Man o' War, a figure whose impact on the Thoroughbred industry continues to this day, won 20 of his 21 races. He scored by 20 lengths in the Belmont Stakes and outclassed his competition in the Lawrence Realization Stakes by an astounding 100 lengths. Now that's a racehorse.
In this picture from the Widner collection, Man o' War is celebrating one of his 30 birthdays. The man to his left, hands in pockets, with the smart gray fedora, is owner Samuel J. Riddle. He waits by a conveniently adjusted microphone, smiles benevolently, thinks back over the career of his storied runner. The elegant woman beside him - a wife, or daughter, perhaps - is pleasant but not overenthusiastic, could be more concerned over the safety of the furs draped over her arm.
Behind Riddle, several privileged fans take in the scene. The somewhat uncomfortable young man (what fellow that age enjoys tie, vest, suit coat, and knickers?) eyes the cake and wishes they'd get on with the ceremony. The woman next to him knows their picture is being taken, cannot decide if she approves. A bespectacled man peers out from behind the two.
On the horse's other side, an elderly woman smiles at someone off camera. She has worn white gloves and pearls in honor of "Big Red's" festivities. Over her shoulder, a young man bears the enthusiastic grin of one who cannot believe he is where he is. And the little girl, behaving so properly, is standing there thinking of how she would like nothing more than to stroke the soft coat of the animal who is the center of attention.
There he is, "da mostest horse that ever was," as faithful groom Will Harbut once said. Harbut holds the shank, his right hand easy near the chain, his left collecting leather slack. The dapper reporter, keeping a respectable distance, extends a WAVE microphone toward the stallion's head. Behind him, an excited gentleman leans in to observe Man ‘o War's reaction.
The grand runner, perhaps the greatest racehorse of all time, has dominated every Thoroughbred sent against him but one. He has blazed to track records, scored multiple championship titles, and has retired to successful duty at stud.
Here, however, Man o' War eyes the foreign object with unmistakable distain. His ears are back in a slightly irritated fashion, nostrils flared, eyes wary. He is an icon, a legend, a star of national proportions, but he has not lost any of the equine nature inherited from his forefathers. He does not trust that little round contraption, nor will he have anything to do with it.
Then Harbut speaks softly to the big stallion, leans a comforting arm against the muscled shoulder. Reassured, Man o' War drops his head. All is well; the bond between horse and handler is strong.
Today, Nicanor enjoys no laurels - he has yet to pursue such glory, yet to prove himself true to his breeding. But he feels the same bond experienced by Man ‘o War in the care of quality horsemen and under the ownership of those who respect and appreciate his beauty. And that's more than many runners enjoy.
Happy birthday, Nicanor. You're a lucky guy.
