2002: War Emblem

The fiery War Emblem was born on February 20, 1999, a son of stallion Our Emblem and broodmare Sweetest Lady. But there wasn't anything sweet about this near black colt. Trainer Bob Baffert had to handle the horse carefully at all times to avoid a bite, a kick or worse. Luckily, the dark horse had that same fire when he raced, and he had tremendous early speed. For any average speed horse, the Kentucky Derby is suicide. Only the most talented speed horses can pull off gate to wire against the top horses in their crop. War Emblem came to Louisville off a start to finish win in the Illinois Derby. He got a new trainer just weeks before the most important race of his life, and his jockey would meet him for the very first time on the first Saturday of May. It was too late to change his style.

He had 21-1 odds in the Derby, and he surprised a lot of people with another flashy gate to wire victory. He went on to win the Preakness Stakes in similar style. The feisty colt stood in the shoes of many before him: a chance to make history and win a crown that racing fans were starting to be desperate for. But the problem with front runners is that so many of them are one dimensional, and if they don't get on or near the early lead, they flounder.

So when War Emblem stumbled and fell to his knees at the start of the Belmont, it was already over. It didn't matter that he got back up and into decent position by the time he reached the first turn. He wasn't comfortable, and he burned out by the time they reached the stretch. He would finish eighth.

In truth, as hard as it is to win the derby wire to wire, it's probably even harder to win the mile and a half "test of a champion" that way, and it would have been an incredible feat had Emblem pulled it off. Regardless, he was one of the great racehorses of his decade.

Unfortunately War Emblem would not pass his speed on to many offspring. The feisty colt Baffert referred to as Hannibal Lecter would grow up into a picky stallion, and he refused most mares that were put in front of him. He still stands stud in Japan but remains fairly unsuccessful due to his breeding issues. There is also concern, due to the tragic fate of Derby winner Ferdinand, that he may go to a Japanese slaughter house when he is no longer breeding. There are efforts being made to ensure the post breeding safety of him as well as Charismatic and others standing stud in Japan.

And so War Emblem, a beautiful horse with a fiery temper and a lot of speed will always be known for being another one of those that fell short and failed to make history when it was on the line.