Seabiscuit: Study Guide Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

How many foals did Seabiscuit father?

six

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?

115 pounds

What's a furlong?

one-eighth of a mile Signup and view all the answers

How many people listened to Seabiscuit's final race?

nearly 40 million Signup and view all the answers

What is the main theme of the book?

to never give up Signup and view all the answers

Why was Seabiscuit popular?

33 wins and $438,000 in earnings Signup and view all the answers

What were Seabiscuit's talents, other than racing?

he often slept a lot and ate a lot Signup and view all the answers

What was Pollard's gift?

handling stubborn horses Signup and view all the answers

When and where was Seabiscuit discovered?

June 29th in Boston Suffolk Downs Signup and view all the answers

What was the only man Smith regarded with awe?

James "Sunny Jim" Fitzsimmons Signup and view all the answers

What caused Smith to realize that Seabiscuit had great potential?

timing 1:36 on the deserted track Signup and view all the answers

Who was Ollie and what did he do?

Ollie was Seabiscuit's groomer who overfed him Signup and view all the answers

What were the rumors that the press spread about Seabiscuit?

that he was lame and a cripple Signup and view all the answers

What is Seabiscuit?

Racehorse who was an underdog and inspired Americans during the Depression. Signup and view all the answers

Who was John 'Red' Pollard?

Seabiscuit's jockey, nicknamed 'Red' and 'Cougar'. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Tom Smith?

Seabiscuit's trainer, known as 'the lone plainsman'. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Charles Howard?

An American businessman who discovered and bought Seabiscuit. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Marcela Howard?

Howard's second wife known for being confident and charming. Signup and view all the answers

Who was George Monroe Woolf?

A notable jockey known as 'the Iceman'. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Agnes Conlon?

A nurse who took care of Pollard when he was injured. Signup and view all the answers

What is a jockey?

A person who rides in horse races, especially as a profession. Signup and view all the answers

What is a thoroughbred?

Typically tall and deep-chested, bred for speed over moderate distances. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Great Depression?

The economic crisis beginning with the stock market crash in 1929. Signup and view all the answers

What event caused Howard to successfully sell automobiles?

The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. Signup and view all the answers

What was Howard's former job?

He opened a small bicycle repair shop. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Will Durant?

The chief of Buick who helped Howard in automobile sales. Signup and view all the answers

What did Howard buy with successful sales?

A seventeen-thousand-acre ranch in California. Signup and view all the answers

What was banned in California during the 1920s-1930s?

Gambling, alcohol, cavorting, and dancing. Signup and view all the answers

What event caused terrible grief for Howard?

The accidental death of his son, Frankie. Signup and view all the answers

What did Pollard struggle with?

Alcoholism. Signup and view all the answers

How did Pollard become blind in one eye?

Possibly from an injury caused by his early boxing career. Signup and view all the answers

How did Seabiscuit lose the Santa Anita Handicap race?

He lost by a nose due to Pollard not seeing the other horse approaching his blind side. Signup and view all the answers

After the Santa Anita Handicap defeat, how many consecutive matches did Seabiscuit win?

Seven consecutive matches. Signup and view all the answers

Why was it astonishing that Seabiscuit won handicap races?

He often weighed more than his lighter opponents. Signup and view all the answers

Who was War Admiral?

A horse that won the Triple Crown and was Seabiscuit's opponent. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Bing Crosby?

A famous singer and actor who loved thoroughbred horses. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Samuel Riddle?

Owner of War Admiral and Man o' War, Seabiscuit's opponents. Signup and view all the answers

What is Grog?

The brother horse of Seabiscuit. Signup and view all the answers

What is Fair Knightness?

Another one of Howard's horses. Signup and view all the answers

What is Bow Wow wine?

Foul brandy that Pollard frequently drank. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Yummy?

A jockey agent who accompanied Pollard. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Pollard first meet Seabiscuit?

At the Detroit Fair Grounds. Signup and view all the answers

How did Pollard get injured by Fair Knightness?

Fair Knightness' weight caused significant injuries to Pollard. Signup and view all the answers

What happened during the Santa Anita Handicap in 1938?

Count Atlas almost knocked Seabiscuit to the ground. Signup and view all the answers

What caused Seabiscuit to lose during the Santa Anita Handicap in 1938?

The jockey's cap colors were switched, leading to confusion. Signup and view all the answers

What was 'Wise We Boys'?

A group formed by the New York press. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Seabiscuit taken out of the match against War Admiral?

Smith sensed soreness in Seabiscuit's left leg. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Lin Howard?

Howard's son who also enjoyed thoroughbred racing. Signup and view all the answers

What is Ligaroti?

An Argentine horse owned by Lin Howard and Bing Crosby. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Seabiscuit win against Ligaroti?

Due to disqualification of Ligaroti's jockey for fouling. Signup and view all the answers

What did Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) do during Seabiscuit's race?

