This Week in Horse History - June 14th Through June 20th

June 16th, 2009 - Thoroughbred racehorse Strike The Tiger became the first American-trained and bred horse to ever win the Windsor Castle Stakes held at Royal Ascot. The horse won the five-furlong race with jockey John Velazquez aboard. Wesley Ward, Strike The Tiger's trainer, hoped that the win would prove that it is possible to train a horse in America and be competitive in racing overseas. California-bred Strike The Tiger is owned by breeders Mitchell Dutko and Ray Sainz.

Information courtesy of Strike the Tiger Makes History at Royal Ascot

Photo courtesy of Tiger strikes and surprises trainer

June 17th, 1923 - Enzo Ferrari met the Countess Paolina, a connection which would eventually lead to the creation of the Ferrari logo which features a rearing stallion against a yellow shield. Enzo Ferrari won a race at the Savio Track, which is located in Ravenna, and it was there that he met Countess Paolina. Paolina's son, Count Francesco Baracca, was a member of the Italian air force, and painted a horse on his planes. Countess Paolina asked Ferrari to use the horse as a logo for his cars, and Ferrari did so, though he did alter the design of the horse, changing it from red to black. The yellow background was added because it was the color of Ferrari's birthplace city, Modena.

Information and photo courtesy of History of the Ferrari Prancing Horse Logo

June 19th, 1867 - The Belmont Stakes was run for the first time and was won by a Thoroughbred filly named Ruthless. The inaugural race was held at Jerome Park Racetrack in New York. It was named after August Belmont, racehorse fan and owner and President of the Jockey Club in 1867. The Belmont Park is held annually and had been held at Belmont Park since 1905. It was originally run in the clockwise direction in order to follow the English tradition of racing. However, in 1921 the direction was changed to the American counterclockwise tradition, and has been ever since.

Information courtesy of Belmont Stakes History

Photo courtesy of GIDDYUP, DEVELOPERS!