Wild Again (foaled May 22, 1980 in Kentucky – December 5, 2008) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse by Icecapade out of Bushel-N-Peck (by Khaled)….who was broken by Tommy Akin….but for the majority of his career was trained by Vincent Timphony. Bred by W Paul Little and owned by Black Chip Stables….he is most famous for winning the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Classic in 1984 over Slew o’ Gold and Gate Dancer in a famous stretch run where all three battled head-to-head to the finish line. In a thrilling conclusion to the richest race in history during that time, long shot Wild Again survived both a wild bumping match in the stretch with Slew o’ Gold and Gate Dancer and a steward’s inquiry to win the $3 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Hollywood Park Racetrack.
Wild Again, ridden by substitute jockey Pat Day, ended up in front by a head over Gate Dancer and Slew o’ Gold….while being sandwiched between the two for the final furlong….was 3rd by a half length. After the long steward’s inquiry, Slew o’ Gold was moved up to second because of interference by Gate Dancer, the Preakness Stakes winner. Steward Alfred Shelhamer pointed out in the films that Wild Again’s path through the stretch didn’t waver more than six inches.
“If you look at the harrow marks in the track,” said Shelhamer, “you’ll notice Wild Again never leaves his path, but Gate Dancer comes over quite a bit at the sixteenth pole and bothers both horses.”
The dark brown colt ran in 28 races in his four-year career, winning 8, placing 7 times, and coming in third on four occasions.
This prelude to the inaugural Breeders Cup Classic Race in 1984 provides even more insight into this historic and incredible race…..as NBC’s Tom Hammond showcases eventual winner Wild Again….with a piece on why enter a 30 – 1 horse in the Breeders Classic…. and then Pete Anthem provides great background on Slew of Gold and his owner, Karen Taylor’s relationship to the Hills….who own the great. Seattle Slew….which makes this video “pure gold” in our treasure chest of vintage memories here at ImaSportsphile.
