Forego!

A true champion and one of the greatest stars of Thoroughbred Horse Racing was Forego! The 1960's enjoyed the great Kelso. The racing fans of the 1970's was able to enjoy the wonderful career of this mammoth size horse. Forego's desire to win was as large as his stature, and his heart!

There are so many words that can describe this brilliant equine athlete. Which are; strong, determine, versatile, and dedicated! Foergo for lots of reasons proved to be an all time fan favorite. His all-time record of 57 starts and 34 career wins. Which includes 24 stakes race victories.

Here are Forego's major wins in his illustrious career;
Roamer Handicap (1973)
Discovery Handicap (1973)
Woodward Stakes (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977)
Brooklyn Handicap (1974, 1975, 1976)
Jockey Club Gold Cup (1974)
Gulfstream Park Handicap (1974)
Widener Handicap (1974 & 1975)
Carter Handicap (1974, 1975)
Suburban Handicap (1975)
Metropolitan Handicap (1976 & 1977)
Marlboro Cup (1976)
Nassau County Handicap (1976, 1977)

Awards;
American Champion Sprint Horse (1974)
American Champion Older Male Horse
(1974, 1975, 1976, 1977)
American Horse of the Year
(1974, 1975, 1976)

Honors;
United States Racing Hall of Fame (1979)
#8 - Top 100 U.S. Racehorses of the 20th Century
Forego Stakes at Turfway Park
Forego Handicap at Saratoga Race Course

One of his greatest victories was the 1976 Marlboro Stakes Race run at Belmont. Forego looked hopefully beaten. When the field turned into the homestretch. To delight of his many fans. Your truly included. Forego mounted a wonderful comeback, and got up to beat Honest Pleasure in the final few strides to win the Marlboro in dramatic fashion.

We horse racing were truly lucky to enjoy the career of Forego!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMJjiWXCM3s 1979 Marlboro Cup
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suFm-CufWGw 1974 Jockey Gold Cup
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69mBgbkuIfk 1974 Carter





My photo taken of Forego in retirement. Kentucky Horse Park 1989.

Ruffian

One of the greatest female Thoroughbred Racehorses of all time was Ruffian. Who came onto the horse-racing scene in 1974. A large filly of; stature, speed and determination. Ruffian won all of her brilliant 10 race career. Which tragically came to an abrupt end. In a match race with 1975 Kentucky Derby winner Foolish Pleasure. The final race of Ruffian took place on July 6th, 1975 at Belmont Park.
The highlights of Ruffian incredible career included; Outstanding 2 year old filly in North America is 1974, Champion 3 year old filly in 1975, Winning the triple crown for fillies in 1975, average winning margin was 8 1/3 lengths, Ruffian set a new stakes record in each of the 8 stakes races she won, Ruffian was on the lead at every call in her ten race winning career.

Sadly Ruffian injured herself in the Match Race with Foolish Pleasure. The injured occurred just past the half mile pole in the race. Ruffian was 1/2 length in front in the race, as the fatal injury occurred. Jockey Jacinto Vasquez could not pull up Ruffian to try and minimize the injury. An attempt was made to save Ruffian life. However it failed, as the attending veterinarians were forced to euthanize her. It was a huge loss for horse-racing. The tragic end to one of the greatest competitors in horse racing history. Ruffian was buried in the infield of Belmont Park. Her head pointing towards the finish line. Ruffian will never be forgotten!

Videos of Ruffian triple tiara wins in 1975.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLRt23bqc3A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2qfLJYcq5s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9Ll5R3Ihgg

Documentary on Ruffian; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_OGZc3FaoU