“Match of the Century”, Part 1.

Seabiscuit, was foaled in 1933, American racehorse (Thoroughbred) that in six seasons in 1935–40, won 33 of 89 races and a total of $437,730, a record for American Thoroughbreds. His unlikely success proved a welcome diversion to millions during the Great Depression, and he became a national phenomenon.

Seabiscuit’s success set the stage for a much-anticipated confrontation on October 30, 1937, at the Washington Handicap in Laurel, Maryland, between War Admiral, the leading three-year-old, and Seabiscuit, the leading four-year-old.

In this weight-for-age event, War Admiral was assigned 126 pounds and Seabiscuit 130. The weather, however, did not cooperate, as rain fell during the week of the race, causing the track to be heavy. The poor conditions interfered with Seabiscuit’s workouts, and the horse was withdrawn.

After intense negotiations, another date for the match race between the two extraordinary horses was set for May 30, 1938. Most experts assumed that War Admiral would outrun Seabiscuit, as he had done to his other opponents. Problems again interfered with the race.

Seabiscuit’s legs were sore and puffy, prompting Howard to call off the race on May 24. Running the Thoroughbred in this condition would hardly have been fair.