorse captured the hearts of millions of Americans during the Great Depression. Seabiscuit was a champion in the eyes of the public, but did he ever win the coveted Santa Anita Handicap?
Background on Seabiscuit
Seabiscuit was sired by Hard Tack, a champion racehorse who was a son of the legendary Man ‘o War, and was foaled in 1933. He was owned and trained by Charles S. Howard and ridden by jockey Red Pollard. He raced from 1935 to 1940 and won 33 of his 89 starts, earning over $437,000. Seabiscuit was an underdog throughout his career and was beloved by the public for his tenaciousness and will to win.
Seabiscuit’s Career
Seabiscuit won his first stakes race, the Pacific Handicap, in 1936. He went on to win several other prestigious races, including the Santa Anita Handicap in 1938, the Hollywood Gold Cup in 1938 and 1940, and the Pimlico Special in 1938 and 1940. He also finished second in the 1938 Kentucky Derby, and third in the 1940 Preakness Stakes.
The Santa Anita Handicap
The Santa Anita Handicap is a Grade 1 race for Thoroughbred horses that is held annually at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. It is one of the most prestigious races in the United States and has been held since 1935. The race is run on dirt over a distance of 1¼ miles and offers a purse of $1 million.
Seabiscuit’s Attempts at the Santa Anita Handicap
Seabiscuit made three attempts at the Santa Anita Handicap. In 1936, he finished fourth, in 1937 he finished seventh, and in 1939 he finished second.
1936
In 1936, Seabiscuit finished fourth in the Santa Anita Handicap. He was the favorite going into the race but struggled with the distance and the track conditions. He was beaten by three lengths by the eventual winner, Rosemont.
1937
In 1937, Seabiscuit finished seventh in the Santa Anita Handicap. He was the favorite going into the race but had trouble with the track conditions and was unable to mount a challenge.
1939
In 1939, Seabiscuit finished second in the Santa Anita Handicap. He was the favorite going into the race and gave the eventual winner, Kayak II, a good run for his money. He finished second by a length and a half.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Seabiscuit never won the Santa Anita Handicap. He made three attempts at the race, but was unable to win it. He was a consistent performer in the race, but ultimately came up short. Despite not winning the Santa Anita Handicap, Seabiscuit is still remembered as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.