Great Races: 1938 Seabiscuit vs. War Admiral Match Race

After the 2003 blockbuster film, Seabiscuit, these two horses grew to be house-hold names nearly 70 years after their time. Most of you have probably seen the cinematic version of this race. But it can’t hold a candle to watching the real thing.

War Admiral was a 15.2 brown thoroughbred, son of the legendary Man O’ War, who won thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown in 1937 and also capturing the Eclipse Horse of the Year award. He won 21 of his 26 lifetime starts.

Seabiscuit, on the other hand, was a relative nobody from the West Coast. The perpetual underdog, his career turned around under the ownership of Charles Howard, training of Tom Smith, and riding of Red Pollard. Seabiscuit became a symbol of hope for a nation struggling through the Great Depression.

War Admiral succeeded on the East Coast while Seabiscuit stole hearts and races on the West Coast. Many said that Seabiscuit was the top racehorse of that time, but he had the great success and star power of War Admiral hanging over him.

So a match race between the two great horses, one with the bloodlines and top race wins and one of indistinct background fighting his way to the top, was planned in 1938.

The love of the American underdog lived on.

Watch actual footage of the 1938 match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral