Podcast
Questions and Answers
How many foals did Seabiscuit father?
How many foals did Seabiscuit father?
six
What are the triple crowns of horse racing?
What are the triple crowns of horse racing?
- The Kentucky Derby
- Belmont Stakes
- Preakness Stakes
- All of the above (correct)
Pollard has never been over what weight?
Pollard has never been over what weight?
115 pounds
What's a furlong?
What's a furlong?
How many people listened to Seabiscuit's final race?
How many people listened to Seabiscuit's final race?
What is the main theme of the book?
What is the main theme of the book?
Why was Seabiscuit popular?
Why was Seabiscuit popular?
What were Seabiscuit's talents, other than racing?
What were Seabiscuit's talents, other than racing?
What was Pollard's gift?
What was Pollard's gift?
When and where was Seabiscuit discovered?
When and where was Seabiscuit discovered?
What was the only man Smith regarded with awe?
What was the only man Smith regarded with awe?
What caused Smith to realize that Seabiscuit had great potential?
What caused Smith to realize that Seabiscuit had great potential?
Who was Ollie and what did he do?
Who was Ollie and what did he do?
What were the rumors that the press spread about Seabiscuit?
What were the rumors that the press spread about Seabiscuit?
What is Seabiscuit?
What is Seabiscuit?
Who was John 'Red' Pollard?
Who was John 'Red' Pollard?
Who was Tom Smith?
Who was Tom Smith?
Who is Charles Howard?
Who is Charles Howard?
Who is Marcela Howard?
Who is Marcela Howard?
Who was George Monroe Woolf?
Who was George Monroe Woolf?
Who was Agnes Conlon?
Who was Agnes Conlon?
What is a jockey?
What is a jockey?
What is a thoroughbred?
What is a thoroughbred?
What was the Great Depression?
What was the Great Depression?
What event caused Howard to successfully sell automobiles?
What event caused Howard to successfully sell automobiles?
What was Howard's former job?
What was Howard's former job?
Who was Will Durant?
Who was Will Durant?
What did Howard buy with successful sales?
What did Howard buy with successful sales?
What was banned in California during the 1920s-1930s?
What was banned in California during the 1920s-1930s?
What event caused terrible grief for Howard?
What event caused terrible grief for Howard?
What did Pollard struggle with?
What did Pollard struggle with?
How did Pollard become blind in one eye?
How did Pollard become blind in one eye?
How did Seabiscuit lose the Santa Anita Handicap race?
How did Seabiscuit lose the Santa Anita Handicap race?
After the Santa Anita Handicap defeat, how many consecutive matches did Seabiscuit win?
After the Santa Anita Handicap defeat, how many consecutive matches did Seabiscuit win?
Why was it astonishing that Seabiscuit won handicap races?
Why was it astonishing that Seabiscuit won handicap races?
Who was War Admiral?
Who was War Admiral?
Who was Bing Crosby?
Who was Bing Crosby?
Who was Samuel Riddle?
Who was Samuel Riddle?
What is Grog?
What is Grog?
What is Fair Knightness?
What is Fair Knightness?
What is Bow Wow wine?
What is Bow Wow wine?
Who was Yummy?
Who was Yummy?
Where did Pollard first meet Seabiscuit?
Where did Pollard first meet Seabiscuit?
How did Pollard get injured by Fair Knightness?
How did Pollard get injured by Fair Knightness?
What happened during the Santa Anita Handicap in 1938?
What happened during the Santa Anita Handicap in 1938?
What caused Seabiscuit to lose during the Santa Anita Handicap in 1938?
What caused Seabiscuit to lose during the Santa Anita Handicap in 1938?
What was 'Wise We Boys'?
What was 'Wise We Boys'?
Why was Seabiscuit taken out of the match against War Admiral?
Why was Seabiscuit taken out of the match against War Admiral?
Who was Lin Howard?
Who was Lin Howard?
What is Ligaroti?
What is Ligaroti?
Why did Seabiscuit win against Ligaroti?
Why did Seabiscuit win against Ligaroti?
What did Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) do during Seabiscuit's race?
What did Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) do during Seabiscuit's race?
What was the outcome of the Santa Anita Handicap in 1939?
What was the outcome of the Santa Anita Handicap in 1939?
What was Seabiscuit's comeback and final race?
What was Seabiscuit's comeback and final race?
What was the New Deal?
What was the New Deal?
During his first races, how many did Seabiscuit lose?
During his first races, how many did Seabiscuit lose?
What did Tom Smith use to set off behind a horse to get him used to a starting gate?
What did Tom Smith use to set off behind a horse to get him used to a starting gate?
How many lengths did Seabiscuit win over War Admiral?
How many lengths did Seabiscuit win over War Admiral?
Where was Seabiscuit sent to recover from strained ligaments?
Where was Seabiscuit sent to recover from strained ligaments?
Why did Pollard keep his blindness in his right eye a secret?
Why did Pollard keep his blindness in his right eye a secret?
How did people affected by the Great Depression connect with Seabiscuit?
How did people affected by the Great Depression connect with Seabiscuit?
When and how did Seabiscuit die?
When and how did Seabiscuit die?
How did Woolf die?
How did Woolf die?
Why did many Americans go to Tijuana in 1930?
Why did many Americans go to Tijuana in 1930?
What is Prohibition?
What is Prohibition?
What is Agua Caliente Race Track?
What is Agua Caliente Race Track?
What is Molino Rojo?
What is Molino Rojo?
Who was Genevieve Woolf?
Who was Genevieve Woolf?
When and why did California legalize horse racing?
When and why did California legalize horse racing?
What were the two conditions of legalized horse racing?
What were the two conditions of legalized horse racing?
Why was it hard to be a jockey?
Why was it hard to be a jockey?
What two things did Pollard always carry?
What two things did Pollard always carry?
How did Pollard's family become rich and poor?
How did Pollard's family become rich and poor?
Who was Oscar Otis?
Who was Oscar Otis?
Who was James E. 'Sunny Jim' Fitzsimmons?
Who was James E. 'Sunny Jim' Fitzsimmons?
Why could Pollard not race during 1938-1939?
Why could Pollard not race during 1938-1939?
How did Frankie die?
How did Frankie die?
Why did Charles' first wife divorce him?
Why did Charles' first wife divorce him?
What was Frankie's favorite book?
What was Frankie's favorite book?
Why did Charles treat Pollard with care?
Why did Charles treat Pollard with care?
Who was Rosemont's jockey?
Who was Rosemont's jockey?
What is the Santa Anita Handicap?
What is the Santa Anita Handicap?
How does Hillenbrand use suspense in the book?
How does Hillenbrand use suspense in the book?
What was the rising action in the book?
What was the rising action in the book?
What was the climax in the book?
What was the climax in the book?
What was the falling action in the book?
What was the falling action in the book?
What was Pollard's advice?
What was Pollard's advice?
What were the hardships for the characters?
What were the hardships for the characters?
What was wrong with Seabiscuit?
What was wrong with Seabiscuit?
Where did Seabiscuit first win a race?
Where did Seabiscuit first win a race?
Why was Seabiscuit successful?
Why was Seabiscuit successful?
What happened in the 1937 Santa Anita Handicap?
What happened in the 1937 Santa Anita Handicap?
What happened in the 1938 Santa Anita Handicap?
What happened in the 1938 Santa Anita Handicap?
What happened in the 1940 Santa Anita Handicap?
What happened in the 1940 Santa Anita Handicap?
What strategy did Woolf use against War Admiral?
What strategy did Woolf use against War Admiral?
An example of irony in the book?
An example of irony in the book?
What did Smith do to make Seabiscuit comfortable?
What did Smith do to make Seabiscuit comfortable?
What was Pollard's career before becoming a jockey?
What was Pollard's career before becoming a jockey?
Study Notes
Seabiscuit Overview
- Seabiscuit was a symbol of hope for many Americans during the Great Depression, embodying the idea of the underdog.
- The horse inspired perseverance and determination, resonating with a population facing hardship.
Key Figures
- John "Red" Pollard: Seabiscuit's jockey, had a passion for literature and was the second of seven children.
- Tom Smith (Silent Tom): Seabiscuit's trainer, known for his vast horse experience, and his disdain for the press.
- Charles Howard: Former automobile salesman who purchased Seabiscuit and became a key figure in his success.
- Marcela Howard: Charles' second wife, known for her charm and support of both her husband and Seabiscuit.
- George Monroe Woolf: Skilled jockey who rode Seabiscuit when Pollard was injured; suffered from diabetes.
- Agnes Conlon: Nurse who cared for Pollard; she had a powerful family background.
Seabiscuit's Career and Achievements
- Initially lost many races due to physical peculiarities—short legs and unruly behavior.
- Gained fame after overcoming setbacks, including a notable defeat during the Santa Anita Handicap.
- Won seven consecutive matches after the Santa Anita Handicap, highlighting resilience.
- Set a track record in 1940 during his final race with a time of 2:01'15 for a mile and a quarter.
Major Events and Races
- The Santa Anita Handicap was a significant horse race with a $100,000 prize, which Seabiscuit participated in multiple times.
- During the 1938 Santa Anita Handicap, Seabiscuit lost by a narrow margin due to Pollard’s limited visibility.
- In a match race against War Admiral, Seabiscuit won by four lengths, demonstrating his comeback strength.
- Pollard suffered injuries from Fair Knightness, leading to prolonged recovery and further struggles.
Historical Context
- The Great Depression (1929-1930s) significantly impacted American society, paralleling Seabiscuit's journey from underdog status to champion.
- Prohibition restricted gambling and alcohol sales, driving many to Tijuana for illicit activities.
- Legalization of horse racing in California in 1933 was seen as a potential economic revival strategy during the Great Depression.
Personal Struggles of Key Figures
- Pollard battled alcoholism and worked hard to conceal his blindness in one eye, fearing job loss.
- Charles Howard faced personal tragedy with the loss of his son, leading to tension in his first marriage.
- Howard treated Pollard with care due to the resemblance to his late son, Frankie.
Symbolism and Themes
- Seabiscuit's story is a metaphor for resilience; it demonstrates how perseverance can lead to success against overwhelming odds.
- The relationship between Seabiscuit and his team showcases the importance of collaboration, trust, and support during challenging times.
Interesting Facts
- Seabiscuit fathered six foals and was only 14 years old at the time of his death from a heart attack.
- Pollard was known for handling stubborn horses and frequently carried a rosary and literature from Shakespeare.
- Nearly 40 million people tuned in for Seabiscuit's final race, showcasing his immense popularity.
Conclusion
- The narrative of Seabiscuit illustrates the triumph of the underdog, reflecting the struggles and perseverance of a nation in difficult times.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge of 'Seabiscuit' with this updated study guide flashcard quiz. Explore key terms and figures related to the inspiring story of the racehorse who captured the hearts of Americans during the Great Depression. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this iconic narrative.
