A Rare Matted and Framed print of the legendary racehorse and sire, Man O' War.
When thoroughbred racing needed a boost, Man o' War unleashed his blazing speed and came to the rescue. Though he competed for only two years, he energized a then reeling sport.
While racing was legalized again in 1913, World War I soon dominated the public's attention. Attendance and purses were at record lows when Man o' War made his debut on June 6, 1919.
By the time he retired 16 months later, he was a national hero, joining Babe Ruth as the first shining stars of the Roaring Twenties. The charismatic horse's popularity had brought fans back to the track....
Man o' War went to the post 21 times and won 20 races. He won one race by an incredible 100 lengths and triumphed in another carrying 138 pounds. He whipped a Triple Crown champion by seven lengths in a match race!!
He brought international recognition to Kentucky breeders and made the United States the racing center of the world. When he retired, he held five American records at different distances and had earned more money than any thoroughbred before him.
In a mid-century Associated Press poll, he was overwhelmingly voted the greatest thoroughbred of the first half of the 20th century.
Not only did Man o' War perform like a superstar on the track, the chestnut-colored horse (though he was nicknamed "Big Red") looked like one. At 3, he was a strapping 16.2 hands (about 5-foot-6) and weighed about 1,125 pounds with a 72-inch girth. His appetite also was huge, as he ate 12 quarts of oats every day, or about three quarts more than the average racehorse. He ran in big bounds as well, with his stride measuring an incredible 25 to 28 feet.
In 1921, a Texas oil millionaire, William Waggoner, offered $500,000 for Man o' War. His owner, Riddle turned him down, as he did when Waggoner increased his offer again, first to $1 million and then presenting a blank check! "The colt is not for sale," Riddle said.
Although Man o' War spent most of his life in Kentucky, he never raced there. He died there, though, at the age of 30 of a heart attack on Nov. 1, 1947 in Lexington.
This Print is matted in Hunter Green and framed in a classic walnut frame that is accented with four 24k gold plated horseshoes. The name Man O' War is written in gold ink just below the image of Man O' War.
MINT CONDITION. STILL IN ORIGINAL BOX.
This frame measures 9 1/2 inches by 11 3/4 inches. Ready to hang on a wall or display on your desk with an attached desk easel.
