Spurred by the recent discussion, I feel like honoring our greatest champions. This post will begin an exploration into America's eleven triple crown winners--starting most logically, with the first.
Sir Barton would not get the honor of having the Triple Crown title until much later, as the term was not coined until Gallant Fox won the three races in 1930. Still, nothing is to be taken away from this colt. He was born to the same farm that produced Kentucky Derby winners Old Rosebud (1914), Paul Jones (1920), and Flying Ebony (1925), in addition to Derby and Belmont winner, Zev (1923). Sir Barton was by Star Shoot (a son of English Triple Crown winner, Isinglass) and Lady Sterling (Hanover). Barton suffered soft hooves--piano felt was placed between his foot and his shoe in an attempt to diminish the pain when he raced, but it was a problem for him throughout his career. As a two year old, Sir Barton was never in the money until the final start of his season when he finished second. He went into the Kentucky Derby as a maiden, intended to be a rabbit for his stablemate--He was supposed to press the pace and tire the front horses so Billy Kelly could come from behind to win. The plan backfired when Barton's stablemate couldn't catch him down the stretch. Just four days later he won the Preakness, and two races later, the Belmont. And America's Triple Crown is too tight now? I don't think so. Our horses are too fragile.
Sir Barton was by no means a perfect horse. After he won the Triple Crown, he had a great three year old campaign, and was named Horse of the Year. Eventually, he was pitted in a match race against the great Man O' War, and was beaten by his younger, and nearly definitely more talented rival. Sir Barton never won again, and was retired to stud. He produced several good fillies, including 1928's Kentucky Oaks winner, and then was relocated for unknown reasons. After his death he was buried near his paddock, but later was moved to a small park in Wyoming where he lies today.
Sir Barton had his faults, but proved himself one of the best horses of his generation, and of course, was our very first Triple Crown winner.
No comments:
Post a Comment