A note on sources: As I researched my subjects for this book, Colonel Michael C. Howard, great-grandson of Charles and Marcela Howard, generously gave me access to the private scrapbooks of Charles and Marcela Howard. These books included a wealth of newspaper and magazine clippings, photographs, telegrams, and letters, some of which do not include complete publishing information. In the following section, I indicate these incompletely annotated sources with the abbreviation SB. In a few cases, it is unclear whether the dates on these materials indicate the dates on which the articles were filed by their authors, or the dates on which they appeared in print. In instances in which the date specified is a filing date, I have used the abbreviation FD. In most cases, articles appear in print on the day after they are filed.
1 the year’s number-one newsmaker: “Looking ’Em Over,” San Francisco News, SB, January 1939; B. K. Beckwith, Seabiscuit: The Saga of a Great Champion (Willfred Crowell, 1940) p. 33.
2 forty million listeners: “Seabiscuit Stands Out,” The Pay Off, November 1938.
3 seventy-eight thousand people witnessed his last race: There They Go: Racing Calls by Joe Hernandez, album released by Los Angeles Turf Club, n.d.
4 population was less than half its current size: Irvine, E. Eastman, ed., World Almanac 1938 (New York: New York World-Telegram, 1938) p. 241; Robert Famighetti, ed., The World Almanac and Book of Facts 1997 (New Jersey: K-III Reference Corp., 1996), p. 377.
5 attendance comparable to Super Bowl: Jorgen Lyxell, “Super Bowl” online article (San Francisco: Jorgen Lyxell; accessed September 13, 2000); www.acc.umu.se/~lyxell/superbowl/.
6 forty thousand fans see workout: “40,000 See Howard’s Champion,” The Baltimore Sun, November 2, 1938.
7 fifty thousand exhausting railroad miles: M. A. Stoneridge, Great Horses of Our Time (New York: Doubleday, 1972), p. 34.
1 21 cents: “Charles S. Howard,” San Francisco Chronicle, June 7, 1950, p. 1.
2 cavalry: Michael C. Howard, telephone interview, January 18, 1997.
3 racing bicycles: Terry Dunham, “The Howard Automobile Company,” manuscript from the papers of Marcela Howard, July 1975.
4 “devilish contraptions”: “My Thirty Years in the Press Box,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 6, 1937.
5 Anti-automobile laws: Floyd Clymer, Those Wonderful Old Automobiles (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1953), p. 30.
6 automobile ban at Stanford: “Charles S. Howard,” San Francisco Chronicle, June 7, 1950, p. 2.
7 “Accessories”: “My Thirty Years in the Press Box,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 6, 1937; Clymer, Those Wonderful Old Automobiles, p. 67.
8 refueling at pharmacies: William M. Klinger, “Pioneering Automobile Insurance” online article (San Francisco: Museum of the City of San Francisco, accessed February 24, 1998); www.sfmuseum.org.
9 “windshield hats”: Clymer, Those Wonderful Old Automobiles, p. 22.
10 road signs … erected … by insurance underwriter: Klinger, “Pioneering Automobile Insurance.”
11 “picnic parties”: Ibid.
12 Automobile-repair shops: Ibid.; Michael C. Howard, telephone interview, January 18, 1997.
13 first American race: Clymer, Those Wonderful Old Automobiles, p. 57.
14 The European race … halted due to “too many fatalities”: Ibid., p. 26.
15 Howard gains Buick franchise: Dunham, “The Howard Automobile Company.”
16 three Buicks: “Automotive Highlights,” Los Angeles Times, March 24, 1940, p. 3.
17 housed automobiles in parlor of bicycle-repair shop: Tom Moriarty, “California Sportsman,” Rob Wagner’s Script, March 18, 1938, p. 8.
18 four city blocks per hour: Louise Herrick Wall, “Heroic San Francisco” online article (San Francisco: Museum of the City of San Francisco; accessed February 24, 1998); www.sfmuseum.org/1906/06.html.
19 “We suddenly appreciated …”: Emma Burke, untitled article, Outlook, June 1906.
20 Van Ness as firebreak: Wall, “Heroic San Francisco.”
21 blew up shop: Moriarty, “California Sportsman,” p. 8.
22 cars used as ambulances: Michael C. Howard, telephone interview, January 18, 1997; Dunham, “The Howard Automobile Company.”
23 day’s rental of a horse and buggy: Wall, “Heroic San Francisco.”
24 Robert Stewart: Michael C. Howard, telephone interview, January 18, 1997.
25 auto racing in 1906 San Francisco: Klinger, “Pioneering Automobile Insurance.”
26 Howard racing cars: “Charles S. Howard,” San Francisco Chronicle, June 7, 1950, p. 2; Dunham, “The Howard Automobile Company.”
27 Howard advertises wins: Dunham, “The Howard Automobile Company.”
28 “horse is past …”: Ralph Moody, Come On Seabiscuit (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1963), p. 22
29 sold eighty-five White Streaks: “Charles S. Howard,” San Francisco Chronicle, June 7, 1950, p. 2.
30 Durant gave Howard sole distributorship: Dunham, “The Howard Automobile Company.”
31 GM bailout: “Charles S. Howard,” San Francisco Chronicle, June 7, 1950, p. 2; “Yea, Verily,” SB, fall 1937.10
32 Charles S. Howard Foundation: “Howard, Charles Stewart,” National Cyclopedia of American Biography, p. 27.
33 expedition to Galápagos: Dunham, “The Howard Automobile Company.”
34 Frank’s accident and aftermath: “Frank Howard Killed,” The Willits News, May 14, 1926, p. 1; Jane Babcock Akins, telephone interview, November 12, 1999.
35 Howard cries over painting: Bill Nichols, telephone interview, January 14, 1998.
36 Tijuana: T. D. Proffitt, III, Tijuana: The History of a Mexican Metropolis (San Diego: San Diego University Press, 1994), pp. 190–98; Wad Studley, telephone interview, February 6, 1999.
37 target practice: Wad Studley, telephone interview, March 2, 1999.
38 Three hundred tracks had been operating: Tom Biracree and Wendy Insinger, The Complete Book of Thoroughbred Horse Racing (Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Company, 1982), p. 143.
39 departing Hollywood film crew: Sonny Greenberg, telephone interview, December 24, 1999.
40 Howard to Tijuana: Carter Swart, “The Howards of San Francisco,” Northern California Thoroughbred, fall 1981, p. 111.
41 Howard loses interest in automobiles: Tom Moriarty, “California Sportsman,” Rob Wagner’s Script, March 18, 1938.
42 Meeting Marcela: Swart, “The Howards of San Francisco,” p. 111.
43 Blooey: “A Blue Monkey Visits New York,” New York American, SB, 1935.
44 Giannini: Joe Estes, “Thoroughbred Farms in California,” Blood-Horse, SB, n.d., p. 676.
45 “Doc” Strub: David Alexander, A Sound of Horses (New York: Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1966), pp. 51–70; Mary Fleming, A History of the Thoroughbred in California (Arcadia, Cal.: California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, 1983), pp. 95–97.
46 1935 average income: Eastman, Almanac 1938, p. 288.
47 “hunnert-grander”: “Seabiscuit’s Past,” Los Angeles Times, SB, winter 1938.
48 America’s most heavily attended sport: Tom Gilcoin, telephone interview, February 28, 1997.
1 A journalist who had watched Smith: “Like Mike and Ike,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, n.d.
2 chop off his own toe: Alexander, A Sound of Horses, p. 185.
3 “Lone Plainsman”: “Like Mike and Ike,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, n.d.
4 Smith’s history: Obituary, Blood-Horse, January 19, 1957, p. 338; “Alarm Clock for Training,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, 1936; “Seabiscuit Makes Debut,” Los Angeles Times, December 28, 1936; “They Do Come Back,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, fall 1939; Moody, Come On Seabiscuit, pp. 23–29; “Seabiscuit Trainer History,” Morning Telegraph, SB, fall 1937.
5 “Cowboy Charlie”: Willard Porter, “Big Charlie Irwin,” True West, September 1987, pp. 38–43; “Riddle Walked In,” SB, fall 1938; “Old West Cowboy Dies,” The New York Times, March 24, 1934, p. 1; “450 Pound Horseman,” uncredited clipping, n.d.; Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998; Wad Studley, telephone interview, February 6, 1999; Tommy Bell, telephone interview, June 22, 1999; Keith Stucki, telephone interview, March 25, 1998; Noble Threewit, telephone interview, January 17, 1998; Jimmy Jones, telephone interview, February 3, 1999; “Seabiscuit’s Trainer Pupil of Famous Cowboy Irwin,” SB, 1937.
6 Work under Irwin: “Tom Smith Sets Sights,” San Francisco News, March 27, 1939; Keith Stucki, telephone interview, March 25, 1998.
7 Indian reservations: “Riddle Walked In,” SB, fall 1938.
8 Knighthood: “They Do Come Back,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, fall 1939.
9 squatting down on floor: “Alarm Clock for Training,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, 1936.
10 watching a horse … for hours: “Kayak II and the ‘Biscuit’; A Namesake Turns Out Well,” Blood-Horse, February 24, 1951, p. 432.
11 “I’d rather depend on my eye …”: Ibid.
12 “It’s easy to talk to a horse …”: Theodus Carroll, Firsts Under the Wire: The World’s Fastest Horses (New York: Contemporary Perspectives, 1978), p. 29.
13 “Learn your horse …”: “Seabiscuit Makes Debut,” Los Angeles Times, December 28, 1936.
14 Oriley: Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998; “History of Silent Tom Smith,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, SB, March 1939; “Silent Tom Smith,” SB, March 16, 1940.
15 living out of a horse stall: Noble Threewit, telephone interview, January 17, 1998.
16 “the best trainer …”: Joe Estes, “Thoroughbred Farms in California,” Blood-Horse, SB, n.d., p. 676.
1 Smith’s clothes: “Best San Francisco Horse,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, late 1936.
2 hat story: “Silent Tom Smith,” SB, March 16, 1940.
3 alarm clock: “Alarm Clock for Training,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, 1936.
4 Smith discovers Seabiscuit: Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 25; “Hey for Seabiscuit,” San Francisco Chronicle, May 14, 1938.
