International Special facts for kids
The International Specials of 1924 were a group of three exciting Thoroughbred horse races. They took place in September and October at different race tracks in the United States. These races were called "International" because a champion horse from France came to compete. This French horse had won big races in both France and England.
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Why These Races Were So Special
This special series of races came about after a very exciting race on October 20, 1923. That race was held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. It was a special "match race" between two famous horses: Papyrus, who had won the important Epsom Derby in England, and Zev, who had won the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes in the U.S.
A huge crowd came to see this race. It was the first time an English champion horse raced in the U.S. The event was a big success and made a lot of money. People were so interested that the race was even broadcast on the radio for the first time ever in racing! A film of the race was also shown in movie theaters across the country.
Zev, the American horse, won easily. After this, horse racing fans in the U.S. really wanted more international races. European fans also wanted a chance for their horses to win. So, everyone started talking about the famous French champion horse, Epinard, coming to race against America's best.
The French Star: Epinard Comes to America
After many talks with important American horse owners like August Belmont, Jr., James Shevlin, and Matt Winn, Epinard's owner, Pierre Wertheimer, agreed to send his horse to the U.S. Epinard would compete in three races at different tracks.
In April 1924, the news was announced. The story filled the sports pages in the U.S. and Europe, and even as far away as Venezuela. Instead of just one match race against a single horse, Epinard would race against America's top horses in three separate events. Each race would be on a dirt track, and they would get longer in distance each time.
These races were called "International Specials." Fans watched them at three different places. The first race, on Long Island, New York, was even attended by the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VIII.
Race 1: The First Challenge
The first International Special was held on Monday, September 1, Labor Day. It took place at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The prize money was $25,000, and the race was 6 furlongs long (about three-quarters of a mile).
- Post Positions: Epinard, Snob II, Ladkin, Wilderness, Baffling, Miss Star, Wise Counsellor, Zev, Goshawk.
- Results: Wise Counsellor won by 3/4 length. Epinard was second by 3 lengths. Ladkin was third. The time was 1 minute, 11.80 seconds.
What Happened in Race 1
Wise Counsellor won Race No. 1. This horse had been named the best 2-year-old horse in the U.S. the year before. Wise Counsellor started in sixth place but came from behind to win. Epinard was racing on a dirt track for the first time and finished second. Ladkin came in third. The winner received $29,000.
Race 2: A Close Finish
The second International Special was on September 27 at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, New York. The prize money was $25,000, and the race was 8 furlongs long (1 mile).
- Post Positions: Ladkin, Epinard, Wise Counsellor, Zev, Little Chief, My Own.
- Results: Ladkin won by a nose. Epinard was second by 1 and 1/2 lengths. Wise Counsellor was third. The time was 1 minute, 36.40 seconds.
What Happened in Race 2
In the second race, Ladkin and Wise Counsellor switched places from the first race. Epinard's jockey, Everett Haynes, started strong but then dropped back to third. However, Epinard fought hard and finished second, losing by just a nose to Ladkin. Ladkin came from the outside and battled Wise Counsellor for the lead. Ladkin was the favorite to win and was owned by August Belmont Jr.. The winner received $28,750. Wise Counsellor started second and fought for the lead with Epinard and then Ladkin.
Race 3: The Grand Finale
The third International Special was on October 11 at Latonia Race Track in Covington, Kentucky. This race had a big prize of $50,000 and was 10 furlongs long (1 and 1/4 miles).
- Post Positions: Epinard, Chilhowee, Sarazen, Little Chief, Altawood, My Play, Mad Play, Princess Doreen.
- Results: Sarazen won by 1 and 1/2 lengths. Epinard was second by a nose. Mad Play was third. The time was 2 minutes, 00.80 seconds, which was a new track record.
What Happened in Race 3
By this time, Epinard was a favorite with the crowd. More than 60,000 people came to Latonia Race Track for this race. It had perhaps the strongest group of horses of all the specials. Besides Epinard, the race featured other stars like Chilhowee (who was second in the Kentucky Derby) and Mad Play (who won the Belmont Stakes). Two horses who would later become famous in the U.S. Hall of Fame, Princess Doreen and Sarazen, also raced. Sarazen was owned by Virginia Fair Vanderbilt.
The famous trainer Max Hirsch said that Sarazen's win over Epinard was his greatest thrill in racing. Sarazen set a new track record at Latonia. The winner of this race received $55,500.
Epinard's Amazing Performance
Even though Epinard finished second in all three of the International Specials, his races in 1924 were very impressive. Because of his strong performances, he was named the best older male horse in the U.S. for that year.
