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Because topic arose elsewhere—here's a list of errors in the Man o' War section of "The History of Thoroughbred Racing in America," by William H. P. Robertson (1964).
Much of his MoW info *is* sound. This list is a reminder for researchers to dig deeper than overview books.
Much of his MoW info *is* sound. This list is a reminder for researchers to dig deeper than overview books.
p 238
“He set all of his eight time records … effortlessly.”—Not true of Dwyer S or Potomac H (despite chart comments).
“… and he didn’t shave or clip existing records—he shattered them.”—Not always. Withers by 4/5; Dwyer, 1/5; Potomac, 1/5. Travers, tied track mark.
“He set all of his eight time records … effortlessly.”—Not true of Dwyer S or Potomac H (despite chart comments).
“… and he didn’t shave or clip existing records—he shattered them.”—Not always. Withers by 4/5; Dwyer, 1/5; Potomac, 1/5. Travers, tied track mark.
p 238
“He was never in a drive at the finish of any of his twenty victorious races; he was running easily at the end, according to the official charts….”—Misleading. Feustel said MoW tired in Preakness (season debut), working harder than it appeared. Also Dwyer & Potomac.
“He was never in a drive at the finish of any of his twenty victorious races; he was running easily at the end, according to the official charts….”—Misleading. Feustel said MoW tired in Preakness (season debut), working harder than it appeared. Also Dwyer & Potomac.
p 242
“a special match race against Sir Barton for an $80,000 purse”—Actually $75,000 purse, winner take all, plus a gold cup valued at $5,000.
Same total value, of course, but technically inaccurate to say $80,000 purse.
“a special match race against Sir Barton for an $80,000 purse”—Actually $75,000 purse, winner take all, plus a gold cup valued at $5,000.
Same total value, of course, but technically inaccurate to say $80,000 purse.
p 243
Riddle asked “… how much weight his colt would be expected to carry in handicap racing … as a four-year-old. Vosburgh could not provide a specific answer”—Acting for Riddle, trainer Feustel asked Vosburgh--who said he’d start MoW at 140 pounds.
Riddle asked “… how much weight his colt would be expected to carry in handicap racing … as a four-year-old. Vosburgh could not provide a specific answer”—Acting for Riddle, trainer Feustel asked Vosburgh--who said he’d start MoW at 140 pounds.