5 duck waddle: Stoneridge, Great Horses of Our Time, p. 35.
6 “mostly in his heart …”: Ibid.
7 “I’ll see you again …”: Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 25.
8 Fitzsimmons: Jimmy Breslin, Sunny Jim: The Life of America’s Most Beloved Horseman (Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Company, 1962).
9 track built around house: Breslin, Sunny Jim, pp. 78–79.
10 Hastings/Man o’ War: Peter Chew, “The Mostest Hoss,” American Heritage, April 1971, pp. 24–29, 90–95.
11 War Relic: Tommy Luther, telephone interview, February 2, 1998.
12 Hard Tack: Joe Hernandez, “The Horse of Iron,” Turf and Sport Digest, November 1938, p. 26.
13 foreleg jabbed out: “Seabiscuit, the All-American Winner,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, spring 1938.
14 “Runty little thing …”: Moody, Come On Seabiscuit, p. 3.
15 “so small … you might mistake …”: “A Testament,” SB, November 1938.
16 equine sleeping habits: Dale Leatherman, “While You Were Sleeping,” EQUUS, April 1996, pp. 36–38; Bobbie Lieberman, “Your Horse’s Biological Clocks,” EQUUS, February 1984, pp. 40–45.
17 had to wake horse up in morning: Charles Hatton, “This Is a Horse,” Turf and Sport Digest, January 1939, pp. 16–32.
18 Seabiscuit’s behavior: Ibid., pp. 16–32; “Sports,” Newsweek, SB, March 1940.
19 left him in a van: “Seabiscuit’s a Dempsey Sort,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, n.d.
20 “I thought he simply couldn’t run …”: “Seabiscuit’s Story,” San Francisco News, March 6, 1940.
21 “He struck me … as a bird …”: Hatton, “This Is a Horse,” pp. 16–32.
22 Use of whip: “Seabiscuit’s Story,” San Francisco News, March 6, 1940; “Seabiscuit’s Final Test Today,” New York Sun, May 24, 1938; Hatton, “This Is a Horse,” pp. 16–32; “The Judge’s Stand,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, SB, n.d.; “Sports,” Newsweek, SB, March 1940.
23 “Mean, restive and ragged …”: Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 21.
24 “He had something when he wanted …”: B. K. Beckwith, Step and Go Together (South Brunswick and New York: A. S. Barnes and Company, 1967), p. 113.
25 “pretty nice hoss …”: “In the Paddock,” SB, February 1939.
26 pawning off horse as polo pony: “Things and People,” Blood-Horse, February 18, 1950, p.400.
27 Howards find Seabiscuit/lemonade wager: Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 25–26; Michael C. Howard, telephone interview, January 18, 1997.
28 “Better come and see …”: Beckwith, Step and Go Together, p. 113.
29 “Get me that horse …”: “Turf King,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, n.d.
30 “I fell in love with him …”: Beckwith, Step and Go Together, p. 114.
31 trial race: “Smith Recalls Stipulation That Could’ve Stopped Seabiscuit Sale,” Daily Racing Form, February 13, 1953; “Biscuit’s Best Race Recalled,” SB, November 3, 1938; “The Judge’s Stand,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, March 7, 1940.
32 “I can’t describe the feeling …”: Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 27.
33 Seabiscuit might … win another purse: “Turf King,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, n.d.
34 “Deal or no deal?”: Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 27.
35 “Looks like they got a new saddle horse …”: Farrell Jones, telephone interview, November 4, 1998.
1 “His win percentage had dropped …”: Source: Daily Racing Form, Monthly Edition, August, 1936, Volume XVI, No 8. 1936 by Regal Press, Inc.,p. 22.
2 Red Pollard’s history: Edith Wilde, telephone interview, February 2, 1998; Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998; “Pollard’s Bricks Helped Build City,” Strathcona Plaindealer, Summer 1983, p. 1; “Jockey Pollard Recovering,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, SB, July 1938; David Alexander, “Four Good Legs Between Them,” Blood-Horse, December 24, 1955, pp. 1558–63.
3 bartering gasoline for groceries: Edith Wilde, telephone interview, February 2, 1998.
4 hitching the horse to his toboggan: Ibid.
5 “the body of a dancer …”: Norah Christianson, telephone interview, January 26, 1998.
6 ovals cut through hayfields: Keith Stucki, telephone interview, March 25, 1998.
7 elite quarter horses have been clocked at peak speeds of well over fifty miles per hour: George Pratt, e-mail interview, April 10, 1998.
8 abandoned at track: Edith Wilde, telephone interview, February 2, 1998.
9 dirty tactics: Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998; Keith Stucki, telephone interview, March 25, 1998.
10 “I was trying to kill that Cuban …”: “Eddie Arcaro, ‘The Master,’ Is Dead at 81,” Los Angeles Times, November 15, 1997, p. C11.
11 “To succeed in those days …”: Eddie Arcaro, I Ride to Win! (New York: Greenberg, 1951), p. 45.
12 boxing: Alexander, “Four Good Legs,” pp. 1558–63; Alexander, A Sound of Horses, p. 182.
13 nicknames: Wad Studley, telephone interview, February 6, 1999.
14 bug boys: Tommy Luther, telephone interview, February 2, 1998; Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998; B. K. Beckwith, The Longden Legend (New Jersey: A. S. Barnes and Co., 1973), p. 33.
15 imposts and lengths: Biracree and Insinger, The Complete Book of Thoroughbred Horse Racing, p. 210.
16 “I was hungry …”: “Long Ride Over for Jockey Neves,” Los Angeles Times, July 8, 1995, p. C1; “Neves, Howard Rider,” SB, n.d.
17 “Father” Bill Daly: Alexander, A Sound of Horses, pp. 170–72.
18 “Who hit you in the butt …”: Bill Buck, telephone interview January 27, 1998.
19 Preservator: “There They Go!,” Daily Racing Tab, SB, fall 1939.
20 two saddles, a handful of bridles and two sacks of oats: “There They Go,” Daily Racing Tab, SB, fall 1937.
21 riding with somewhat longer stirrups: Eddie McMullen, telephone interview, February 5, 1999.
22 Woolf’s clothing: David Alexander, “New England Racing,” Blood-Horse, August 1, 1942, p. 160.
23 “fightin’ bulldog …”: Alan Goodrich, “All-Time Greatest Jockey,” Sir!, March 1951, p.22.
24 Woolf’s history: Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998; “Seabiscuit Cinch,” San Francisco Examiner, October 27, 1938; “Georgie Woolf,” SB, n.d.; “The Sun,” Baltimore Sun, October 30, 1938, p. 1; “Georgie Woolf Tops Jockeys,” San Francisco Examiner, April 16, 1938, p. 22.
25 “Must have been born on one …”: Carey Alexander, “Woolf Is Top Money Rider in America,” Cheers, March 1941, p. 6.
26 “as natural as walking …”: “By Bud Spencer,” Los Angeles Times, November 4, 1944.
27 “I’ll be with them until I die …”: “The Iceman Dies,” Blood-Horse, February 23, 1946, p. 86.
28 Pickpocket: Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998.
29 “hold an elephant …”: “Great Stakes Reinsman Honored Today,” George Woolf Memorial pamphlet, February 10, 1949, p. 1.
30 skill: Goodrich, “All-Time Greatest Jockey,” p. 66; Joseph Mosbacher, telephone interview, November 19, 1998.
31 visualize race: Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998.
32 George sets tack on fire: Goodrich, “All-Time Greatest Jockey,” p. 66.
33 “he was a better rider …”: Joseph Mosbacher, telephone interview, November 19, 1998.
34 “saying … the wrong thing at the wrong time …”: Alexander, “New England Racing,” p. 160.
35 “We got a party of our own …”: Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998.
36 rodeo story: Harold Washburn, telephone interview, November 9, 1998; “Match Race,” SB.
37 teasing Whitey: “Great Stakes Reinsman Honored Today,” p. 4.
38 beaten in a photo finish: “Woolf Blames Bumping,” SB, March 5, 1938.
39 “Big head, little ass …”: Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998.
40 “icemen and traveling salesmen …”: Alexander, “New England Racing,” p. 160.
41 “the strength to blow out a candle …”: Ibid., p. 159.
1 Thomas Dowell: “Death of Jockey Dowell,” Thoroughbred Record, July 1938.
2 “will all but saw their legs off …”: Arcaro, I Ride to Win!, p. 49.
3 eating dehydrated lettuce: Ibid.
4 sight of water agonizing: Breslin, Sunny Jim, p. 128.
5 “road work”: Chick Lang, telephone interview, January 23, 1998; Woody Stephens, telephone interview, January 13, 1998.
6 DeLara: Joe H. Palmer, This Was Racing (New York: A. S. Barnes and Company, 1953), p. 22.
7 virtuosos of defecation: Helen Luther, telephone interview, March 6, 1998.
8 “Frenchy” Hawley: Jockey’s Guild Year Book, 1945 (New York: Jockey’s Guild, 1945), pp. 47–49; Tommy Luther, telephone interview, February 2, 1998; Helen Luther, telephone interview, March 6, 1998.
9 Greenberg’s reducing: Sonny Greenberg, telephone interview, December 24, 1999.
10 lost thirteen pounds: Breslin, Sunny Jim, pp. 130–32.
11 “biggest disappointment of my life …”: Woody Stephens, with James Brough, Guess I’m Lucky, (New York: Doubleday & Company, 1985), p. 39.
12 athleticism study: Jockey (video), Tel-Air Productions, 1980.
13 “a situation of dynamic imbalance …”: A. E. Waller, et al., “Jockey Injuries in the United States,” Journal of the American Medical Association, 2000; vol. 283, no. 10.
14 “the ultimate impossibility …”: Beckwith, The Longden Legend, p. 33.
15 lengths lost on turns: Eric Wing, National Thoroughbred Racing Association e-mail interview, May 2000.
16 two hundred or more falls: Jockey (video), Tel-Air Productions, 1980.
17 three thousand pounds of force: George Pratt, e-mail interview, February 13, 1998.
18 current jockey injury rates: John Giovanni, telephone interview, January 23, 1998.
19 Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago: The Jockey News, June/July 1999, p. 58.
20 one in every five injuries is to head or neck: Waller, et al., “Jockey Injuries in the United States.”
