Triple Crown Winners From The Past - Assault, 1946 Winner, Bloodhorse Rank 33

By Author: Lee Lane-Edgar
Total Articles: 365
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It wouldn’t be wrong if the pedigree was credited for more than a major fraction of Assault’s assault on the racing field and winning all the attention of the audience that had merely begun relishing the taste of a Triple Crown winner.
Assault’s pedigree suggested legendary names; Man o’War, Equipoise, Bold Venture. No doubt, the dams in play carried forward all these prized genetic excellences, passed sincerely to this exquisite beast of sheer speed and stamina, none that could be matched at that time. He was incredibly good when he raced, despite being shadowed his entire life by innumerable illnesses and health complications. But then, that wouldn’t stop him from delivering, ever.
Many wondered why Assault was named so, but then it was explained that his pedigree also descended from Commando, the sire who also gave to the world, Colin, the undefeated.
Additionally, Assault was raised at a Texas farm, a region that was more commonly known for Quarter Horse Racing horses and not Triple Crown contenders. Ironically, Assault is the only Texas bred thoroughbred who has successfully made it to all ...
... three legs of the esteemed Triple Crown. Assault, as a yearling, injured himself and developed a permanent limp that also earned him the nickname, “Club-footed Comet”. However, his gait was remarkable and winning style when he ran.
As a two year old, Assault won only twice in nine starts, including the Flash Stakes victory and trained under Max Hirsch. After his defeat laden maiden season, Assault was no more a beginner trying to find his hold. Early on in his sophomore, Assault flashed through the Wood Memorial winning it to qualify for the Derby.
He won the Derby by 8 magnificent lengths, something his trainer Max Hirsch wouldn’t have believed unless seeing it with his own eyes. The lead is still a record.
Soon followed was the Preakness Stakes, right after a week. Assault’s jockey, Warren Mehrtens was pushed by the approaching traffic so much that Assault was asked to run for the lead, probably a little earlier than appropriate. He was stalked strongly by Lord Boswell and managed only a nose win but this triggered doubt in the audience who later opted for Lord Boswell as the top favourite for the Belmont Stakes wondering if Assault had the stamina to get that extra ¼ mile. This is when the tables again turned.
Assault maintained the predisposition to lose a race most of the duration during the Belmont Stakes. It was not until the last stretch that he burst with speed and overcame the entire field winning the race by three beautiful lengths. Assault had won the Triple Crown but his winning spree had longer to go.
He soon won the went on to win the Dwyer Stakes but his consecutive defeat at the Arlington Classic again pushed him off the favourite list. Assault’s health issues took a toll on his racing career and not until after a decent layoff, the colt made it back to the racing tracks. This time, he went on to go placing in various races but never won unless his jockey was changed to Eddie Arcaro. The duo soon won the Westchester Handicap and the Pimlico Special. The Triple Crown victory and the incredible racing performance won Assault the Horse of the Year. He would now return as a four year old.
In 1946, as promised, Assault was back to racing. Assault reined the racing scene as a four year old. He won the Grey Leg Handicap with Warren Mehrtens and delivered another winning gallop at the Dixie Handicap a week later with Arcaro. Assault was indeed in assault mode. He then won the Suburban Handicap and the Brooklyn Handicap, this one winning from Stymie, another potential racehorse. Assault’s most crucial race happended next when he raced next to Stymie and another strong contending filly, Gallorette, later ranked the third best filly in racing history.
Assault won again.
In August, 1946, following the winning sprees of the incredible racehorse, Assault was injured right in the face of a match race with Armed taking shape. The race was postponed but the horse, still lame was raced in September, as the profits from race would be directed to charity. Assault trailed by eight lengths, so sore from his previous injuries that he never led.
After a long layoff, Assault was returned to the racing front as a five year old. Assault lost the race again, finishing fifth in the Widener Handicap. After a brief in the money finish in another race, Assault won his second Brooklyn Handicap and Edgemere Handicap. However he had lost the Massachusetts Mile and the Manhattan Handicap along with another Grey Leg Handicap. The legend was finally retired.
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