This Week in Horse History - April 12th Through April 18th

April 14, 1936 - Today the first race result decided by a photo finish camera in Maryland took place. The race took place in Havre de Grace, Maryland, and a horse named Alit was declared to be the winner. Today, digital cameras are used at the finish lines of racetracks. These can produce an image for review instantly.

Information courtesy of Thoroughbred Champions

Photo courtesy of NBC Sports

April 17, 1972 – The tremendous racehorse, Ruffian, was born at Claiborne Farm today. Ruffian's potential as a racehorse was questioned at first, because of her large size and weight. However, Ruffian proved these doubts wrong when she won her first ten starts, shattering multiple track records at the same time. During her three year old season, a match race was arranged between Ruffian and the 1975 Kentucky Derby winner, Foolish Pleasure. Ruffian broke her leg during this race and was euthanized.

Information and photo courtesy of Ruffian's Biography

April 18, 1775 - This is the date of Paul Revere's famous horseback ride from Boston to Concord, MA. The ride was actually made by three men: Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Samuel Prescott, whose mission was to warn citizens of the approach of the British army. Prescott was the only rider to make it to Concord. Revere was actually captured and later released.