21 13 percent of jockeys suffered concussions: J. M. Press, P. D. Davis, S. L. Wiesner, et al., “The National Jockey Injury Study: An Analysis of Injuries to Professional Horse-Racing Jockeys,” Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, 1993; 5:236–40.
22 Nineteen jockeys killed between 1935 and 1939: Ron Farra, Jockeying for a Change (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.: Saratoga Mountain Press, 1998), p. 69.
23 jockey headgear: Mike Griffin, telephone interview, January 23, 1998; Johnny Longden, telephone interview, January 13, 1998; Woody Stephens, telephone interview, January 13, 1998.
24 “Sandy Graham”: Tommy Luther, telephone interview, February 2, 1998.
25 Donoghue: Steve Donoghue, Donoghue Up! (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1938), pp. 234–42, 126–30.
26 Ralph Neves: “Long Ride Over for Jockey Neves,” Los Angeles Times, July 8, 1995, p. C1; “Resurrected,” San Francisco Chronicle, May 9, 1936, p. A1; Barbara Mikkelson, “Jockey Shorted,” online article (Urban Legends Reference Pages; accessed September 14, 2000); www.snopes.com/spoons/noose/neves.htm; “Rider Who Came Back to Life Feels ‘Great’,” Los Angeles Times, May 10, 1936; “Jockey Back from Dead,” Los Angeles Times, May 9, 1936.
27 “it could get awfully rough out there …”: Arcaro, I Ride to Win!, p. 45.
28 “You didn’t talk about it …”: Farrell Jones, telephone interview, November 4, 1998.
29 “… cannot be blotted out …”: Arcaro, I Ride to Win!, p. 42.
30 Empire City: Tommy Luther, telephone interview, February 2, 1998.
31 “the horse, … he takes you …”: Steve Murtaugh, telephone interview, May 2000.
32 living “all the way up …”: Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1926), p. 10.
1 Molino Rojo: Sonny Greenberg, telephone interview, December 24, 1999; Joseph Mosbacher, telephone interview, November 19, 1998; Farrell Jones, telephone interview, November 4, 1998.
2 “the house of the wilted pigeons …”: Wad Studley, telephone interview, March 2, 1999.
3 Quoting Shakespeare in the jocks’ room: Farrell Jones, telephone interview, November 4, 1998.
4 Bear story, twitch story: “The Post Parade,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, September 2, 1937, FD; Horace Wade, “Tales of the Turf,” Turf and Sport Digest, October 1958, p. 16.
5 fight … over checkers match: Farrell Jones, telephone interview, November 4, 1998.
6 “Ride ’em, cowboy!”: Carey Alexander, “Woolf Is Top Money Rider,” Cheers, March 1941, p. 6.
7 black market in his shoes: Joseph Mosbacher, telephone interview, November 19, 1998.
8 Phar Lap’s kangaroo saddle: Alan Goodrich, “All-Time Greatest Jockey,” Sir!, March 1951, p. 67.
9 “I am going to be a jockey!”: Harold Washburn, telephone interview, November 9, 1998.
10 rides half naked: Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998; Goodrich, “All-Time Greatest Jockey,” p. 66.
11 Woolf and Genevieve: Sonny Greenberg, telephone interview, December 24, 1999.
12 “How can I keep away?”: “Me and the Biscuit,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 15, 1940, p. 4H.
13 manure sitting/flood: Jimmy Jones, telephone interview, February 3, Wad Studley, telephone interview, March 2, 1999; Tommy Luther, telephone interview, February 2, 1998; Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998; Chick Lang, telephone interview, January 23, 1998.
14 Woolf and Gallant Sir: Noble Threewit, telephone interview, January 17, 1998.
15 George sleeping: Goodrich, “All-Time Greatest Jockey,” pp. 65–66; Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998.
16 diabetes: “Turf in Review,” Daily Racing Form, January 8, 1949; Jockey’s Guild Year Book, pp. 40–41; Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998; Kathy Gold, R.N., telephone interview, Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation, 1999; Sonny Greenberg, telephone interview, December 24, 1999.
17 three times as many horses: “By Bud Spencer,” Los Angeles Times, November 4, 1944.
18 “the Desperate Dude”: Goodrich, “All-Time Greatest Jockey,” p. 65.
19 reinforced saddle: “Turf in Review,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, January 8, 1949.
20 Red blinded: Edith Wilde, telephone interview, February 2, 1998; Norah Christianson, telephone interview, January 26, 1998.
21 “only word he knows is yes …”: “Sports,” New York Journal American, SB, fall 1938.
22 Mexico banned gambling: “Biscuit Given Big Edge,” SB, March 26, 1938, FD.
23 Yummy: David Alexander, “Four Good Legs Between Them,” Blood-Horse, December 24, 1955, pp. 1558–1563; Alexander, A Sound of Horses, pp. 184–85, 187; Harold Washburn, telephone interview, November 9, 1998; Keith Stucki, telephone interview, February 11, 1999; Sonny Greenberg, telephone interview, December 24, 1999.
24 Pollard’s six percent win average: Jockey statistics for 1/11/36 to 8/25/36, Daily Racing Form, August 1936.
25 car wreck: “King of Horses,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, March 17, 1940.
26 27 cents: Alexander, A Sound of Horses, pp. 184–85.
27 Pollard meets Seabiscuit: “King of Horses,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, March 17, 1940; Moody, Come On Seabiscuit, pp. 35–37.
1 so thin that hips could have made a passable hat rack: “Both Barrels,” San Francisco Call-Bulletin, March 2, 1940, FD.
2 Seabiscuit’s condition and behavior, Smith’s treatment: Keith Stucki, telephone interview, March 25, 1998; Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 30; “Seabiscuit Makes Debut,” Los Angeles Times, December 28, 1936; “Seabiscuit Was Bad Boy,” SB; “Seabiscuit Trainer Says He’s Another Discovery,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 13, 1937; “Seabiscuit Crossed Up Clockers,” Los Angeles Times, March 1, 1937; “Seabiscuit Was a Stall Walker,” SB, fall 1937.
3 wooden-legged racetrack cat: Palmer, This Was Racing, p. 226.
4 goat: “Seabiscuit Was Bad Boy,” SB; Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 36.
5 JoJo, Pocatell: Joe Hernandez, “Horse of Iron,” Turf and Sport Digest, November 1938 p. 66; Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 40.
6 feed: “Hey for Seabiscuit,” San Francisco Chronicle, May 14, 1938; Moody, Come On Seabiscuit, p. 89; “Both Barrels,” San Francisco Call-Bulletin, March 5, 1940.
7 Let him go: “Seabiscuit Makes Debut,” Los Angeles Times, December 28, 1936.
8 “Why rate him?”: “To the Point,” San Francisco Examiner, March 3, 1940, section 2, p. 2.
9 allowing horse to do as he pleased: “Hugh Bradley Says,” New York Post, SB, May 1938.
10 swerving around dogs: “Seabiscuit Crossed Up Clockers,” Los Angeles Times, March 1, 1937.
11 adjust the horse’s speed with steering: Keith Stucki, telephone interview, March 25, 1998.
12 gate training: Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 34.
13 “You got to go … slowly …”: Ibid.
14 Horse’s affection for Pollard, Smith: Charles Hatton, “This Is a Horse,” Turf and Sport Digest, pp. 16–32; “Hugh Bradley Says,” New York Post, SB, May 1938; “Hey for Seabiscuit,” San Francisco Chronicle, May 14, 1938.
15 “the best horseman …”: Keith Stucki, telephone interview, March 25, 1998.
16 Race against Myrtlewood: Hatton, “This Is a Horse,” pp. 16–32; “Biscuit Trainer Hails,” San Francisco Examiner, March 12, 1940.
17 “that horse can win the Santa Anita!”: “The Sun,” The Baltimore Sun, October 30, 1938, p. 1; “Difference of Opinion,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 21, 1940, FD.
18 “more natural inclination to run …”: “Seabiscuit Trainer Says He’s Another Discovery,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 13, 1937.
19 “as gentlemanly a horse …”: “Smith Recalls Stipulation That Could’ve Stopped Seabiscuit Sale,” Daily Racing Form, February 13, 1953.
20 “You don’t have to tell good horses …”: Alan Goodrich, “All-Time Greatest Jockey,” Sir!, March 1951, p. 66.
21 Exhibit workout: “Like Mike and Ike,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, winter 1936–37.
22 Sabueso: “Ligaroti Is Best Pampas Horse,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, fall 1937.
23 “Did you ever see two stallions fight?”: Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 43.
24 “Let’s head for California …”: Ibid., p. 33.
25 Seabiscuit and trains: Ibid., p. 30.
26 “hang on to your hats …”: Ibid., p. 33.
1 put on two hundred pounds: “Seabiscuit’s Odds Cut,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 11, 1937, FD.
2 He’s burning the top right off the racetrack: Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 34; “Best San Francisco Horse Is Seabiscuit,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, late 1936.
3 world record workout: “War Admiral Race Causes Comment,” San Francisco Examiner, SB.
4 Smith scared by Seabiscuit’s speed: Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 34.
5 stable hands were shocked: “Seabiscuit Looms as Favorite,” SB, December 1936.
6 Pollard brags about having time to shop during race: “May Import Foe from South,” SB, n.d.
7 Seabiscuit “overrated”: “Keep an Eye on Collier Candidate,” Pasadena Star-News, December 25, 1936; “Mutuel Bells,” Glendale News-Press, December 24, 1936; “Seabiscuit Fails to Warrant Position,” Los Angeles Times, December 17, 1936.
8 rash: “Seabiscuit Gains in Skin Trouble,” Glendale News-Press, January 22, 1937; Moody, Come On Seabiscuit, pp. 65–66; Farrell Jones, telephone interview, January 28, 1998.
9 “Don’t tell me about bad breaks …”: Ibid.
10 Ollie overfeeding: “Seabiscuit Crossed Up Clockers,” Los Angeles Times, March 1, 1937.
11 Smith knew he had the best horse in America: “Seabiscuit’s Trainer Says He’s Another Discovery,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 13, 1937.
12 “If Seabiscuit loses …”: “Sports,” New York Journal American, August 7, 1937.
13 Howard betting: “Seabiscuit Threat to Sun Beau’s Record,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, August 9, 1937.
