This is marvelous footage. What a strong-looking horse. Also it is a nice example of a match race in which both participants continually change positions.
Tom Fool and Native Dancer were scheduled to meet at the Sysonby Stakes, Belmont Park (weight for age) at the end of September, 1953. Native Dancer was withdrawn due to injury. There is no firm evidence that either camp avoided the other. Tom Fool proved a fine weight carrier as a four year old, running a record time at the Suburban (the then 1914 record is in disrepute) so few wanted to race against him in the later half of 1953. Native Dancer and Tom Fool deserve their high rankings.
In 1953 Tom Fool won all 10 of his starts as a 4 year old. That same year, the 3 year old Native Dancer won 9 of his 10 starts, losing the Kentucky Derby by a head. The two never ran against each other. Did the connections of the two horses duck each other? Both horses are highly respected by racing historians and were ranked #7(ND) and #11(TF) in the Bloodhorse top 100 of the 20th century.I've questioned these rankings, feeling they didnt beat great competition (or each other).Opinions?
With so few horses challenging Tom Fool in his final 4 races, how should he be viewed in an historical perspective? His connections shielded him from carrying weight in these races and the few horses he beat were not elite runners. When he did have to carry weight and run vs. top horses, he just barely won the Met Mile and Suburban. However, one could also view the small fields in his last 4 races as a reflection of his greatness. Perhaps he was so good no one would run vs. him at equal weights.
I wasnt alive during Tom Fools career and have had difficulty judging jus how great he was, particularly his 10 for 10 year at 4. After winning 6 close races under handicap conditions, carrying 128 twice, 130 twice, 135 and 136 lbs., he ran the last 4 races under allowance conditions, never carrying more than 126 lbs. By running under allowance conditions, few horses challenged him, as he beat a total of 5 different horses in those 4 races.A suppose this is a sign of how others respected him.
This race with only one opponent displays with sharp clarity Tom Fool's dominance as a 4 yr. old champion. He was one of only a handfull to win the "handicap triple crown". The Brooklyn,suburban,and the Metropolitan. One of my favorites!
Tom Fool is truly a great legend with a fascinating history . Such an amazing and powerful horse! This footage is a real gem cf ! Thank you very much for posting it for us :)
tubeyhamster Says:
5/12/2011 11:13:31 AM
This is marvelous footage. What a strong-looking horse. Also it is a nice example of a match race in which both participants continually change positions.
711ATOM Says:
11/01/2011 10:38:26 PM
Tom Fool and Native Dancer were scheduled to meet at the Sysonby Stakes, Belmont Park (weight for age) at the end of September, 1953. Native Dancer was withdrawn due to injury. There is no firm evidence that either camp avoided the other. Tom Fool proved a fine weight carrier as a four year old, running a record time at the Suburban (the then 1914 record is in disrepute) so few wanted to race against him in the later half of 1953. Native Dancer and Tom Fool deserve their high rankings.
jhordanian Says:
17/08/2008 7:59:31 PM
In 1953 Tom Fool won all 10 of his starts as a 4 year old. That same year, the 3 year old Native Dancer won 9 of his 10 starts, losing the Kentucky Derby by a head. The two never ran against each other. Did the connections of the two horses duck each other? Both horses are highly respected by racing historians and were ranked #7(ND) and #11(TF) in the Bloodhorse top 100 of the 20th century.I've questioned these rankings, feeling they didnt beat great competition (or each other).Opinions?
jhordanian Says:
17/08/2008 7:50:35 PM
With so few horses challenging Tom Fool in his final 4 races, how should he be viewed in an historical perspective? His connections shielded him from carrying weight in these races and the few horses he beat were not elite runners. When he did have to carry weight and run vs. top horses, he just barely won the Met Mile and Suburban. However, one could also view the small fields in his last 4 races as a reflection of his greatness. Perhaps he was so good no one would run vs. him at equal weights.
jhordanian Says:
17/08/2008 7:45:27 PM
I wasnt alive during Tom Fools career and have had difficulty judging jus how great he was, particularly his 10 for 10 year at 4. After winning 6 close races under handicap conditions, carrying 128 twice, 130 twice, 135 and 136 lbs., he ran the last 4 races under allowance conditions, never carrying more than 126 lbs. By running under allowance conditions, few horses challenged him, as he beat a total of 5 different horses in those 4 races.A suppose this is a sign of how others respected him.
BE109 Says:
26/01/2008 5:01:43 AM
This race with only one opponent displays with sharp clarity Tom Fool's dominance as a 4 yr. old champion. He was one of only a handfull to win the "handicap triple crown". The Brooklyn,suburban,and the Metropolitan. One of my favorites!
cf1970 Says:
7/01/2008 10:30:04 AM
Sure thing, Jazzy! Hope you are having a good weekend! Thanks for the comments.
Jazzgirl8888 Says:
7/01/2008 10:27:30 AM
Tom Fool is truly a great legend with a fascinating history .
Such an amazing and powerful horse!
This footage is a real gem cf !
Thank you very much for posting it for us :)
cf1970 Says:
24/10/2007 4:50:30 AM
Sure thing, glad you liked it. He was a heckuva horse.
tchas35 Says:
24/10/2007 4:43:55 AM
Thanks for another treasure.
I'd never seen any film of Tom Fool before. It's always fun to see actual race footage of the legends I'd only seen in stills.
Wings71ny Says:
22/10/2007 12:05:09 PM
I have a friend who trains at Pimlico... I can make barnside seats happen for that!