Curlin horse is often mentioned among the top racehorses of the last few decades. As a matter of fact, Curlin, a horse born in 2004 and trained by Steven M. Asmussen, rose to become one of the most powerful and winning thoroughbreds in history. The journey of his life surprises late, wins big, fights tough, and has the kind of determination that makes a talented horse turn into a mythical figure.
Curlin was sired by Smart Strike and out of the mare Sherriff’s Deputy, so his pedigree was practically made of power and speed. However, he didn’t show up on the track at the age of 2; thus, his way to greatness was even more surprising. Horses that do not compete at the age of 2 are almost always losers of the big early races. But Curlin was very quick in changing.
He had his first run in February 2007 at Gulfstream Park and won the race with an amazing 12 ¾ lengths margin, thus he surprised and stunned all the onlookers. Just that race was enough to set off the dream of the Triple Crown.
A block of major owners, that is to say, Jess Jackson of Stonestreet Stables, Satish Sanan, and George Bolton, bought most of Curlin for $3.5 million. With a new team and great training, Curlin horse was ready to conquer the world.
Curlin first made a name for himself by powering to victory in the Rebel Stakes (G3) and then the Arkansas Derby (G2). At the start of his career, he was among the most probable candidates to win the 2007 Kentucky Derby. He ran into traffic problems, but he still managed to finish in third place in a tight contest with Street Sense.
The game of Curlin was practically a different level from this point.
Just fourteen days later, he performed one of the closest and most exciting races in the history of the sport by winning the Preakness Stakes (G1) by a head from Street Sense. This was the moment that literally changed his entire career.
At the Belmont Stakes, Curlin went to the wire with the filly Rags to Riches in an intense stretch battle. He ended up taking the second spot, but the race was his testament of fighting spirit.
Curlin was put up against older and more experienced horses after the Triple Crown. However, instead of slowing down, he proceeded to enhance his abilities.
He took the 2007 Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) by storm and then, in a way, raised the bar for himself by achieving the 2007 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) victory to the highest degree. Despite the pouring rain and mud, Monmouth Park witnessed a brilliant performance by Curlin as he separated himself from the rest of the pack by 4 ½ lengths. Among the contenders he defeated were such stars as Hard Spun and Street Sense. With this triumph, he went on to win his very first Horse of the Year title.
He continued to prove at the age of 5 that he still had what it takes to win the most coveted trophies. The decision to ship him to Dubai was made by his racing camp while they were totally confident the horse would answer the call to a new challenge there. Indeed, in the Dubai World Cup (G1),
Yeah, he was not just the best horse in America but also one of the greatest worldwide after putting up a record 7 ¾-length victory. After coming back to the US, he kept on winning big races such as the Stephen Foster (G1), Woodward (G1), and another Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1).
Surfacing the turf in the Man o' War Stakes, he finished second. In this way, he showed that he could race on different surfaces.
Although Curlin failed to secure the 2008 Breeders' Cup Classic, which was held on a synthetic surface, his record was still unbeatable. He was given his second Horse of the Year award, thus joining an elite group of only 11 horses that have been honored twice with this distinction.
Curlin's career spanned the years 2007 and 2008. The horse made an impression at such tracks as Belmont, Churchill Downs, Pimlico, Saratoga, Oaklawn, Monmouth Park, and Dubai's Nad Al Sheba.
The major wins from his side are:
At the time of retirement, Curlin was the highest-earning racehorse of his era with a total money win of $10,501,800.
Curlin is still making a difference as a top sire. His offspring are generally powerful, enduring, and very competitive, which are also the characteristics that he exhibited in his career. A large number of his colts and fillies have become the champions in various races; thus, his name is still living in the sport.
Besides that, Curlin is still ranked among the most talented horses of the past. People loved him for his courage, strength, and the fact that he was very consistent in every race. Trainers cannot help but commend his great work ethic. And to historians, he is one of the greatest of the 21st century.
Curlin's rise from a late-developing colt to a double Horse of the Year illustrates the defining features of one exceptional talent and unwavering resolve. His speed and his fighting spirit will make him stand out among the crowd. In fact, the fans even now, after so many years, refer to his races when they want to see what a supreme feat of the track looks like.
Throughout his racing career, Curlin displayed his natural power, energy, great stride, and fighting spirit, which allowed him to win in the major races.
Curlin was the highest-earning racehorse of his time with a total of $10,501,800 in winnings.
Yes, Curlin was awarded Horse of the Year twice, in 2007 and 2008, thus marking him as one of the very few legendary racehorses to achieve this feat.
Definitely. Curlin is among the best sires, and quite a few of his offspring have become major race winners; thus, he is still relevant, and his legacy continues.
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