Legends

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Venezuelan import Canonero, nicknamed the Caracas Cannonball, wins the 1971 Preakness Stakes.

Canonero II: A Blue-Collar Hero and True Racehorse of the People

When Canonero II won the 1971 Kentucky Derby, he generated a rather modest return for a $2 win ticket.

Yet that $19.40 winning ticket on the "Caracas Cannonball" had nothing to do with the Venezuelan shipper’s merits and everything to do with his inclusion in a gargantuan six-horse mutuel field.

Based on his form and a star-crossed trip to the United States, Canonero probably would have been dismissed at 100-1 odds in the 97th Kentucky Derby. Maybe even 200-1, but nothing even remotely close to his 8-1 odds.

Hall of Fame Trainer King Leatherbury: A Maryland Legend

King Leatherbury knows how he wants his training career to be defined. He knows how he would like to be remembered.

“If I wanted something on my tombstone,” he said, “it would just be, ‘He won races.’ ”

American Pharoah Baffert Zayat Espinoza Triple Crown Grand Slam Kentucky Derby Eclipse Sportswire

American Pharoah: The One Horse Racing Was Waiting For

Justin Zayat, racing manager for Zayat Stables, looks hopefully at every young horse his family breeds or purchases, wondering if another American Pharoah might come his way again. He looks in vain.

California Chrome: A Horse Who Brought Dreams to Life

The inspiring story of California Chrome that feels more like a fairy tale opened when first-time breeders Steve Coburn and Perry Martin purchased Love the Chase for $8,000. The mare was slightly built and not much to behold, especially when she ran. She had won once in six career starts.

A groom thought so little of their decision to buy Love the Chase that he was overheard ridiculing it as a “dumb ass” move. Their stable name – Dumb Ass Partners – was born.

Triple Crown Turning Point: Seattle Slew, a Great Horse with Humble Beginnings

In a plain brown wrapper, the yearling colt did not leave the same impression that struck those closest to Secretariat when he was that age. With a fair pedigree and a front leg that toed out, he did not pass muster with one sales company and instead was relegated to the upstart alternative. But this would not deter fate. Neigh. Instead, the long-legged colt with an awkward stride was available for a price far below what he would eventually be worth.

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