In honor of Saturday's renewal of the Travers Stakes, here is a look at what is considered to be the most exciting edition of that historic race. Jaipur and Ridan hooked up at the start of the 1 1/4 mile route in 1962 and proceeded to duel, nose to nose, every step of the way. Neither horse was the same after this grueling encounter. See if you can tell who won the photo finish:
Three personal notes:
- Watching this replay, I just became aware for the very first time that an also-ran in this race was a horse named Cyane. I once owned a grandson of this stakes winner, a horse named Bold Lachee (out of Cyane's daughter Cybele), foaled in 1993.
- My own most memorable Travers was 1979, when General Assembly -- a dead ringer for his sire Secretariat from one of his early crops -- romped in the slop in front running fashion over a star-studded field. I can still see that chestnut coming towards me as I stood at the rail near the finish line. Here is a LOOK at that race.
- My grandfather's personal favorite was always 1931, the famed running when 100-1 uber-longshot Jim Dandy upset superhorses Gallant Fox and Whichone. He was there. Today, there's a race and a bar named after JD!. Here is some silent footage of that historic contest.
RM
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2 comments:
Did you notice there was a filly running in both the 62 and 79 races?
It's not as rare as some think for them to compete with the boys as 3yo's
Ah yes,
Cicada and Davona Dale: both fillies, indeed.
Very good, Cappy.
Both ladies are in the Hall of Fame. No other horse in either race can claim the same honor.
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