In mid-1970s, saw horse win by 22 lengths at Louisiana Downs. My buddies and I were enjoying sunshine and suds at the rail that afternoon. It looked very strange seeing horse finish so far ahead of field. We didn't get full impact until we went inside and watched replay.
Same horse won something like seven straight during that summer-fall meet -- progressing from claimer to starter handicaps and overnight handicaps. Horse and trainer disappeared into oblivion after that season. Rumor had it that trainer had been using some undetectable (remember this in 70s) cocaine derivative to "juice" this horse. It was never verified, but 22 lengths was impressive nonetheless. Truth or Urban Myth -- we'll never know!
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@wire2wirewin
Turf Economist since 1974
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