The John Henry of standardbreds.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1121166/index.htm
I remember him! I even got to pet him after he retired and was at the KY Horse park. He went from a fit, sleek race horse to a fat, happy old man when I saw him at the park. Lots of loving fans and a few too many carrots!
I’m not old enough to remember him racing, but I do remember seeing him at the Horse Park, along with Forego and John Henry.
I also met him at the KHP with Forego and John Henry. I also loved the book about him when I was younger…Rambling Willie, the Horse That God Loved.
I remember him, but not sure if that is a great feat as I remember Albatross’ time trial on the radio and listening to radio broadcasts of Bret Hanover’s races taped for play on sportscasts. All in all, Willie was one tough cookie.
yes and I think I saw him at the KY Horse park the one time I went. Forego and John Henry were there as well.
Rambling Willie
Hiya,
I sure do rememer Rambling Willie! What a horse!
I’ve always compared Willie to Forego in terms of ability, stamina, and as a crowd pleaser. Old tapes show a look in his eye that would terrify his competitors…yes, the look of eagles.
It’s sad to me that a lot of old Standardbred stars are being forgotten. Harness racing is such an American sport. ‘Beat ya to church next Sunday.’ In the early days of the evolution of the sport in the 1800s, a trotter could have been a Morgan or a Standardbred. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that the Morgan breed trotted its last with the Standardbreds.
Thanks for bringing up Rambling Willie!
Hallie
Willie was a class act
and so were the Farringtons. They just don’t make horses or horsemen like that any more. Damn shame too.
