Legends

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Meadow Stable's True Hero: How Riva Ridge Changed Everything

You should not believe everything you see in a sports movie. In Hollywood, the truth often gets twisted to enhance a story line.

Contrary to what was depicted in the movie “Rudy,” Notre Dame coach Dan Devine was not against practice squad player Daniel Ruettiger appearing in a game. He was the one who came up with the idea.

Woody Stephens and Cannonade at the 1974 Kentucky Derby.

Woody Stephens: Hall of Famer Won Remarkable Five Belmont Stakes in a Row

A list of Woodford Cefis Stephens’ accomplishments could pretty much fill a chapter of an encyclopedia.

In a career that started in the 1930s and lasted into the 1990s, the Hall of Fame trainer known as “Woody” was revered as one the sport’s most respected and beloved figures. He won eight Triple Crown races, saddled nine champions and received enough trophies from his stakes wins to stock a three-story museum.

Whirlaway in the Belmont Stakes winner's circle.

Triple Crown Winner Whirlaway: Calumet's Mercurial and Brilliant Star

It's never a good thing when your boss calls you a knucklehead.

“You can teach him,” quipped legendary trainer Ben A. Jones of Whirlaway in the spring of 1941, “but you can't teach him much. ”

Swale: Claiborne's Beloved 1984 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes Winner

In some ways, Swale can be considered the Riva Ridge of the 1980s.

Both were champions.

Each was obscured by a famous stablemate for part of his career.

They also registered the first Kentucky Derby win for one of the sport’s most famous farms.

Both suffered a loss in the Preakness that kept them from sweeping the Triple Crown.

Native Dancer: The Nearly Perfect Grey Ghost of Sagamore

He was the practically perfect Thoroughbred.

Twenty-two starts. Twenty-one victories.

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