This Week in Horse History - May 31st Through June 6th

June 1st, 1946 - The Thoroughbred racehorse Assault won the Belmont Stakes, completing his sweep of the Triple Crown and making him the seventh horse in history to do so. Assault had been born on a Texas ranch known for its Quarter Horses, where he pierced his right front hoof with a sharp object and was left with a limp at the walk or trot. During his career he was also plagued by splints, a bad ankle, and a bad knee. His injuries never seemed to hinder his racing career, though, and on June 1st, 1946, Assault stumbled at the start of the Belmont Stakes but went on to win it by three lengths. He retired in 1950 having earned a total of $675,470, though he never produced any Thoroughbred offspring.

Information and photo courtesy of Assault: "The Club-Footed Comet"

June 4th, 1923 - Frank Hayes, a jockey, experienced heart failure while riding steeplechaser Sweet Kiss in a race at Belmont Park. The pair had just advanced to take the lead position when Hayes slumped over the horse's neck, falling from the saddle after Sweet Kiss crossed the finish line. Sweet Kiss and Hayes were declared the official winners of the race, and it was reported that Hayes, only 22 at the time, experienced a heart attack which was probably a combination of the training he had been undergoing and the excitement of winning the race.

Information courtesy of Jockey Dies in the Saddle, 1923

Photo courtesy of few more steeplechase

June 6th, 1919 - Thoroughbred racehorse Man o'War won his first race. The race was a five furlong maiden race at Belmont Park, and Man o'War won it by six lengths. The incredible horse went on to win the Keene Memorial race three days later, and within the same month he also won the Youthful Stakes and the Hudson Stakes.

Information courtesy of Man o'War

Photo courtesy of Animal Discovery