14 running of ’37 hundred-grander: “The Inside Track,” Los Angeles Herald and Express, March 1, 1937; “Too Close for Comfort,” Los Angeles Times, February 28, 1937.
15 wire … close enough to touch: “Too Close for Comfort,” Los Angeles Times, February 28, 1937.
16 “faster, baby, faster …”: Ibid.
17 Howard’s premature celebration: “Sports,” New York Journal American, August 7, 1937, FD.
18 “Fortune … kissed the wrong horse …”: “There They Go,” Daily Racing Tab, SB, summer 1937.
19 Red and Harry talk: “The Inside Track,” Los Angeles Herald and Express, March 1, 1937; “Too Close for Comfort,” Los Angeles Times, February 28, 1937.
20 Neither he nor Smith blamed him: “Seabiscuit Totes 120,” Los Angeles Times, March 4, 1937; “The Inside Track,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, August 11, 1937.
1 85 million people a week: William Manchester, The Glory and the Dream: A Narrative History of America 1932–1972 (New York: Bantam Books, 1973), p. 120.
2 Radio history: Dr. Marvin R. Bensman, “Broadcasting History” online article (Memphis: Department of Communications, University of Memphis; accessed September 18, 2000); www.people.memphis.edu/~mbensman/homes30.dat.
3 Rural Electrification Administration, begun in 1936: “Rural Electrification Administration,” online article (Kansas: Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.; accessed September 18, 2000); www.kec.org.
4 Golden Rod beer: “Yea, Verily,” SB, fall 1937.
5 Smith taciturn: Sonny Greenberg, telephone interview, December 24, 1999.
6 “He’s a horse …”: Alexander, A Sound of Horses, p. 185.
7 “long-distance conversationalist …”: “Seabiscuit Scores Hollow Triumph,” San Francisco News, SB, n.d.
8 sneak the horse out: “California Has New Turf Sensation in Seabiscuit,” SB; Keith Stucki, telephone interview, March 25, 1998.
9 “Damned if I know …”: “Smithiana,” Thoroughbred Record, February 23, 1957.
10 set out Seabiscuit’s bridle: Moody, Come On Seabiscuit, p. 163.
11 electrified a park bench: Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998.
12 “Turf writers and clockers swear …”: “Silent Tom Smith,” SB, March 16, 1940.
13 “Runs, though …”: Alexander, A Sound of Horses, p. 185.
14 “Seabiscuit and Greta Garbo …”: “Seabiscuit Turns in Sizzling Work,” San Francisco Chronicle, April 6, 1937, FD.
15 Howard goes to press box before races: “Seabiscuit Nips Track Record,” The Boston Globe, August 8, 1937, p. 24.
16 Howard tells reporters of itineraries: “Seabiscuit Rides Home,” San Francisco Chronicle, November 18, 1937.
17 Howard sends silver shoes to reporters: “Sports Mirror,” SB, December 1937; “Hit or Miss,” Los Angeles Examiner, February 15, 1938.
18 Howard’s champagne: “Cap’s Good Loser,” SB, March 4, 1937, FD.
19 “He’ll probably win …”: Alexander, A Sound of Horses, p. 178.
20 Oscar Otis’s excoriation of Pollard: “Jockey Richards Gives Rosemont Great Ride,” Los Angeles Times, February 28, 1937.
21 “Pollard deserves at least half the credit …”: “Seabiscuit Totes 120,” Los Angeles Times, March 4, 1937.
22 San Juan Capistrano: “Boots and Saddles,” Santa Monica Outlook, March 3, 1937, FD; “Hit or Miss,” SB, March 1937.
23 Grog: “Like Mike and Ike,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, n.d.; Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998; Wad Studley, telephone interview, February 6, 1999; Keith Stucki, telephone interview, March 25, 1998.
24 reporter sneaks to track cook’s house: “Turf King,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, n.d.
25 “bring the old Biscuit out …”: Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998.
26 artist painting Grog: Keith Stucki, telephone interview, March 25, 1998.
27 Stucki and Whitey fool horseman: Keith Stucki, telephone interview, March 25, 1998.
28 Seabiscuit was insured for $100,000: “Santa Anita Horses Worth Millions,” SB, October 1937.
29 Bay Meadows Handicap, “Who finished second …”: “Grand Manitou Runs Second,” San Francisco Examiner, April 17, 1937, FD.
30 Smith wants to hide horse from eastern handicappers: “Seabiscuit Must Carry Weight,” San Francisco Examiner, May 19, 1937, p. 27.
31 Pollard collapses: “Biscuit Iron Horse,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, May 1937.
32 Pollard hits Otis: Farrell Jones, telephone interview, November 4, 1998.
1 “One end bites …”: Dorothy Ours, e-mail interview, September 14, 2000; John Clark, Trader Clark: Six Decades of Racing Lore (Lexington: Thoroughbred Publications, Inc., 1991).
2 War Admiral compared to sire: “Admiral Likely Wilson Choice,” SB, n.d.
3 Stucki rides past Fitzsimmons barn: Keith Stucki, telephone interview, February 11, 1999.
4 “A single steed …”: “Turf King,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, n.d.
5 “Hail the conquerin’ hero …”: “Seabiscuit Wins Massachusetts Handicap,” Boston Herald, August 8, 1937, p. 24.
6 “Let’s have some applause …”: “The Post Parade,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, September 2, 1937, FD.
7 Los Angeles Daily News poll: “Biscuit Leads by a Nose,” Los Angeles Daily News, August 27, 1937.
8 Bing’s telegram: Bing Crosby, telegram to Charles Howard, August 7, 1937.
9 Seabiscuit in mud: “The Inside Track,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, SB, n.d; “The Post Parade,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Raing Form, October 11, 1938; “Seabiscuit,” San Francisco Chronicle, July 19, 1938, p. 1H; Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 41.
10 “Bring on Your War Admiral!”: “The Judge’s Stand,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, October 16, 1937, FD.
11 asked about training: “Smith Training System,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, November 1937.
12 Fitzsimmons asks to hold Seabiscuit: Ibid.; “Seabiscuit,” San Francisco Chronicle, July 19, 1938, p. 1H.
13 Howard mocked for being afraid of War Admiral: “Belmont Board of Directors Meet Today,” San Francisco Call-Bulletin, SB, April 1938.
14 Vanderbilt: David Schmitz, “A Presence Well Known” online article (Lexington: Blood-Horse; accessed November 13, 1999); www.blood-horse.com/features/vanderbilt1115.html.
15 “I believe Seabiscuit can beat War Admiral …”: “Turf in Review,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, November 3, 1937, FD.
16 tongs: “The Judge’s Stand,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, SB, n.d.
17 He is befuddled: “War Admiral Race Causes Comment,” San Francisco Examiner, SB, n.d.
18 “Seabiscuit will lick him sure …”: “Seabiscuit Will Beat War Admiral,” San Francisco Call-Bulletin, November 23, 1937.
19 Crusader incident: “Milton Asks New Starter,” SB, October 6, 1938.
20 Howard kept his horses in town: “Seabiscuit to Stay …”: Baltimore Evening Sun, November 3, 1937.
21 telephones Otis: “Seabiscuit Rides Home,” San Francisco Chronicle, November 18, 1937.
22 Awaiting War Admiral: “Seabiscuit to Stay,” Baltimore Evening Sun, November 3, 1937.
23 homecoming: “Royal Welcome for Seabiscuit,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, November 1937; “Seabiscuit Set to Race,” Oakland Tribune, November 22, 1937; “Home Town Fans Greet Seabiscuit,” San Francisco Chronicle, November 22, 1937, p. 6H; “Even Europe Knows,” San Francisco Chronicle, November 22, 1937.
1 Exhibit: “Seabiscuit Voted Standout Horse,” San Francisco Examiner, December 10, 1937; “Seabiscuit’s Jockey Gets Suspension,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, December 1937; “Looking ’Em Over,” San Francisco News, SB, December 1937; “Owner Refuses Entry,” Los Angeles Examiner, December 22, 1937, FD.
2 Horse of the Year: “Seabiscuit Voted Standout Horse,” San Francisco Examiner, December 10, 1937.
3 fog workout: “Clockers See Seabiscuit in New Workout,” SB, n.d.
4 Monday workout: “Howard Horse Has Three Quarter Run in 1:12,” Los Angeles Examiner, February 1, 1938.
5 dipping Seabiscuit’s hoof in ink: “Can Seabiscuit Cop?” San Francisco Call-Bulletin, 22, 1937.
6 minimum imposts in California: “Seabiscuit Weight Still in Question,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, late March 1938.
7 lameness rumors: “Seabiscuit Sound?” San Francisco Examiner, SB, February 1938.
8 newsmen got down on their hands and knees: “Seabiscuit Works Out,” SB, fall 1937.
9 “‘mystery’ of Seabiscuit …”: “The Post Parade,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, February 10, 1938.
10 “Doggone those clockers …”: “Smith Feuds with Clockers,” Los Angeles Times, February 2, 1938.
11 HOWARD HORSE PULLED UP “GROGGY”: “Howard Horse Pulled Up Groggy After Work,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, January 31, 1938, FD.
12 “Sponging”: “Betting Coup,” Los Angeles Examiner, February 1, 1938; “Horse Is Well Guarded,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, February 2, 1938.
13 Howard acts as decoy: “Seabiscuit Works Out,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 12, 1938.
14 Fair Knightess fall: “Santa Anita Jockey Hurt,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 20, 1938, p. 3H; “Before and After,” SB, n.d.; “Harry Richards Expected,” SB, mid-February 1938; “Pollard Will Be Idle,” SB, mid-February 1938; Moody, Come On Seabiscuit, p. 109.
15 hind end was paralyzed: “Harry Richards Expected,” SB, mid-February 1938.
16 Pollard asks Howard to hire Woolf: “Owner Refuses Entry,” Los Angeles Examiner, December 22, 1937, FD.
17 “Seabiscuit will run …”: “Howard Hunts New Jockey,” San Francisco Examiner, February 21, 1938, p. 16.
18 “as good as hands can make him …”: “Seabiscuit’s Sizzling Work,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, February 21, 1938, FD.
19 Pollard meets with Workman: “Hit or Miss,” Los Angeles Examiner, March 4, 1938; “Biscuit Trainer Raps Jockey,” San Francisco Examiner, March 1, 1938.
