Curiosidades
A Man O War se le suele considerar el mejor caballo de carreras de la historia. Nació en 1917 y, en sus dos años de competición, ganó 20 de 21 carreras. Estableció récords de pista y mundiales, ganó con amplias ventajas y soportó peso adicional en un intento por igualar sus condiciones con las de otros caballos.
Tras esa breve y exitosa carrera, su dueño lo retiró como semental para evitar que el peso de compensación siguiera aumentando hasta causarle una derrota o lesión. Su fama continuó durante su etapa de cría y retiro: se estima que entre 1 y 1,5 millones de visitantes fueron a verlo a lo largo de su vida.
Samuel Riddle lo compró cuando tenía un año.
En viajes de competición y de cría solía acompañarlo su amigo Major Treat, un caballo de exhibición retirado por lesión. Sus establos estaban juntos y permanecieron en compañía durante su retiro como semental.
Will Harbut fue su cuidador más conocido, de 1930 a 1947.
Un mes después de la muerte de Will Harbut, Man O War murió a los 30 años. Su funeral se transmitió por radio y reunió a 7.500 personas en Churchill Downs.
En homenaje a Man O War (1917–1947).
Leer el texto original en inglés
Man O War is commonly referred to as the greatest racehorse in history. He was born in 1917 and, in the span of his two-year long racing career, he was a nearly undefeated champion of 20 races (out of 21!). His successes were further amplified by the number of track and world records he established, the margins by which he won his races, and the additional weight of jockeys he carried to the finish line in an effort to level the playing field against other horses.
After his short but profoundly successful racing career, Man O War was retired to stud, a decision made by his owner to prevent increasing weight (handicap) with his successes, until he was either lost or injured. His recognition and adoration continued well into his stud-era and retirement, with an estimated 1,000,000-1,500,000 visitors travelling to see the legendary racehorse during his lifetime.
- Man O War was purchased as a yearling by Samuel Riddle.
- Man O War was most frequently accompanied in travel during both racing and stud by his close friend 'Major Treat', a retired from injury Show Hunter. The two were stalled beside one another, and remained together well into his stud retirement.
- Will Harbut was Man O War's most well known groom (1930-1947)
- Just one month after the death of Will Harbut, Man O War passed at age 30. He was honoured for his life of achievements in a radio broadcasted funeral, attended by 7,500 people at Churchhill Downs.
In tribute, Man O War (1917-1947)
