Citation, an American Thoroughbred racehorse, etched his name in history by winning the Triple Crown in 1948. This achievement marked him as the eighth horse to accomplish this feat, showcasing his exceptional talent and dominance in the racing world. Citation's journey through the Triple Crown races was a testament to his speed, endurance, and the skill of those who guided him.
Early Season Victories
Citation began his three-year-old season in 1948 with impressive victories
over older horses, including Armed, the 1947 Horse of the Year. These wins were significant as it is rare for a three-year-old to defeat older, more experienced horses so early in the year. Citation's triumphs in the allowance race and the Seminole Handicap set the stage for his remarkable season.
Following these victories, Citation continued his winning streak by securing the Everglades Stakes and the Flamingo Stakes at Hialeah Park. These wins further solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor. However, tragedy struck when his original jockey, Al Snider, drowned while fishing off the Florida Keys. This led to Eddie Arcaro taking over as Citation's jockey, marking a new chapter in Citation's racing career.
The Triple Crown Triumph
Citation's path to the Triple Crown began with the Kentucky Derby, where he faced his stablemate Coaltown, the eventual 1949 Horse of the Year. Citation, ridden by Arcaro, won the Derby by 3 1/2 lengths, showcasing his dominance. Arcaro generously shared his Derby purse money with Snider's widow, highlighting the camaraderie within the racing community.
The Preakness Stakes followed, where Citation won by 5 1/2 lengths, further proving his superiority. With a four-week gap before the Belmont Stakes, Citation's trainer decided to run him in the Jersey Stakes as a warm-up, which he won by an impressive 11 lengths. On June 12, 1948, Citation captured the Belmont Stakes by 8 lengths, tying the stakes record set by Count Fleet.
Legacy and Impact
Citation's Triple Crown victory was not just a personal achievement but also a significant milestone in horse racing history. By the end of his three-year-old season, Citation had a record of 20 starts, 19 wins, and earnings of $709,470, setting a new single-season record. His total career record stood at 27 victories and two seconds in 29 starts, with earnings of $865,150.
Citation's performances earned him the title of Horse of the Year, with 161 out of 163 votes in the poll conducted by Turf and Sport Digest magazine. His legacy continued to inspire future generations of racehorses and enthusiasts, cementing his place as one of the greatest Thoroughbreds in history.