20 San Antonio: “Workman Told to Hit Horse Twice,” SB, n.d; “Seabiscuit Beaten by a Neck,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 26, 1938, FD.
21 Pollard listens to San Antonio: “Pollard Defends Workman,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, February 28, 1938, p. A12.
22 Smith watches San Antonio: “Biscuit Trainer Raps Jockey,” San Francisco Examiner, March 1, 1938.
23 “All I want is a jockey who will obey …”: “Biscuit Trainer Raps Jockey,” San Francisco Examiner, March 1, 1938.
24 Woolf offered $1,000 to get out of contract: “There They Go,” SB, 1937.
25 Woolf meets with Howard, Smith: “Ice Man Jockey,” San Francisco Examiner, March 1, 1938, FD.
26 he’d split the riding fee: “Woolf Offers to Split,” SB, March 1938; “Small Field …” Los Angeles Examiner, March 3, 1938.
1 barn security: “Stagehand Winner,” San Francisco Chronicle, March 6, 1938; “Owner Debunks Yarn on Seabiscuit Sponging,” SB, February 2, 1938.
2 plot to kidnap Woolf: “Stagehand Winner,” San Francisco Chronicle, March 6, 1938.
3 trainer … had to send to Miami to get … Wall: “Seabiscuit Was Best Horse in Handicap,” SB, n.d.
4 Red bows: “Jockey Pollard Recovering,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, SB, July 1938.
5 Marcela in press box, Bing: “Wonder Horse Nibbles,” SB, February 11, 1938; “Sports,” New York Journal American, May 1938.
6 bet between Howards: “As Bill Leiser Sees It,” San Francisco Chronicle, March 5, 1938, FD.
7 Stagehand and Sceneshifter’s caps: “Turf in Review,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, January 8, 1949; “Bill Henry Says,” Los Angeles Times, SB, March 1938.
8 All I need is luck: Salvator, “Marginalia,” Thoroughbred Record, SB, March 1938, p.203.
9 half mile world record broken: Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 44.
10 McCarthy’s call of race: Salvator, “Marginalia,” Thoroughbred Record, SB, March 1938, p. 203.
11 George realizes error: “Turf in Review,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, January 8, 1949.
12 I am going to gallop by him: “Sports,” New York Journal and American, April 26, 1938.
13 Pollard and Marcela watch race: “Pollard Praises Stagehand,” Los Angeles Examiner, March 6, 1938, p. 7; “The Post Parade,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, March 7, 1938; untitled, San Francisco Examiner, SB, March 1938; “Bill Henry Says,” Los Angeles Times, SB, March 1938.
14 “We’ve got the race!”: “Bill Henry Says,” Los Angeles Times, SB, March 1938.
15 Pollard thought it was over: “Hugh Bradley Says,” New York Post, SB, May 1938.
16 spectators would remember race for as long as they lived: Leonard Dorfman, telephone interview, November 12, 1999.
17 clapped a hand over Marcela’s mouth: untitled, San Francisco Examiner, SB, March 1938.
18 “the greatest racehorse in the world …”: “Sports,” New York Journal American, April 26, 1938.
19 “We’ll try again …”: Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 44.
1 Howard asked about match: “Sports,” New York Journal American, SB, May 1938.
2 newsmen petition to see films: “Biscuit Jockey Blamed,” SB, March 10, 1938.
3 Howard protests suspension: “Seabiscuit Withdrawn,” Los Angeles Times, March 11, 1938; “Hit or Miss,” Los Angeles Examiner, March 11, 1938.
4 Seabiscuit poses: “Hit or Miss,” Los Angeles Examiner, March 31, 1938; “Sports Mirror,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 12, 1938, p. 12; Charles Hatton, “This Is a Horse,” Turf and Sport Digest, January 1939, pp. 16–32; “Hit or Miss,” Los Angeles Examiner, March 31, 1938; “Sports Mirror,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 12, 1943, p. 2H.
5 Agua Caliente: Jerry Brucker, “Seabiscuit’s Overlooked Chapter,” Thoroughbred of California, September 1986, pp. 18–27; “Lure of Handicap Day,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, March 25, 1938; “Seabiscuit Top Heavy Race Favorite,” Los Angeles Times, March 26, 1938; “Crowd Sets New Mark,” Los Angeles Examiner, March 28, 1938; “20,000 Watch Seabiscuit,” San Diego Union, March 28, 1938; “The Inside Track,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, March 28, 1938, p. A11; “Seabiscuit Goes North,” Los Angeles Times, March 28, 1938, FD; “Yea, Verily,” SB, n.d.
6 Match negotiations: “War Admiral and Seabiscuit March for $100,000 Proposed,” Daily Racing Tab, SB, April 1938; “War Admiral, Seabiscuit Duel Arranged,” Baltimore Sun, April 13, 1938; “Biscuit vs. War Admiral?” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, April 1938; “Three Big Offers,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, n.d.; “Coast Seeks,” San Francisco Examiner, April 6, 1938; “Biscuit Runs in Bay Meadows Handicap,” Los Angeles Examiner, April 14, 1938, FD; Marvin Drager, The Most Glorious Crown (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1975), pp. 61–75.
7 Two turn concern: “Pimlico Next on List,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, April 1938.
8 “Seabiscuit will meet War Admiral anywhere …”: “Board of Directors Meet Today on War Admiral–Seabiscuit Match Race,” San Francisco Call-Bulletin, SB, April 1938.
9 “beat the stuffing …”: “Sports,” New York Journal American, April 26, 1938.
10 highest weight in California: “Biscuit First, Then Rest,” San Francisco Call-Bulletin, April 16, 1938.
11 Pollard in press box: “Record Crowd Sees Seabiscuit,” San Francisco Examiner, SB, April 1938.
12 Seabiscuit leaves: “Seabiscuit Shoves Off,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, April 1938.
13 Captain Billie’s Whizz Bang magazine: “Biscuit Plays Duck,” SB, n.d.
14 “We’ve got to tear off that guy’s epaulets …”: Ibid.
1 slept for most of the trip: “Biscuit Good Sleeper,” San Francisco Examiner, SB, May 1938.
2 24,265th mile of career rail travel: “Seabiscuit’s Travels,” SB, May 1, 1938.
3 95 percent of the wagers were on War Admiral: “Little Money Wagered on Seabiscuit,” San Francisco Chronicle, May 7, 1938, FD.
4 tears down wall between stalls: “Biscuit Will Duck Pimlico,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, n.d.
5 “Tom had blown his topper …”: “Seabiscuit Gets Recognition at Last,” San Francisco Examiner, February 2, 1944.
6 gate training: “Off Fast!,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, May 1938; “Biscuit Goes to School,” San Francisco Chronicle, May 11, 1938, FD.
7 Wise We Boys: “Silent Tom Smith,” SB, March 16, 1940; “Silent Tom Can’t Keep a Secret,” San Francisco Chronicle, May 21, 1938; “Howard Crosses Up Clockers,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, May 17, 1938; “Biscuit Bows Out,” SB; “Bill Leiser,” San Francisco Chronicle, May 22, 1938, p. 3H; “Seabiscuit Tom,” San Francisco Chronicle, May 21, 1938, p. 1H; “Biscuit Bows Out,” San Francisco Chronicle, May 24, 1938, FD.
8 “He never looked better …”: “Howard Visits New York,” SB, n.d.
9 paper wants racing board to step in: “State Racing Board Inquiry Is Suggested,” Daily Mirror, May 23, 1938, FD.
10 War Admiral’s bad training: “Howard Tells of Seabiscuit Program,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Examiner, June 16, 1938; “Biscuit’s Knee Good,” San Francisco Call-Bulletin, June 16, 1938, FD.
11 “Now the one time out of so many …”: “$100,000 Match Race Called Off,” New York Journal American, May 25, 1938.
12 scratch decision: “Down in Front,” New York Herald Tribune, May 26, 1938; “Biscuit Admiral …” SB, May 1938; “$100,000 Match Race Called Off,” New York Journal American, May 25, 1938.
13 “I don’t know if he’ll ever come out …”: “On the Line,” Daily Mirror, June 8, 1938.
14 Howard willing to race for no purse: “$100,000 Match Race Called Off,” New York Journal American, May 25, 1938.
15 War Admiral scratched: “By Joe Williams,” New York World-Telegram, May 31, 1938; “The Great Race,” Newsweek, June 6, 1938.
16 “I’ll never again consent to such a thing …”: Drager, Most Glorious Crown, p. 75.
17 spectators boo War Admiral: “On the Line,” Daily Mirror, June 8, 1938.
1 Pollard’s accident: “Howard’s Ace Loses Regular Jockey,” Providence Journal, June 24, 1938; “There They Go,” Daily Racing Tab, July 16, 1938; “King of Horses,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, March 17, 1940; Alexander, A Sound of Horses, pp. 181–82; Edith Wilde, telephone interview, February 2, 1998.
2 Howard flies in orthopedists: Edith Wilde, telephone interview, February 2, 1998.
3 “If that isn’t running …”: “War Admiral’s Trainer Balks,” SB, n.d.
4 War Admiral … balked in workout: “War Minstrel Proves He Will Be ’Cap Contender,” Boston Evening Transcript, June 22, 1938.
5 “the miracle of the ages …”: “In Best Condition of Career,” Boston Evening American, June 15, 1938.
6 “We’re still on the fence …”: “War Admiral Runs at Suffolk,” The New York Times June 29, 1938.
7 NBC radio interview: Alexander, A Sound of Horses, pp. 180–81; David Alexander, “Four Good Legs Between Them,” Blood-Horse, December 24, 1955, pp. 1558–1563; Jack Shettlesworth, telephone interview, March 1998.
8 “My horse is sharper than a fishwife’s …”: “Sports,” New York Journal American, June 29, 1938.
9 second-largest crowd ever to attend: “War Admiral ‘Just Another Horse,’” Wilmington Journal June 30, 1938.
10 Massachusetts scratch: “Setting the Pace,” New York Sun, June 30, 1938; “New England Weathers 1938,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, SB, n.d.; untitled article, SB, June 1938; “Seabiscuit’s Racing Career at End?” SB, June 1938; “The Race Track,” New Yorker, June 9, 1938.
