By Lucy Heckman. This valiant campaigner won what many consider the Race of the Century when he met Buckpasser and Dr. Fager in the 1967 Woodward.
Damascus ranked as one of the superstars of the memorable era of horse racing in the late 1960s. He thrilled fans with his trademark sweeping move on the far turn and relentless stretch run that left his opponents floundering.
Damascus was much like the steel blades he was named for —tough and resilient. He could combine devastating power and acceleration to cut down his opponents as he forged his way to victory. Author Lucy Heckman recounts Damascus’ amazing career, including his 1967 championship three-year-old season. That year he faced his toughest opponents, the brilliant Dr. Fager and Buckpasser, in the Woodward Stakes. Called “The Race of the Century,” the Woodward became Damascus’ defining moment as he powered away from his rivals for a breathtaking triumph. Trained by Hall of Famer Frank Whiteley Jr. and ridden by the legendary Bill Shoemaker, Damascus thrilled race goers with his patented stretch runs, his rivalry with Dr. Fager, and most of all, his great courage as he vanquished foe after foe.
WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING
"Lucy Heckman adroitly once more reminds us what true racing greatness is all about...Two thumbs up for a great story"
--Susan van Dyke, Washington Thoroughbred
"Two thumbs up for a great story, and one that reminds us of one of the major components lacking in today's so-often mercurial champions."
--Susan van Dyke, Washington Thoroughbred