The news that came out of Lexington in February 1922 was important enough to attract the attention of the New York Times, which reported with the headline:
“The Man o’ War Colt arrives, the famous racer Is a Bay Filly’s first donkey.” (Perhaps whoever wrote the title and deck isn’t well versed in horse lingo.)
“Lexington, Ky., February 27 — Man o’ War’s first pony, Samuel Riddle’s superhorse arrived here yesterday at Haylands Stud. The famous racehorse’s firstborn is a pony. chubby in Masquerade by Disguise. Masquerade is owned by Mr. Riddle.”
Simple display for a beautiful steed, the greatest of his time and probably all the others.
Man o’ War was raised at Major August Belmont’s Nursery Stud just outside Lexington on March 29, 1917. Because of World War I, Belmont offered the foal along with all of his other ponies. , at a Powers-Hunter Company paddy store in Saratoga on Aug. 17. by Fair Play — Mahubah, of Rock Sand. “
The deeds of Man o’ War have written the rest of the copy for history, far more eloquent than words.
As one writer wrote on the occasion of Man o’ War’s return to Lexington for admission in 1921, “Man o’ War is a breeder’s dream made – a horse that combines superb speed and power.” miraculously durable.”
The publication of the first book of mares by Man o’ War came as early as 1921, 15 carefully selected mares, all the property of the Riddle family: Miss Starlight (Watercress), Gambarda ( Bayardo), Colette (Collar), Batanoea (Roi Herode), Lady Comfey (Roi Herode), Santissima (St. Angelo), Bathing Girl (Spearmint), The Nurse (Yankee), Florence Webber (Peep O’Day), Smoky Lamp (Plaudit), Star Fancy (Star Shoot), Shady (Broomtick), Thorough (Star Ruby), Flirting (Golden Garter) and Makeup.
After his first season at stud school, there were rumors that Man o’ War would return to racing, ostensibly at Saratoga, to try to achieve a world earnings record (later held by Isinglass. held at $45,000 before Big Red). Also unsuccessful with coach Louis Feustel were the Man o’ War world records for nine stretches and the American’s one-mile record that was usurped by mere pretenders.
When questioned, a confused Riddle bluntly stated, “There is no basis to report that I intend to allow Man o ‘War to race again… I do not have reservations at Saratoga for Man o'” War nor authorize anyone else to do so. I cannot understand how such a report was initiated.”
Man o’ War’s 1922 crop produced 12 named ponies (seven ponies and five fillets), some from mares to list. His first pony, the masquerade, was not among them.
From those 12 ponies, there are 5 winners: Lady Comfey with the American flag colt; Colette, her own pony; Star Fancy, Gelding Gun Boat; The Nurse created the Dirty Florence Nightingale, and is new to the list of Trasher (Trap Rock) The Dirty Handmaid.
Bathing Girl waited several generations to hit the mark with Man o’ War. When bred to be Riddle’s pride and joy, her granddaughter Brushup (Sweep) defeated Admiral of War for three crowns in 1937.
In the era before championships were officially awarded, American Flag won the Belmont Stakes among others and was declared the 3-year-old unofficial champion while Florence Nightingale won the championship. American Oaks Coaching Club championship and a 3-year-old junior championship.