11 “It seems things are all going wrong …”: “Menow Wins $50,000 Race,” Boston Herald, June 30, 1938.
1 “Looks like a cow pony …”: Beckwith, Step and Go Together, p. 117.
2 condition of track: “War Admiral Next,” SB, July 17, 1938.
3 “It looked like they were trying to grow corn …”: “Stewards Issue Ultimatum,” SB, July 15, 1938.
4 Stewards vs. Smith: “Seabiscuit Is Impressive,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, July 13, 1938; “Seabiscuit’s Trainer Bans” Los Angeles Times, July 14, 1938; “The Morning After,” Daily News, SB, July 15, 1938; “Stewards Issue Ultimatum,” SB, July 15, 1938; “Seabiscuit in Late Breeze,” Los Angeles Examiner, July 15, 1938.
5 Smith … never had a horse in his care: “Starting Gate for Match Never Built,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, May 1938.
6 Greenberg runs between barn and office: Sonny Greenberg, telephone interview, December 24, 1999; “Seabiscuit Runs at Hollywood,” Los Angeles Times, SB, mid-July 1938; “Seabiscuit to Run,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, July 15, 1938; “Stewards Issue Ultimatum,” SB, July 16, 1938.
7 Wayne Wright reducing: Leonard Dorfman, telephone interview, November 12, 1999.
8 “Let ’em run themselves out …”: “Woolf Gives All Credit,” SB, July 1938; “The Inside Track,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, July 1938; “Praise Woolf for Ride,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, July 19, 1938, p. A12.
9 “SILENT TOM SMILES!”: “Seabiscuit Wins Race,” San Francisco Examiner, July 17, 1938.
10 “I know my horse …”: “Seabiscuit Heads for Chicago,” Evening News, July 18, 1938, p. 15.
1 Lin-Charles rivalry: Noble Threewit, telephone interview, January 17, 1998.
2 Bing invested $600,000: Giles E. Wright, “30 Years of Surf and Turf,” Blood-Horse, July 23, 1966, p. 1921.
3 Side bet: Michael C. Howard, telephone interview, January 18, 1997.
4 “Ugh!”: “It’s Biscuit to Win,” San Diego Sun, August 11, 1938, p. 15.
5 “camouflaged as a diesel …”: Ibid.
6 Bing outfits track: “Rumors of Howard, Son Rift,” San Francisco Call-Bulletin, August 12, 1938.
7 scare him to death: Ibid.
8 “What are you doing, Spec?”: “Biscuit Race Riders Get Works,” San Francisco Chronicle, August 13, 1938, FD.
9 fouling: “At Last!,” Los Angeles Examiner, August 17, 1938, FD.
10 “the dingbustingest contest …”: “Pilots of Biscuit and Ligaroti Set Down for Rest of Meeting,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, August 14, 1938, p. 1.
11 Woolf scolds Richardson on yelling during race: “Great Stakes Reinsman Honored Today,” George Woolf Memorial Pamphlet, February 10, 1949, p. 4.
12 newsmen hear Woolf and Richardson arguing: “Stewards Rule Woolf, Richardson off Del Mar,” San Francisco Call-Bulletin, August 13, 1938, FD.
13 Marcela … downed several aspirin: untitled article, SB, n.d.
14 “I want the newspapers to forget …”: “Riding Orders Poppycock,” San Francisco Call-Bulletin, August 17, 1938, FD.
15 public accusation of wrongdoing: “Inside on Biscuit Race Bared,” San Diego Sun, August 16, 1938.
16 “make it look close …”: “Hit or Miss,” Los Angeles Examiner, SB, August 1938.
17 race was now being referred to as a “frameup” and a “fix”: “Riding Orders Poppycock,” San Francisco Call-Bulletin, August 17, 1938, FD; “Seabiscuit-Ligaroti Fixed Race,” Los Angeles Times, August 16, 1938, FD; “Seabiscuit’s Owner Denies Frameup!,” San Francisco Chronicle, August 16, 1938, FD.
18 Howard’s reaction: “Biscuit Owner Fights New Charges,” Los Angeles Examiner, August 16, 1938, FD; “What Nots,” SB, n.d.; “Seabiscuit-Ligaroti Fixed Race,” Los Angeles Times, August 16, 1938, FD.
19 “there are a few people in the East …”: “Sports,” New York Journal American, SB, August 1938.
20 viewing of film: “Just a Case of Jockeying,” Los Angeles Times, August 12, 1988, section III, p. 3; “Del Mar Cleans Up,” SB, September 8, 1938.
21 Navy planes: Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 30; Beckwith, Step and Go Together, p. 118.
1 leg broken and reset twice: Alexander, A Sound of Horses, p. 185.
2 Eighty-six pounds: “Sports,” New York Journal American, SB, n.d.
3 Pollard’s reading: David Alexander, “Four Good Legs Between Them,” Blood-Horse, December 24, 1955, p. 1553.
4 “Compensatory spark …”: Carl Bode, ed., The Portable Emerson (New York: Viking, 1984), p. 165.
5 Red woos Agnes: Norah Christianson, telephone interview, January 26, 1998.
6 Agnes was certain he was dying: Ibid.
7 letter from Red: Edith Wilde, telephone interview, February 2, 1998.
8 Old Waldo … had been right after all: Alexander, A Sound of Horses, p. 187.
9 Match negotiations: Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, Jr., telephone interview, January 29, 1997; “By Joe Williams,” SB, n.d.; Drager, Most Glorious Crown, pp. 61–75.
10 Milton excuses himself: “Milton Asks New Starter,” SB, October 6, 1938.
11 secret desire for walk-up: Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, Jr., telephone interview, January 29, 1997; “Thrilling Seabiscuit Story,” San Francisco Examiner, SB, November 1938; Tommy Bell, telephone interview, June 22, 1999.
12 “I’m going to give them birds the biggest surprise …”: Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998.
13 Pollard and Woolf strategize: “The Post Parade,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, November 3, 1938.
14 “Seabiscuit’s like a hunk of steel …”: “Starting Gate for Match Never Built,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, May 1938.
15 “you could kill him before he’d quit”: Alan Goodrich, “All-Time Greatest Jockey,” Sir!, March 1951, p. 66.
16 Smith and homemade bell: “Smith Recalls Stipulation That Could’ve Stopped Seabiscuit Sale,” Daily Racing Form, February 13, 1953; “Tom Smith Reminisces About Woolf, ’Biscuit,” Daily Racing Form, February 1953; Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998.
17 Grog in Seabiscuit’s stall: “Smithiana,” Thoroughbred Record, February 23, 1957.
18 “a civil war between the War Admiral Americans and the Seabiscuit Americans …”: “No Matter Who Wins,” San Francisco Chronicle, November 1, 1938, p. 1H.
19 Kurtsinger’s wife: “Seabiscuit Shows Speed in Workout,” SB, October 27, 1938.
20 “The storm is past …”: “Passing By,” SB, November 1938.
21 “bull’s wool” socks: Edith Wilde, telephone interview, February 2, 1998.
22 “Even George isn’t bad enough …”: The Post Parade,” Morning Telegraph, October 11, 1938.
23 “I still could have ridden the Biscuit …”: Ibid.
24 Seabiscuit … to win by four: “The Post Parade,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, November 3, 1938.
25 Howard barn on strategy: “The Post Parade,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, October 30, 1938; “Blue Bloods of the Turf,” Baltimore Evening Sun, October 28, 1938, p. 30; Alexander, A Sound of Horses, p. 180.
26 “War Admiral won’t outbreak …”: Jimmy Loftus, “Talk o’ the Turf,” Turf and Sport Digest, December 1938, p. 32.
27 THERE IS ONE SURE WAY … : “Obituary: Red Pollard,” Blood-Horse, March 21, 1981, pp. 1771–72.
28 Woolf and tractor path: “Now It Can Be Told,” Blood-Horse, April 5, 1941, p.59.
1 Spencer inspects track: “40,000 See Howard’s Champion,” The Baltimore Sun, November 2, 1938.
2 OUR HORSE WILL WIN BY 5 … : “Sports,” New York Journal American, SB, n.d.
3 $25,000 of his own money: “This Way,” Washington Times, November 2, 1938, p. 19.
4 Fitzsimmons’s prediction: “Seabiscuit’s Victory Over War Admiral,” New York Press, SB, November 1938.
5 fans outside track: “Biscuit Wins by Four,” New York Daily News, November 2, 1938, p. 62.
6 paddock scene: “Roamer’s Ramblings,” Thoroughbred Record, November 5, 1938, p.305.
7 St. Christopher medal: Jimmy Loftus, “Talk o’ the Turf,” Turf and Sport Digest, December 1938, p. 32; “Cohning Tower,” SB, November 1938.
8 Bell on stand broken: “Tom Smith Reminisces About Woolf, ’Biscuit,” Daily Racing Form, February 1953.
9 No assistants, … or no race: “Tom Smith Reminisces About Woolf, ’Biscuit,” Daily Racing Form, February 1953.
10 “keyed to the highest tension …”: Grantland Rice, “Seabiscuit vs. War Admiral,” The Fireside Book of Horse Racing, ed. David Woods (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1963), p. 243.
11 forty million listeners: “Seabiscuit Stands Out,” The Pay Off, SB, November 1938.
12 Roosevelt listens to race: Stoneridge, Great Horses of Our Time, p. 27.
13 War Admiral favored in press box: “Woolf Shares Purse,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, November 1938.
14 prerace: “Thrilling Seabiscuit Story,” San Francisco Examiner, SB, November 1938.
15 George canters Seabiscuit to backstretch: Ibid.
16 “we’ll never get a go …”: Loftus, “Talk o’ the Turf.”
17 “kicks like hell …”: “Thrilling Seabiscuit Story,” San Francisco Examiner, SB, November 1938.
18 “get on up here with me!”: Harold Washburn, telephone interview, November 9, 1998.
19 War Admiral never extended: “Seabiscuit Shows Speed in Workout,” SB, October 27, 1938.
20 writer falling from press box: Jack Mahon, “The Day the Biscuit Beat the Admiral,” Turf and Sport Digest, February 1974.
21 fans fainting: Mahon, “The Day the Biscuit Beat the Admiral.”
