Count Fleet Proved Jockey's Plea
In 1941, Johnny Longden Saw Future Champ in Clumsy Reigh Count Colt
May 30, 2007
Connections and Stats: 1943
Awards and Stud Career: Count Fleet
Clumsy and awkward as a youngster, Count Fleet equalled his pedigree in his juvenile season, winning ten of his final 13 posts. His jockey, legendary Johnny Longden, convinced owner John D. Hertz to hold onto the Reigh Count offspring, then rode him to the 1943 Triple Crown title.
As a juvenile, Count Fleet carried the incrediby high impost of 132 pounds assigned by the 1942 Experimental Free Handicap agent John Blanks Campbell. The weight remains as the highest ever given to a two-year-old.
By Kentucky Derby time the following year, Count Fleet was prepared to make history. The world war had caused the cancellation of the racing season in Florida. Trainer Don Cameron decided to start Count Fleet's three-year-old campaign in New York, where track events began in April.
Longden and The Count were often in mesmerizing cruise control at the end of the colt's races. He bolted to the front and peeled away any comers with majestic quickness, then was eased to the victory. No one ever could figure out how much raw speed he truly possessed.
The old Triple Crown schedule featured the Derby and the Preakness Stakes just two weeks apart, leaving four weeks until the Belmont Stakes. Another race, before the Belmont, was often entered by triple hopefuls. Such was the case with Count Fleet.
He came out for the Kentucky Derby after dominating Blue Swords and Slide Rule in the Wood Memorial. His best rival that day, however, had been himself. He clipped his own left rear ankle. The modest injury responded well to treatment and the colt headed to Kentucky.
Totally unopposed at Churchill Downs, The Count controlled every stride, grinding down the field of nine rivals in the 69th Run for the Roses.
Restrictions imposed on automobile travel in 1943 resulted from the support for the world war. Only locals could take street cars to the Derby. Attendance for the Derby, dubbed the Street-Car Derby, was estimated between 40,000 and 60,000.
The Preakness featured the same stipulations and the same results. The Count enjoyed an eight length victory over Blue Swords. Taking time out to again stomp Slide Rule in the Withers Stakes, The Count and Longden entered the Belmont facing just two opponents.
This time, Longden and Cameron let the colt run all out. The Count smothered the day, winning the race by 25 lengths. His rivals were Fairy Manhurst, a Man o' War son, and Desoronto, an offspring of 1935 Triple Crown champ, Omaha.
The Count that day was a rocket. The race was his farewell. A second clipping injury worsened, and in effect, retired him to stud, where he once again became a giant.
