Lisa – Tales of legendary trotters

The king of Norway

15 min read

Throughout history there have been a few select horses that have singlehandedly increased the interest in harness racing and drawn people to the tracks like never before. One of the most important such horses is Rex Rodney, the Norwegian rags-to-riches story who started his career without a victory at 3 but ended up winning one of the world’s biggest races. A horse with no apparent pedigree to talk of and who did not even break the 2:00 (1.14,6) barrier until he was 6 years old, he eventually became a household name all over Norway and Scandinavia.

The bargain basement superstar

American

27 min read

A $2,000 yearling at the Tattersalls Select Yearling Sale in September 2001, the price tag gave no indications of what was to come from Mr Muscleman. The gentle giant overcome numerous problems enroute to stardom and left a lasting impression on every life he touched.

The strongest will to live

American

9 min read

He was a star on the track before escaping death after a life-threatening infection. When an even more deadly disease took hold less than a year later, Mystic Park displayed “a will to live that is stronger than any I have ever encountered in a standardbred.” The colt would then go on to sire one of the best trotters the world has even seen.

The mythical kick

American, European

10 min read

When Juhani Lagerstam started the Laukko trotting stud farm at Vesilahti in Finland he needed a few stallions to use on his many broodmares. The first stallion bought was Super Male, a very average stallion, but the second purchase, Choctaw Brave, imported to the land of the thousand lakes in 1981, changed absolutely everything.

The champion who hated his trainer

American

12 min read

He was the milk horse who turned into a world champion, but was treated badly as he was a tough cookie. Because of the treatment he received St Julien hated his trainer and driver, but the duo still worked well enough together to lower the world record three times.

The hat horse

American

13 min read

When Harrison Hoyt, more popularly known as “the Hat Man” in reference to his hat company, bought Demon Hanover for $2,600 at the Harrisburg auction in 1946 he couldn’t possibly know what a bargain he had on his hands. Even though Hoyt had promised his wife he wouldn’t spend more than $2,500, the extra 100 bucks was truly worth it. The Hoyts took Demon Hanover back to Bethel, CT where he would double as the family pet as he grew into one of the best trotter in the nation.

The Silk mare

American

12 min read

Considered the great broodmare of her time, Evensong may very well be one of the best broodmares of all times. Her temperament got in the way of a good racing career and the mare was eventually sold on the cheap. 300 dollars was all it took to acquire Evensong, who got her revenge in the breeding shed.

The big amiable klutz

American

12 min read

Bred by Almahurst Farm in Lexington and named for a famous golfer, Arnie Almahurst was a near identical clone of his sire – but with more quirky behavior. Known for erratic performances, his most eccentric characteristic was a fear of the starting gate. When he stayed focused, however, the horse was a formidable opponent. After a very promising start to his stallion career, Arnie Almahurst died way too early.

The wedding gift

American, European

14 min read

He was designated as a wedding gift to circumvent export restrictions after WWII, then caused despair when he refused to train. In stepped Count Orsi Mangelli to restore Mighty Ned’s career, starting a fantastic turnaround that lead to two Prix d’Amerique-wins and a reputation as one of the best American imports in Europe ever.

The secret daddy

American, European

8 min read

The expression “Who’s your daddy?” is often used as a claim of dominance. In the case of the 1938 foals of Gäel, a champion French trotter, it is more a matter of facts than dominance. Though he officially never sired a single foal in France, it is now common knowledge operated in the shadows at Haras de Ginai and produced several top French trotters.

Author - Lisa