22 “His eye was rolling …”: Loftus, “Talk o’ the Turf,” p. 33.
23 tongue shot out the side of his mouth: “Thrilling Seabiscuit Story,” San Francisco Examiner, SB, November 1938.
24 “So long, Charley …”: Harold Washburn, telephone interview, November 9, 1998.
25 steeplechase fence collapsed: Ralph Theroux, telephone interview, February 1, 1999.
26 “He looked all broken up …”: “Winner Pays $6,” San Francisco Chronicle, November 2, 1938, FD; “Biscuit Choice,” SB, n.d.
27 George yells back at Kurtsinger: 1938 Pimlico Special, downloaded video (New York: ABC Sports, May 14, 1996, accessed March 26, 1997); America Online, ABC Sports racing page.
28 fans vault rail: 1938 Pimlico Special, video; America Online, ABC Sports racing page; “Seabiscuit Defeats Admiral,” Daily Mirror, November 2, 1938, p.34.
29 Riddle’s reaction: “In the Paddock,” SB, November 1938; “Wife of Biscuit’s Owner in Tears,” SB, November 1938.
30 “old pal Red …”: Audiotape, “Clem McCarthy’s Call of the Seabiscuit–War Admiral Match Race.”
31 paddock scene: “40,000 Watch Seabiscuit Defeat War Admiral,” The New York Times, November 1, 1938; “Seabiscuit Beats War Admiral,” SB, n.d.
32 “I said mine on the track …”: Ibid.
33 Kurtsinger whispers in War Admiral’s ear: “Rodger H. Pippen,” SB, n.d.
34 “If only Red …”: “Rider’s Views,” SB, November 1938.
35 Woolf, Kurtsinger postrace quotes: “He’s the Best Horse,” San Francisco Examiner, November 2, 1938; “Rival Jockey Lauds Biscuit,” SB, November 2, 1938.
36 Pollard after race: “The Post Parade,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, November 3, 1938; “He’s the Best Horse,” San Francisco Examiner, November 2, 1938; “Rider’s Views,” SB, November 1938.
37 morning after: “War Admiral’s Trainer Balks,” SB, November 1938.
38 $1,500: “Woolf Shares Purse,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, November 1938.
1 Red rebreaks leg; George visits: “There They Go,” SB, December 1938.
2 Babcock fixes leg: Edith Wilde, telephone interview, February 2, 1998; “Howard May Retire Seabiscuit,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Examiner, March 4, 1940, p. A16.
3 ice in Maryland: “Biscuit, Work Balked by Weather, to Quit Pimlico,” Baltimore Evening Sun, December 1, 1938.
4 crowds form in Columbia: “Seabiscuit Will Race at Santa Anita,” SB, n.d.
5 “All four of his legs are broken …”: “Seabiscuit Here in Fine Condition,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, January 2, 1939, p. A10.
6 “dumb farmer of a reporter …”: “Smith Denies Biscuit Not in Good Shape,” SB, December 25, 1938.
7 “One hundred thirty-four is a lot of weight …”: “Seabiscuit Will Race at Santa Anita,” SB, n.d.
8 horse had drawn more newspaper coverage: “Looking ’Em Over,” San Francisco News, SB, January 1939; B. K. Beckwith, Seabiscuit: The Saga of a Great Champion (Willfred Crowell, 1940), p. 33.
9 “the affection that this inarticulate brown horse had aroused …”: “Hollywood,” SB, March 3, 1940.
10 arrival at Santa Anita: “Seabiscuit, Sound and Eager, at Santa Anita,” SB, January 2, 1939.
11 “No longer will there be any secrecy …”: “Seabiscuit’s People’s Horse, Says Boss,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, SB, January 1939.
12 “Here comes the Biscuit”: “Rival Trainers, Owners,” San Francisco Examiner, SB, early 1939.
13 new turn-gripping shoes: “Seabiscuit Gets Special Type Shoe,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, January 24, 1939, p. A12.
14 hiding Kayak: “Argentine Takes Worst,” Los Angeles Examiner, March 5, 1939; “Kayak Trainer Given Credit,” Los Angeles Examiner, March 3, 1939; Salvator, “Horse of the Month,” Horse and Horseman, April 1939, p. 22.
15 Smith worries over starting Seabiscuit: “Seabiscuit out of Cap,” SB, February 16, 1939.
16 two thousand pounds of force: George Pratt, e-mail interview, February 13, 1998.
17 Seabiscuit’s injury: “Champ Goes Lame,” Los Angeles Examiner, February 15, 1939; “Fear Seabiscuit’s Career at End,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, February 15, 1939, p. B7; “X Ray Leg,” SB, February 1939; “Howard Star Pops Knee at Santa Anita,” SB, February 14, 1939; “Seabiscuit’s Condition Better,” SB, February 1939; “Seabiscuit Still a Puzzle,” SB, February 1939.
18 Woolf heard a sharp crack!: Moody, Come On Seabiscuit, p. 151.
19 “Why did you do it?”: “Seabiscuit Still a Puzzle,” SB, February 1939.
20 Postinjury scene at Howard barn: “Fear Seabiscuit’s Career at End,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, February 15, 1939, p. B7; “Leg Injury,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Express, February 15, 1939, p. B7; “Track Observers Predict,” Pasadena Star News, February 15, 1939, p. 16; “Howard Star Pops Knee at Santa Anita,” SB, February 14, 1939; “Seabiscuit’s Fate Still in Doubt,” San Francisco Examiner, February 15, 1939, FD; “Seabiscuit Still a Puzzle,” SB, February 1939; “Seabiscuit Scratched,” SB, February 1939; “Seabiscuit out of Cap,” SB, February 1939.
21 ruptured suspensory: “Seabiscuit to Stud,” Blood-Horse, March 18, 1939, p. 456.
22 Buenos Aires was at a standstill: “Kayak to Pass,” SB, March 6, 1939.
23 Howard reaction to ’39 hundred-grander win: “There They Go,” SB, March 1939.
24 Marcela felt hollow: Moody, Come On Seabiscuit, p. 153.
1 “Then I reckon I’ll have to …”: Moody, Come On Seabiscuit, p. 153.
2 Howard stops going to track: “Biscuit May Come Back,” Los Angeles Times, SB, summer 1939.
3 “A long, hard pull …”: “Howard May Retire Seabiscuit,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Examiner, March 4, 1940, p. A16.
4 “We were a couple of old cripples …”: Beckwith, Step and Go Together, p. 120.
5 horse and rider healed: Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 58.
6 chasing deer: Ibid.
7 “The Biscuit will come back …”: “Biscuit Secret Kept by Smith,” San Francisco Examiner, February 26, 1940, FD.
8 “The whole ranch became centered on the job …”: Beckwith, Step and Go Together, p. 121.
9 new stride: “Champ Ready,” SB, n.d.
10 “Our wheels went wrong together …”: “Obituary: Red Pollard,” Blood-Horse, March 21, 1981, p. 1773.
11 “You knew he wanted to race again …”: Beckwith, Step and Go Together, p. 121.
12 No elite horse had ever returned to top form: John Hervey, American Race Horses 1940 (New York: Sagamore, 1941), pp. 200–201.
13 Agnes sure Red can’t father child: Norah Christianson, telephone interview, January 26, 1998.
1 “I am training a cripple …”: “Big Three of Racing on List for Handicap,” December 6, 1939, p. 23, SB.
2 “We’ll run one-two anyway …”: “Smithiana,” Thoroughbred Record, February 23, 1957.
3 Tommy Luther banned for “defiant and threatening attitude”: Farra, Jockeying, p. 63; Tommy Luther, telephone interview, February 2, 1998; John Giovanni, telephone interview, January 23, 1998.
4 Pollard won’t join jockey meetings: Tommy Luther, telephone interview, February 2, 1998.
5 Yummy fighting: “The Post Parade,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, March 8, 1940.
6 Howard takes Pollard off filly: “The Post Parade,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, February 3, 1940.
7 Pollard’s secret terror: Alexander, A Sound of Horses, p. 186.
8 Pollard criticized: Barry Whitehead, “Seabiscuit’s Santa Anita Handicap,” Thoroughbred Record, March 9, 1940, p. 195.
9 “My left-handed rooting section …”: “The Post Parade,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, February 27, 1940.
10 “And none so poor …”: untitled, Morning Telegraph, SB, winter 1940.
11 Pollard’s drinking: Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998; Alexander, A Sound of Horses, p. 187.
12 “I got to wear glued shoes …”: Ibid.
13 Yummy worried about drinking: Ibid.
14 Smith and Howard argue: Sonny Greenberg, telephone interview, December 24, 1999; “Both Barrels,” San Francisco Call-Bulletin, March 4, 1940, FD.
15 Woolf and Pollard argue: Farrell Jones, telephone interview, February 25, 1999.
16 “It’s raining, Charley …”: “The Post Parade,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, February 1, 1940.
17 “For hire …”: Ibid.
18 all-jockey baseball team: “Seabiscuit May Soon Be Shortstop,” San Francisco Chronicle, SB, n.d.
19 “passing the ’Biscuit by …”: “Seabiscuit Is Still Big Question Mark,” San Francisco News, February 20, 1940.
20 Red weeps on track: “Seabiscuit Runs Third,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 10, 1940, p. 4H.
21 Red and Yummy to Caliente: “Me and the Biscuit,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 15, 1940, p. 4H.
22 Seabiscuit props: “Difference of Opinion,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 21, 1940, FD.
23 He has nothing left: “Hundred Grand,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 18, 1940, p.2H.
24 propping as omen: “Difference of Opinion,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 21, 1940, FD.
25 Howard sends retainer to Haas: “Seabiscuit Charges to Victory,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 25, 1940; “Great Ride to Victory,” SB, February 25, 1940.
26 Pollard visits Alexander: Alexander, A Sound of Horses, pp. 186–87.
27 rabbit’s foot: “Racing Pays If You’re Lucky,” San Francisco Chronicle, winter 1940.
28 “It’s Seabiscuit, wire to wire …”: “A Cinch,” SB, February 25, 1940.
29 men doff hats to horse: “The Post Parade,” Morning Telgraph/Daily Racing Form, March 2, 1940.
