will rogers horse racing

Rogers held a special place in his heart for his home state of Oklahoma. In 1915, he purchased a horse named Oklahoma. This horse quickly became Rogers’s favorite and a consistent winner on the track.

• Oklahoma won 15 of his 20 starts.
• He earned over $20,000 in winnings.
• He was named the Champion Three-Year-Old of 1917.

Oklahoma’s success brought Rogers national recognition and established him as a force to be reckoned in horse racing.

Racing Accomplishments

Beyond Oklahoma, Rogers owned and raced numerous other horses throughout his life. Some of his notable accomplishments include:

• Winning the 1921 Kentucky Derby with Spanish Play.
• Finishing second in the 1923 Kentucky Derby with Paul Jones.
• Owning several horses that won races at the prestigious Belmont Park.

Rogers’s success in horse racing stems from his keen eye for talent and his willingness to invest in quality animals.

His Influence

Will Rogers’s love of horse racing extended beyond his own personal pursuits. He was a vocal advocate for the sport, attending races regularly and sharing his passion with others.

• He wrote articles and gave speeches promoting the sport.
• He helped to popularize horse racing in the United States.
• He encouraged others to get involved in the sport.

Rogers’s contributions to horse racing have been recognized by the industry. In 1971, he was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

Horse Racing History

The following table provides a summary of Will Rogers’s horse racing history:

Will Rogers’s legacy in horse racing lives on to this day. His passion for the sport, his racing accomplishments, and his advocacy for the industry continue to inspire horse racing enthusiasts worldwide.

Triste and Partner

• Will Rogers first met Triste in 1918 at the New York State Fair.
• Triste was a 3-year-old Thoroughbred racehorse that had been winning races at small tracks.
• Rogers bought Triste for $500 and took him to California to race at Hollywood Park Racetrack.

Triste won several races at Hollywood Park, and Rogers began to get noticed as a trainer and jockey.

In 1923, Rogers met a young jockey named Dale Robertson. Robertson had a natural talent for riding, and Rogers took him under his wing as a protégé.

Rogers and Robertson formed a partnership and began racing Triste together. They won several major races, including the Santa Anita Handicap in 1924. Triste became one of the most famous racehorses in the country, and Rogers and Robertson became known as one of the best trainer-jockey teams.

In 1928, Triste was retired from racing and became a movie star. He appeared in several films with Rogers, including “State Fair” (1933) and “The Cowboy and the Lady” (1938).

Triste died in 1945 at the age of 22. He is buried at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma.

Will Rogers Coliseum

Will Rogers Coliseum is a rodeo and entertainment venue located in Fort Worth, Texas. It was named after the American humorist and actor Will Rogers, who was known for his love of horses and rodeo. The coliseum was built in 1936 and is one of the largest indoor rodeo arenas in the world.

The coliseum hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including rodeos, concerts, and other sporting events. The annual Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is held at the coliseum each January and February, and it is one of the largest and most prestigious rodeos in the world.

Will Rogers’ love of horses and rodeo

• Will Rogers was born in 1879 in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma).
• He grew up on a ranch and was an avid horseman from a young age.
• He began his career as a trick roper and cowboy performer.
• He later became a humorist and actor, but he always remained passionate about horses and rodeo.

Will Rogers’ legacy

Will Rogers was a beloved figure in American culture. He was known for his wit, wisdom, and optimism. He was also a strong advocate for the American cowboy and the rodeo lifestyle.

Will Rogers’ legacy continues to live on at the Will Rogers Coliseum. The coliseum is a testament to his love of horses and rodeo, and it continues to be a popular venue for these events today.

Cowpoke Humor on the Track

Will Rogers, an iconic American humorist, actor, and writer, was also an avid horse racing enthusiast. Throughout his career, he brought his signature wit and cowboy wisdom to the world of thoroughbred racing, leaving an unforgettable mark on the sport.

Rogers’s equestrian expertise and quick wit made him a popular figure at racetracks across the country. Known for his ability to spin hilarious tales and offer witty observations, he entertained both racing aficionados and casual spectators alike.

Rogers’s Humorous Observations on Horse Racing:

* “A horse can’t pull if he can’t breathe; a jockey can’t ride if he can’t see; and a trainer can’t win if he can’t think.”
* “The difference between a horse race and a dog fight is that in a horse race, the people bet on the animals.”
* “If you want to see a bunch of people who never miss a day’s work, just look at the horses at a racetrack.”
* “The only time a horse ever looks good is when he’s coming in first.”
* “The best thing about horse racing is that it’s the only sport where you can lose money and still have a good time.”

Rogers’s humor extended beyond mere quips to include full-blown performances. He would often stage “trick races” where he would ride a horse while performing stunts such as juggling or playing the harmonica.

Aside from his humorous antics, Rogers was also a serious horse owner and breeder. He owned and raced several horses, including the legendary colt Sagamore, which won the 1925 Belmont Stakes. Rogers’s involvement in horse racing afforded him numerous opportunities to share his wit and wisdom with the racing community, leaving an enduring legacy of laughter and entertainment.

Well, folks, that’s a wrap on our little yarn about Will Rogers and his horse racing escapades. It’s been a pleasure sharing these stories with you. I hope you’ve enjoyed them as much as I have.

Remember, the next time you’re at the track and you see a horse with a funny name, take a moment to think about Will Rogers. He’d probably be chuckling away, somewhere up there in the great beyond.

Thanks for reading, and be sure to come back for more tales from the world of horse racing. It’s always a good time at the races, especially when you’ve got a few good stories to share. So, until next time, keep your spurs sharp and your reins loose, and we’ll see you down the stretch.