In the golden annals of horse racing, few names carry as much weight as Man o’ War. Foaled in 1917, this fiery chestnut stallion dominated American racing in the aftermath of World War I and became the sport’s first true national superstar. Revered for his unmatched power, unyielding spirit, and overwhelming victories, Man o’ War didn’t just win races—he redefined horse racing for generations to come.

This is the story of Man o’ War: the first American superstar who captured the imagination of a nation.

Early Life and Breeding

Man o’ War was foaled on March 29, 1917, at Nursery Stud near Lexington, Kentucky. He was bred by August Belmont II, a wealthy businessman and horseman. His name was inspired by the United States entering World War I that same year.

• Sire: Fair Play – a horse known for his competitiveness and stamina.
• Dam: Mahubah – a mare carrying the blood of the English champion Rock Sand.

Due to wartime commitments, Belmont sold his racing stock, and Man o’ War was purchased as a yearling at auction by Samuel D. Riddle for $5,000. Under Riddle’s ownership and the training of Louis Feustel, Man o’ War would soon dominate American racing.

See also: Black Caviar: Queen of the Track

Physical Attributes

Standing nearly 16.2 hands high and weighing around 1,100 pounds, Man o’ War was a striking presence on the track. With his muscular build, powerful hindquarters, and deep chest, he was built for speed and stamina. His fiery temperament earned him a reputation as difficult to handle, but once focused, his raw athleticism was unmatched.

Racing Career: A Legend in the Making

Man o’ War’s career was remarkably short but spectacular, spanning just two years (1919–1920). In that time, he won 20 of 21 races, often by wide margins that left rivals in the dust.

1919: The Two-Year-Old Season

Man o’ War debuted at Belmont Park and quickly established himself as a force. He won 9 of his 10 races as a two-year-old.

• His only defeat came in the Sanford Memorial Stakes, when he was forced to start with his back to the field and lost by just half a length to a horse aptly named Upset.
• This single blemish gave rise to the popular sports term “upset”, still used today to describe an unexpected defeat.

1920: The Three-Year-Old Season

As a three-year-old, Man o’ War became unstoppable.

• He won all 11 of his starts, including the Belmont Stakes, where he won by an astounding 20 lengths in a record time.
• He bypassed the Kentucky Derby due to his owner’s preference for longer races but dominated every other major event.
• His most famous victory came in a match race against Sir Barton, the first Triple Crown winner, in the Kenilworth Park Gold Cup. Man o’ War crushed him by seven lengths in what was billed as the “Race of the Century.”

Racing Style and Records

Man o’ War was known for his explosive early speed and ability to open up massive leads. He often finished so far ahead that timers couldn’t accurately measure his margins.

• He set seven track records, three world records, and two American records during his career.
• His Belmont Stakes time of 2:14 1/5 for 1 3/8 miles stood for years as a benchmark of excellence.

When asked how to beat Man o’ War, rival jockeys often joked: “Start with him facing the wrong way and hope he doesn’t turn around.”

Life After Racing

Man o’ War was retired to stud in 1921 at Faraway Farm in Kentucky. He became an exceptional sire, passing on his speed and stamina to future generations.

• He sired 379 foals, including War Admiral, the 1937 Triple Crown winner, and Hardtack, the sire of Seabiscuit.
• His bloodline runs through many modern champions, securing his legacy as one of the most influential sires in racing history.

Cultural Impact and Fame

Man o’ War was more than just a racehorse—he was a cultural icon.

• His races attracted massive crowds, even during the post-war years when many Americans were struggling economically.
• He was celebrated in newspapers across the country, often compared to Babe Ruth in baseball and Jack Dempsey in boxing.
• In retirement, he was a national celebrity, visited by thousands of fans and dignitaries, including politicians and foreign royalty.

When he died in 1947 at the age of 30, his passing made national headlines. He was buried at Faraway Farm, and his remains were later moved to the Kentucky Horse Park, where a grand bronze statue now stands in his honor.

Legacy of Man o’ War

• Widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
• Voted the Horse of the Century by The Blood-Horse magazine in 2000.
• Remembered as the horse that elevated American horse racing into a mainstream sport.
• His descendants, including War Admiral and Seabiscuit, carried on his winning legacy.

Conclusion

Man o’ War wasn’t just a champion—he was the first American superstar of horse racing. His dominance on the track, fiery spirit, and enduring influence on the sport cement his place in history as a legend.

At a time when the United States was rebuilding from war and hardship, Man o’ War gave the nation something to cheer for. More than a century later, his story continues to inspire, proving that greatness transcends generations.

Truly, Man o’ War was not just a horse—he was an icon, a pioneer, and the original superstar of American racing.