Citation's legacy as a Triple Crown winner and exceptional Thoroughbred racehorse inspires generations, showcasing resilience, dominance, and excellence in the world of horse racing.
Citation was an American Thoroughbred racehorse whose extraordinary accomplishments made a lasting impact on the world of horse racing. Born in 1945 at the prestigious Calumet Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, Citation was the offspring of the distinguished sire Base Speaker and the mare Hydroplane II. Under the guidance of the esteemed trainer Ben A. Jones, Citation quickly gained recognition due to his exceptional stamina, impressive speed, and unmatched consistency. Although his career lasted only a brief period, he emerged as one of the most celebrated and cherished racehorses in history. With an outstanding record and a lasting legacy, Citation's impact on American Thoroughbred racing continues to be honored today.
Significant Achievements in Career
Triple Crown Champion (1948): A pivotal highlight of Citation’s career occurred in 1948 when he secured the prestigious Triple Crown. At that time, just seven other horses had accomplished this remarkable achievement. Citation's triumphs in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes represented the peak of his outstanding season. His performances in these Triple Crown races were not only commanding but also showcased his adaptability, enabling him to excel under diverse track conditions.
Historic Earnings: Citation was not only a racing champion, but he also ranked among the wealthiest racehorses of his era. He amassed career earnings of $1.24 million, an astonishing figure for the 1940s that set a new benchmark for the sport. His earnings record remained unmatched until the 1970s, underscoring the remarkable success he enjoyed throughout his racing career. Citation’s impressive winnings served as a testament to his consistent excellence in significant races.
Horse of the Year (1948): In 1948, Citation received the esteemed Horse of the Year award, coinciding with his achievement of winning the Triple Crown. This honor reaffirmed his status as the top racehorse of his time, as he triumphed over some of the most formidable competitors in racing history. His superiority on the racetrack was unparalleled, leading many to believe that Citation was significantly ahead of his rivals.
Record-Breaking Victories in Stakes Races: Citation was renowned for his exceptional prowess in stakes races. He secured victories in 32 out of 45 races, finishing second 10 times and third in 2. His remarkable achievement of 16 consecutive wins in 1948 established a new standard in racing history, which has continued to be a significant part of his legacy. Among his numerous stakes victories, Citation triumphed in prestigious events such as the Arlington Classic, Hollywood Gold Cup, and Brooklyn Handicap, solidifying his legacy in the history of horse racing.
Pioneer of the $1 Million Prize: Citation made history as the first horse to surpass $1 million in career earnings. This achievement marked a significant milestone in the realm of Thoroughbred racing, reflecting the increasing economic possibilities within the sport. His financial triumph provided a new layer to his legacy, highlighting not just his racing successes but also the substantial influence he had on the industry’s commercial landscape.
Statistics
Statistic |
Details |
Total Races |
45 |
Wins |
32 |
Second Place |
10 |
Third Place |
2 |
Career Earnings |
$1,240,370 |
Winning Percentage |
71.1% |
Longest Win Streak |
16 consecutive wins (1948) |
Notable Races Won |
Kentucky Derby (1948), Preakness Stakes (1948), Belmont Stakes (1948), Hollywood Gold Cup (1948), Arlington Classic (1948) |
Records |
16-race win streak; Hollywood Gold Cup victory in 1948 |
Strength and Recovery
Recovery from Injury (1950): Following his remarkable success in 1948, Citation encountered a significant setback in 1950 when an injury sidelined him from racing. There were concerns that this injury might jeopardize his career or diminish his performance. Nevertheless, Citation showcased remarkable resilience, making a stunning recovery. His return to the racetrack in 1951 highlighted his unwavering determination, as he swiftly regained his championship status and made his way back to the winner's circle.
Concerns After Retirement: Following his retirement from racing in 1951, there were early worries regarding Citation’s potential as a breeding stallion. Many questioned whether the legacy of such a prominent racehorse could be carried on through his progeny. However, Citation’s breeding career exceeded all expectations, as he fathered several successful horses, most notably Hill Gail, who claimed victory in the Kentucky Derby of 1952. Citation's lineage continued to have a lasting impact on racing for many years, demonstrating that his influence extended well beyond the racetrack.
Heritage
Citation’s influence on horse racing goes beyond his extraordinary performance on the track. As one of the most legendary racehorses in history, he made a significant impact on the sport in numerous ways. His win of the Triple Crown in 1948 was pivotal in establishing the significance of this esteemed series and encouraged future generations of racehorses to aspire to similar achievements. Citation’s supremacy in races and his record-breaking earnings paved the way for Thoroughbred racing to attain increased commercial visibility, drawing new audiences to the sport.
Citation’s legacy continues through his significant contributions to breeding. As a sire, his impact reached far beyond the racetrack, as he transmitted his exceptional traits to numerous offspring, ensuring that his influence would endure well past his retirement. His remarkable capability to bounce back from challenges, such as injuries and skepticism about his effectiveness as a breeding stallion, stands as a powerful story of resilience and strength in the realm of horse racing.
Today, Citation is widely recognized as a symbol of excellence in the sport of horse racing. Numerous racehorses and trainers continue to benchmark their achievements against those of Citation, and his influence remains a topic of conversation among horse racing fans around the globe. His notable legacy as a Triple Crown champion, a record-setting racehorse, and a significant sire guarantees that his name will be eternally etched in the history of horse racing.
Future Prospects
Although Citation’s racing career concluded in the early 1950s, his legacy continues to motivate and impact the world of Thoroughbred racing. As the sport progresses, Citation’s journey stands as a standard for future generations of racehorses aiming to replicate his accomplishments. His streak of consecutive wins and Triple Crown victories serves as an aspiration for many within the field. Furthermore, Citation’s narrative highlights the resilience needed to overcome challenges, as his incredible recovery from injury exemplifies the strength and determination that all champions must demonstrate.
In the future, Citation’s impact on the world of racing will remain significant, continually influencing breeding programs and the criteria for achieving excellence in the sport. As long as horse racing endures as a facet of American culture, Citation’s legacy will persist, motivating upcoming generations of racehorses to aspire to the extraordinary levels of success that he attained.