He kept a whole room of advisors waiting. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Santa Anita Handicap in 1939?

Seabiscuit suffered a suspensory ligament rupture. Signup and view all the answers

What was Seabiscuit's comeback and final race?

A mile and a quarter in 2:01'15 with a record crowd. Signup and view all the answers

What was the New Deal?

A series of reforms to end the Great Depression. Signup and view all the answers

During his first races, how many did Seabiscuit lose?

Roughly 16 races. Signup and view all the answers

What did Tom Smith use to set off behind a horse to get him used to a starting gate?

An alarm clock. Signup and view all the answers

How many lengths did Seabiscuit win over War Admiral?

4 lengths. Signup and view all the answers

Where was Seabiscuit sent to recover from strained ligaments?

Ridgewood Ranch. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Pollard keep his blindness in his right eye a secret?

To prevent from being fired. Signup and view all the answers

How did people affected by the Great Depression connect with Seabiscuit?

Both started as underdogs and overcame struggles. Signup and view all the answers

When and how did Seabiscuit die?

Seabiscuit died of a heart attack at 14 years old. Signup and view all the answers

How did Woolf die?

He fell from his horse and suffered a concussion. Signup and view all the answers

Why did many Americans go to Tijuana in 1930?

To engage in illegal activities like gambling and alcohol. Signup and view all the answers

What is Prohibition?

The period when the sale of alcoholic beverages was prohibited. Signup and view all the answers

What is Agua Caliente Race Track?

A race track opened in 1929 for illegal horse racing. Signup and view all the answers

What is Molino Rojo?

Originally home to prostitution, later converted to a church. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Genevieve Woolf?

A young waitress who stole George Woolf's heart. Signup and view all the answers

When and why did California legalize horse racing?

In 1933 to bring money to assist the state during the Depression. Signup and view all the answers

What were the two conditions of legalized horse racing?

<ol> <li>Use of the pari-mutuel wagering machine; 2. Betting would be highly taxed.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Why was it hard to be a jockey?

Jockeys had to meet weight limits and faced physical risks. Signup and view all the answers

What two things did Pollard always carry?

His rosary and pocket books of Shakespeare. Signup and view all the answers

How did Pollard's family become rich and poor?

His father started a brick company but lost everything due to a flood. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Oscar Otis?

A leading writer and editor of thoroughbred racing. Signup and view all the answers

Who was James E. 'Sunny Jim' Fitzsimmons?

A notable jockey known for many wins. Signup and view all the answers

Why could Pollard not race during 1938-1939?

He suffered a compound fracture in his leg. Signup and view all the answers

How did Frankie die?

He was killed by a truck accident. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Charles' first wife divorce him?

She believed Charles was responsible for Frankie's death. Signup and view all the answers

What was Frankie's favorite book?

Flash Gordon. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Charles treat Pollard with care?

Pollard resembled Frankie, leading Charles to care for him deeply. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Rosemont's jockey?

Harry Richards. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Santa Anita Handicap?

One of the notable horse races at that time. Signup and view all the answers

How does Hillenbrand use suspense in the book?

Describes the race's final moment and crowd's reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What was the rising action in the book?

Discussion of rain and how it would affect the race. Signup and view all the answers

What was the climax in the book?

When Pollard failed to see Richards ascending. Signup and view all the answers

What was the falling action in the book?

When Rosemont wins. Signup and view all the answers

What was Pollard's advice?

To whip Seabiscuit a certain amount of time to gain an advantage. Signup and view all the answers

What were the hardships for the characters?

<ol> <li>Charles Howard: Struggled with personal loss. 2. Tom Smith: Dealt with public scrutiny. 3. 'Red' Pollard: Faced addiction and injury.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What was wrong with Seabiscuit?

He had short, lanky legs and always misbehaved. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Seabiscuit first win a race?

In Detroit, Michigan. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Seabiscuit successful?

Due to the persistent training and care from Tom Smith. Signup and view all the answers

What happened in the 1937 Santa Anita Handicap?

Pollard failed to see Richards advancing. Signup and view all the answers

What happened in the 1938 Santa Anita Handicap?

Seabiscuit and Stagehand finished very close. Signup and view all the answers

What happened in the 1940 Santa Anita Handicap?

Seabiscuit finally wins and defeats Kayak. Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did Woolf use against War Admiral?

He positioned Seabiscuit to be eye to eye with War Admiral. Signup and view all the answers

An example of irony in the book?

Howard favored public attention but kept Seabiscuit hidden. Signup and view all the answers

What did Smith do to make Seabiscuit comfortable?

He modified Seabiscuit's stall and added companions. Signup and view all the answers

What was Pollard's career before becoming a jockey?

Pollard worked in various jobs, including being a stable boy. Signup and view all the answers

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.

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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.