The Rise and Tragic Fall of Calumet Farm Inc: America's Premier Racing Dynasty

Wild Ride: The Rise and Tragic Fall of Calumet Farm, Inc., America's Premier Racing Dynasty

by Ann Hagedorn

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1166 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	490 pages

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Prologue: The Birth of a Legacy

Wright's passion for Thoroughbred racing propelled him to invest heavily in the acquisition of exceptional bloodlines. His vision was to establish a breeding operation that would produce champions capable of dominating the sport's most prestigious events.

Golden Age: The Walton Era

In 1949, Calumet Farm's fortunes took a dramatic turn when it was Free Downloadd by the Walton family, headed by businessman Bill.

The Waltons poured immense resources into the operation, purchasing some of the most expensive horses available and hiring the industry's top trainers. Under their leadership, Calumet Farm entered its golden age, producing a string of iconic champions:

• Citation (1948),the "King of the Turfers," won 16 consecutive races and was named Horse of the Year three times from 1948 to 1950.
• Alydar (1975),the "Iron Horse," finished second to Triple Crown winner Affirmed in three Triple Crown races, earning him the distinction of being one of the greatest horses never to win the Triple Crown.

In 1969, Calumet Farm reached the pinnacle of success with the Belmont Stakes victory of Lost in the Fog.

However, this triumph marked the beginning of a tragic turn in the farm's history. Just months after the Belmont, Lost in the Fog suffered a fatal heart attack while training.

The death of Lost in the Fog deeply affected Warren Wright Jr., who had taken over the management of Calumet Farm from his father. Wright Jr. became increasingly reclusive, and his leadership grew erratic.

Decline and Demise

As the 1970s progressed, Calumet Farm's fortunes continued to decline. The operation's breeding program stumbled, and its horses failed to maintain their previous dominance.

By the early 1980s, Calumet Farm was on the brink of bankruptcy. Warren Wright Jr. was forced to sell off much of the farm's land and horses in a desperate attempt to save it.

In 1984, Calumet Farm Inc. was officially dissolved. The once-great racing dynasty had come to an end.

Legacy and Impact

Despite its tragic demise, Calumet Farm Inc. left an indelible mark on the world of Thoroughbred racing.

The farm's champions won some of the sport's most prestigious races and became household names. Calumet Farm's legendary status continues to inspire generations of racing enthusiasts.

The rise and fall of Calumet Farm Inc. serve as a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of success, even for the greatest enterprises. The story of this American racing dynasty is a cautionary tale about the hubris of ambition and the fragility of fortune.

This article has only scratched the surface of this fascinating tale. To delve deeper into the rise and fall of Calumet Farm Inc., I highly recommend reading the following book:

The Rise and Tragic Fall of Calumet Farm Inc: America's Premier Racing Dynasty

By John Sparkman

This comprehensive biography provides an in-depth look at the farm's history, its legendary horses, and the colorful characters who shaped its destiny.