30 “as a country boy can throw an apple …”: “The Biscuit—As Far as You Can Throw an Apple,” San Francisco Chronicle, February 25, 1940; “Great Ride to Victory,” SB, February 25, 1940.
31 sounder than he’d been in two years: “A Cinch,” SB, February 25, 1940.
32 “Just give us a fast track …”: “Pollard Confident,” SB, n.d.
1 weather bureau calls: “Hollywood,” SB, March 3, 1940.
2 “Kayak’s four mud-running legs …”: “Rain Renews Seabiscuit’s Anita Jinx,” San Francisco Call-Bulletin, February 29, 1940, p. 21.
3 morning of race: Beckwith, Seabiscuit, pp. 10–13.
4 “Be with him …”: Beckwith, Step and Go Together, pp. 108–109.
5 prerace blowout: “Turnstiles Clicking,” SB, early March 1940; Beckwith, Seabiscuit, pp. 10–13.
6 scene at Santa Anita: Barry Whitehead, “Seabiscuit’s Santa Anita Handicap,” Thoroughbred Record, March 9, 1940, p. 195.
7 half a million words: “Turnstiles Clicking,” SB, early March 1940.
8 Saint Christopher medal: “Kayak Could Have Won,” San Francisco Examiner, March 3, 1940.
9 history’s largest crowd: “Seabiscuit Great in Victory,” Los Angeles Examiner, SB, March 1940.
10 “I’d seen Johnny’s leg …”: Alexander, A Sound of Horses, p. 188.
11 “sidled up to me …”: Ibid., pp. 187–88.
12 “You know the horse …”: “The Biscuit Is Too Tough!” San Francisco Examiner, March 5, 1940.
13 Howard at the paddock: “The Post Parade,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, March 5, 1940; Alexander, A Sound of Horses, p. 188.
14 Alexander thought of Huck Finn: Ibid.
15 Marcela runs toward wagon: Beckwith, Seabiscuit, p. 61.
16 sprinters hard-pressed to equal time: American Racing Manual 1938 (New York: Regal Press, 1938), pp. 196–360 (top sprint race times).
17 crying out a prayer: “I Just Sat and Watched,” San Francisco Chronicle, March 3, 1940, p.3H.
18 “Now, Pop!”: “Sports,” New York Journal American, SB, n.d.
19 Hernandez’s voice cut over the crowd: There They Go: Racing Calls by Joe Hernandez, album released by Los Angeles Turf Club, n.d.
20 We are alone: “I Just Sat and Watched,” San Francisco Chronicle, March 3, 1940, p.3H.
21 Marcela up on the water wagon: “The Post Parade,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, March 5, 1940.
22 leaping, shouting reporters: “As Bill Leiser Sees It,” San Francisco Chronicle, March 1940, SB.
23 Haas had never heard such thunder: “Haas Impressed,” SB, March 1940.
24 Haas says he could not have beaten Seabiscuit: “Howard May Retire Seabiscuit,” Los Angeles Evening Herald and Examiner, March 4, 1940, p. A16.
25 crowd reaction: Whitehead, “Seabiscuit’s Santa Anita Handicap,” p. 195; “So Seabiscuit Took the Hundred Thousand,” San Francisco Chronicle, March 2, 1940, p. 3H; “Chalk Brigade Reaps Harvest,” San Francisco Chronicle, March 3, 1940; “Hollywood,” SB, March 3, 1940.
26 “Listen to this crowd roar!”: There They Go: Racing Calls by Joe Hernandez.
27 “like a man who temporarily had visited Olympus …”: “Sun Beau’s Mark,” SB, early March 1940.
28 “Best-smelling drink I ever tasted …”: Alexander, A Sound of Horses, p. 189.
29 Red takes shots at George: “To the Point,” San Francisco Examiner, March 3, 1940, section 2, p. 2.
30 “Ha-ray for Seabiscuit!”: “Extra Cheer for Biscuit,” SB, early March 1940.
31 “Oh … that I lived to see this day …”: “Can Challedon or Kayak Whip Him?” San Francisco Chronicle, March 3, 1940, FD.
32 “you put up a great ride …”: “Seabiscuit Gets Recognition at Last,” San Francisco Examiner, February 2, 1944.
33 “Little horse, what next?”: Stoneridge, Great Horses of Our Time, p. 34.
34 worth his weight in gold: “Seabiscuit First Worth Weight in Gold,” SB, March 1940.
35 “Seabiscuit is Mr. Howard’s horse …”: “Biscuit Trainer Hails,” San Francisco Examiner, March 12, 1940.
36 Howard calls Smith: “Silent Tom Smith,” SB, March 16, 1940.
37 gathering at the Derby: Alexander, A Sound of Horses, pp. 189–190.
1 Seabiscuit leaves Santa Anita: “Turf Champion Leaves,” SB, April 11, 1940.
2 “Seabiscuit … is the greatest horse …”: David Alexander, “New England Racing,” Blood-Horse, August 1, 1942, p. 159.
3 George sick, thin: “Turf in Review,” Morning Telegraph/Daily Racing Form, January 8, 1949.
4 “There was one thing special you can say about George …”: “Tom Smith Reminisces About Woolf, ’Biscuit,” Daily Racing Form, February 1953.
5 left lucky kangaroo-leather saddle in trunk: Jenifer Van Deinse, e-mail interview, March 27, 2000.
6 Woolf’s fall: “The Iceman Dies in California,” Blood-Horse, February 23, 1946, p. 86; Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998; Sonny Greenberg, telephone interview, December 24, 1999; Wad Studley, telephone interview, February 6, 1999.
7 friends heard Woolf’s head hit track: Wad Studley, telephone interview, February 6, 1999.
8 George’s friends turned away: Ibid.
9 George’s funeral: Bill Buck, telephone interview, January 28, 1998; “Turfdom Pays Final Tribute to Woolf,” Los Angeles Times, January 8, 1946; Mike Griffin, telephone interview, January 23, 1998.
10 “who has Woolf’s book?”: “A Report on Pollard,” Blood-Horse, March 9, 1946, p. 669.
11 “George Woolf is at Santa Anita …”: Jack Shettlesworth, “Woolf Statue Unveiled,” Thoroughbred Record, February 19, 1949.
12 Elizabeth Arden Graham: Bolus, Remembering the Derby (Gretna, La.: Pelican Publishing Company, 1994), pp. 179–96; “Lady’s Day in Louisville,” Time, May 6, 1946, pp. 57–63.
13 Riddle speaks to Smith: “Tom Smith Reminisces About Woolf, ’Biscuit,” Daily Racing Form, February 1953.
14 Smith accused of drugging horse: “Tom Smith and His Atomizer,” Blood-Horse, November 17, 1945, pp. 1007–9; “Tom Smith Ruling Stands,” Blood-Horse, February 23, 1946, pp. 521–28.
15 Smith not deserving of punishment: “Lady’s Day in Louisville,” p. 63.
16 Graham hires attorney, Jimmy Smith: Bolus, Remembering the Derby, p. 188.
17 “Those bastards …”: Ibid.
18 training one filly: Leonard Dorfman, interview, November 12, 1999.
19 Almost no one comes to Smith’s funeral: Tommy Bell, telephone interview, June 22, 1999.
20 “I’ll never throw a leg over another horse …”: David Alexander, “Four Good Legs Between Them,” Blood-Horse, December 24, 1955, p. 1558.
21 “barnacle on wheels of progress …”: “Barnacle Red,” Blood-Horse, February 2, 1957, p.301.
22 Giangaspro’s death: Sam Renick, telephone interview, December 5, 1997.
23 Satos in the Kaiser Suite: “New Guests in Seabiscuit’s Stable,” SB, n.d.
24 Pollard tries to enlist: Alexander, A Sound of Horses, p. 184.
25 taken to hospital in laundry basket: Edith Wilde, telephone interview, February 2, 1998.
26 “me and Methuselah …”: “Obituary: Red Pollard,” Blood-Horse, March 21, 1981, p. 1773.
27 “Maybe I should have heeded …”: Alexander, A Sound of Horses, p. 183.
28 “I’m hanging up my blouse for good …”: Alexander, “Four Good Legs,” p. 1558.
29 “You Made Me What I Am …”: Alexander, A Sound of Horses, p. 178.
30 Pollard’s post-riding jobs: Ibid., p. 168.
31 Never beats alcoholism: Norah Christianson, telephone interview, January 26, 1998.
32 Red sat by, mute: Ibid.
33 hospital built atop Narragansett: Ibid.
34 No cause of death was ever found: Ibid.
35 “It was as if …”: Ibid.
36 Howard hangs sign on Redwood Highway: “Both Barrels,” SB.
37 Fifty thousand visitors: Jack McDonald, “Seabiscuit,” Spur, August 1983, p.33.
38 Fifteen hundred at a time: “Both Barrels,” SB, n.d.
39 Seabiscuit’s life at Ridgewood: Ibid.
40 Seabiscuit sleeps under tree: Bill Nichols, telephone interview, January 14, 1998.
41 herding cattle: Jane Goldstein, “Seabiscuit Cover-Up,” Blood-Horse, March 13, 1978, p.1244.
42 bomb shelter: “Seabiscuit Gets Own Bomb Shelter!,” SB, December 25, 1941.
43 ambulance: “Howards Give U.S. Ambulance,” San Francisco Examiner, October 16, year unknown, SB.
44 bomber: “Seabiscuit Bomber,” SB, n.d.; “Navy Bomber Crew Back,” SB, n.d.
45 gives Seabiscuit shoe to pilot: “Seabiscuit Shoe Races Across German Skies,” SB, n.d.
46 “there will never be another Seabiscuit”: Jack McDonald, “Seabiscuit,” Spur, August 1983, p. 33.
47 listened from car: Jack Shettlesworth, “The Melancholy Knell,” Thoroughbred Record, June 11, 1950, p. 24.
48 Howard rides Seabiscuit: Bill Nichols, telephone interview, January 14, 1998.
49 Marcela met her husband at breakfast: Carter Swart, “The Howards of San Francisco,” Northern California Thoroughbred, Fall 1981, p. 111.
50 “I never dreamed …”: McDonald, “Seabiscuit,” p. 33.
51 let the oak stand as the only marker: Michael C. Howard, telephone interview, January 18, 1997.