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SARGA.CO – In the world of horse racing, there is a long-standing myth that many people still believe today. This belief—whose truth depends largely on personal conviction—claims that gray horses are less likely to become champions. Traditionally, race victories are thought to favor dark-colored horses such as bays or blacks.
That myth was once shattered by a legendary Japanese racehorse named Tamamo Cross. Nicknamed the “poor horse” because he came from an ordinary breeding farm with no prestigious reputation, Tamamo Cross turned conventional wisdom on its head.
By winning two Tenno Sho titles as well as the Takarazuka Kinen, Tamamo Cross became not only the first gray horse to claim major championships amid the dominance of bay-colored horses of his era, but also a true icon on the racetrack. His remarkable achievements earned him the title of Horse of the Year 1988.
Tamamo Cross was not alone. Japan also produced another legendary gray horse, Oguri Cap. The rivalry between these two gray horses became one of the most legendary rivalries in the history of Japanese horse racing.
A different but equally captivating story unfolded in the United States. Rivalries between gray horses also captured the attention of American horse racing fans.
Silver Charm and Free House created what is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most compelling gray horse rivalries in modern horse racing. Their rivalry spanned three years, from 1997 to 1999.
Both gray colts were bred in California and faced each other eight times in major stakes races throughout their careers. Silver Charm emerged with more victories overall in their head-to-head battles.
Out of eight meetings, Silver Charm won five races, while Free House claimed three victories. Their rivalry began even before the Triple Crown series, when Free House defeated Silver Charm in two key prep races—the San Felipe Stakes and the Santa Anita Derby in 1997.
The rivalry intensified during the 1997 Triple Crown. At the Kentucky Derby, Silver Charm won by a narrow margin over Captain Bodgit, while Free House finished third.
Silver Charm continued his dominance at the Preakness Stakes, securing a thrilling victory over Free House by a razor-thin margin that had to be decided by a photo finish.
At the Belmont Stakes, Silver Charm attempted to complete the Triple Crown but was overtaken late in the stretch by Touch Gold. A fierce battle unfolded between Silver Charm and Free House, who finished third, as the two gray horses fought stride for stride down the homestretch before Touch Gold surged past them.
The year 1999 marked the conclusion of the rivalry between these two American gray horses. As they aged, the pair met twice more on the track.
At four years old, Silver Charm defeated Free House in the Goodwood Breeders’ Cup Handicap. Free House later returned the favor by beating Silver Charm in the Santa Anita Handicap at the age of five in 1999.
(Source: Facebook IGUTIULS)
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